Of Seas and Ships and Scientists: The Remarkable History of the UK’s National Institute of Oceanography, 1949-1973

This book captures the excitement of a formative phase of UK science during and immediately following WWII. It links back to scientists working at Antarctic whaling stations and the complimentary voyages of Captain Scott’s Discovery that explored the vast icy Southern Ocean, funded by a tax on whale oil. In the depths of WWII a small group of young scientists were brought together under the inspirational leadership of Dr (later Sir) George Deacon, and shortly after the end of the war, the UKis first National Institute of Oceanography was formed. The discoveries from 50 years ago underpin our modern-day science. The bookis chapters are all written and edited by NIO scientists and convey the atmosphere of work at sea in a bygone age before small computers, satellite navigation and easy communication. The book is A useful introduction for students of marine and/or environmental science. It will appeal to many scientists and the general public , to those interested in science and innovation during and after WWII and of course to many living in the Surrey who always wondered what went on in the leafy lanes that were home to NIO and its successors for almost 50 years.