The proceeds from the event will go towards funding the oceanographic research vessel R.V.Callista to carry out www.discoveroceanography.co.uk sessions with schools in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, getting young people interested in oceanography, geology and science in general. Tickets are on sale through the Nuffield booking office: http://www.nuffieldtheatre.co.uk/cn/events/event_details.php?section=events&event_id=199.

Stand-up comic, writer, presenter and actor, Marcus Brigstocke hosts The Late Edition, his own live topical BBC TV show and makes guest appearances on Have I Got News For You and NewsKnight. He also features on The Now Show, Just a Minute and The Today Show on BBC Radio 4. His humour holds people to account and encourages those with the power to effect change to do so.
Mark Stevenson is a stand-up, educationalist and writer who is currently heralded as Britain’s ‘premier scientific comedian’. The Irish Independent called him 'a uniquely funny and unashamedly intelligent comedic talent'.

Discover Oceanography sessions enabling children and adults to take three hour voyages on board RV Callista for 'hands on' learning about the marine environment are booking for 15 - 18 April from the NOC, 6-9 May at Weymouth, 26 and 27 June at Plymouth, 6 July at Falmouth, and 24 and 25 July back at the NOC.

Participants survey the physical environment of the estuary, using standard oceanographic instruments such as CTD probes and historical techniques such as the Secchi disk. The data collected reveal the behaviour of matter and energy in the marine environment as it responds to the tide, the earthly manifestation of the clockwork of the Solar System, and shows how these physical processes influence the patterns of life in the oceans.

Visitors embarking from the NOC also explore marine biology of Southampton Water, using plankton nets and microscopes in the on board laboratory to identify the dominant forms of floating plant and animal life. Grab samples and trawls also allow participants to investigate the impact of local industry and port activities on larger animals in the estuary, providing an appreciation of the principles of ecology and the influence of humans on the environment. The visit also includes a tour of the research aquarium at the National Oceanography Centre to see the biodiversity of the marine environment and how species are adapted to their surroundings.

All activities are supervised by staff who are experienced practitioners and educators in marine science and fully trained in all relevant aspects of safety. Working aboard the research vessel introduces students to the latest navigational techniques and instruments used in marine science, from Global Position System satellites to seabed sonar. While introducing participants to the opportunities and challenges of marine science, these hands-on activities also foster teamworking skills and provide a memorable field trip experience.