ABOUT US
Robert Gordon University and Net Zero Technology Centre (formerly known as OGTC) have partnered to create the National Subsea Centre (NSC), a multi-million-pound Centre of Excellence for Subsea Research Technology development, which is part of the Aberdeen City Region Deal.
We are focused on realising the full potential of our oceans through high-impact/high-value solutions for underwater challenges faced by all marine sectors delivering sustainable economic development.
We harness the university’s academic expertise, research capability and facilities to establish a world-class research and development centre; providing industry-led, applied academic research and technology development, with a focus on the fields of subsea engineering, AI and data science, and integrated energy.
Our research has a direct application to the entire eco-system which makes up the Blue Economy; industries including oil and gas, offshore renewable energy, tourism, marine aquaculture, carbon capture, maritime transport, defense, climate change, and waste management.
In addition to our team of multi-sectoral academic, research, design, and industrial experts, we are also supported by trusted industrial partners and collaborative relationships. This means that we can provide a bespoke range of services; from guiding marine-related companies through the start-up process, from ideation, research and design, to product testing and implementation.
OUR RESEARCH TEAM

John McCall
Director
Professor McCall has research expertise in data science and artificial intelligence research, which ...

Jinchang Ren
Professor of Computing Science
Professor Ren’s expertise lies in intelligent information processing, image processing, computer vis...

Lynne Brien
Centre Manager
Lynne joined the National Subsea Centre from Robert Gordon University, where she was the Research De...
OUR VISION
OUR VISION IS TO DRIVE TRANSFORMATION TO A SUSTAINABLE MARINE-BASED ECONOMY; TO BUILD A BETTER FUTURE FOR SOCIETY, BUSINESS AND THE ENVIRONMENT.
OUR VALUES
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We are united by the shared values we demonstrate; through our work, and interactions with our stakeholders.

Adventure
Through our spirit of adventure, we demonstrate how transformation is made possible through bravery, curiosity, risk, and exploration. Today’s scientific problems require a voyage of discovery to yield high impact results; to ultimately change the course of how we do things. We take people on an exciting and inspiring journey of scientific adventure.

Innovation
Whether through cutting-edge technology, invention, or high-impact research, we are a catalyst for continuous innovation. We challenge the norm to pioneer new ways of working and thinking, with a determination to test the boundaries of possibility.

Inclusivity
We leverage multi-discipline, cross-sectoral networks and relationships to maximise the impact of our work. Our approach is welcoming and inclusive and this gives us a multifaceted understanding of challenges and possibilities. As a result, we are a trusted voice for sustainability and environmental advocacy.
OUR PRINCIPLES
Our work is always guided by our strategic principles. They form the pillars of everything we work towards and deliver, and are integral to achieving our vision.
When it comes to sustainability we have a desire to use science for transformative action. We take very seriously our power to enhance understanding, and motivate positive behavioural change for the betterment of all. We give voice to elements of the environment not being heard, and are passionate about our role as environmental advocates.
Our approach to applied academic research and technology development provides a technical output that pushes the boundaries and pioneers new ways of doing things. This is possible though academic excellence; the professionalism, quality, and rigour of our work, which form the basis of everything we do.
From problem definition to methodology and ideation, we make many nuanced decisions along the research journey; enhancing our academically-rigorous work with our creativity and originality. We make discoveries, generate new knowledge and ways of doing things; providing the best novel outcome for an inter-disciplinary problem. We’re proud of our creative achievements, which provides inspiration to tackle the next problem.