NOCS performance & reviews
NOCS performance is assessed against a wide range of measures. Our research publications are subject to international peer review and our teaching quality to external review and examination. Our strategic science programmes are assessed annually by external expert committees and we compete for research grants and commercial income under a wide range of schemes and activities.
Details of our performance across the range of our activities is contained in our Annual Reports and our reports on research outputs and performance to NERC which informs the NERC Annual Review. Research and other highlights also feature in our regular newsletters.
In addition NOCS is subject to the NERC review process known as the Science and Management Audit (SMA). This is an external and independent evaluation of scientific and management performance over a 5 year period. The main aims of a SMA are to consider:
- the effectiveness of the scientific leadership and management and the context within which the research is being carried out, including the Mission and strategic role of the Centre
- the overall scientific performance (including quality and productivity) achieved since the previous review, against the objectives defined by NERC Council
- the efficient, effective and economical use of resources.
The process is designed to complement the work of other review bodies and not to duplicate those activities. The full report of the 2005 SMA for the Southampton Oceanography Centre can be downloaded in Word or PDF format. It should be read in conjunction with the joint statement in September 2005 by the Chief Executive NERC and the Vice-Chancellor, University of Southampton (Word or PDF).
