Princess Anne was introduced to a range of PML staff who explained their research and its importance in understanding how the ocean works, how human activities might be affecting it and how we might find solutions to ensure our seas have a sustainable future.
HRH was shown state-of-the-art facilities including PML’s Flow Cytometer Facility that can measure and count micro-organisms such as bacteria, algae and viruses, and the world’s most powerful atomic force microscope that allows scientists to see individual strands of DNA. PML’s work on how plastic particles are impacting marine life; how models are used to predict possible future ocean scenarios and inform management and policies in a changing world, and how regular and long-term measurements and observations in the Western Channel, providing local insights into ocean functions, have global relevance.
PML’s world-leading research involving satellite Earth Observation and what it can tell us about the wider ocean functions, as well as more locally to detect and track harmful algal blooms that may threaten shellfisheries and human health, was also presented to HRH. Of particular interest was the work that PML is doing in developing countries, helping to build capacity in marine and coastal research for sustainable management.
Professor Stephen de Mora, who escorted HRH through the Laboratory was delighted with the visit: “We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness to PML. During her tour she met many of our scientists and heard about the wide range of research we do, asking many probing and considered questions. I thoroughly enjoyed our discussion on the application of PML’s science as well as other wider issues, such as sustainable marine management and the importance of plankton in the Earth system.”
Image left: Princess Anne is shown the Flow Cytometry Facility.
Image right: Princess Anne is given a tour of PML’s brand new, state-of-the-art ‘Single-Cell Genomics Laboratory’.
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