The project will mark the 125 years since the inauguration of the Laboratory of the MBA in Plymouth, and use the opportunity to present past and current scientific work, both at the MBA and at the Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science (SAHFOS).

The laboratory was the first dedicated marine biological station in Britain and among the first in Europe. It is a fine example of the wider scientific and historical heritage of European science at the end of the 19th century, a period of scientific optimism reflected by the founding of numerous learned societies. The Laboratory has been the site of many scientific breakthroughs and remains at the forefront of marine sciences.

The MBA will work in partnership with SAHFOS, the Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, the South West Image Bank and the Plymouth and West Devon Record Office to digitise, preserve and catalogue important collections; create an online resource, publication and toolkits; produce temporary exhibitions and deliver educational talks, and install interpretation panels outside the Laboratory on Plymouth Hoe. Volunteers will have the opportunity to contribute to the project and receive training in a range of skills, including digitising, archiving and cataloguing.

Richard Bellamy, HLF’s Head of South West, said: “Since its inauguration the MBA’s Plymouth Laboratory has hosted visiting researchers from all over the world, contributing to the work of no fewer than seven Nobel prizewinners. We were delighted to be able to help celebrate this important landmark in the Laboratory’s history, ensuring that its important collections can be preserved and made more accessible for the future.”

The project will run from February to October 2013 and talks, exhibitions and displays will be at the Citadel Hill Laboratory and the Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery. These will include family friendly and lunchtime talks.

Notes to editors

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is a professional body for marine scientists with some 1200 members world-wide. Since 1884 the MBA has established itself as a leading marine biological research organization contributing to the work of several Nobel Laureates and over 170 Fellows of the Royal Society.

Further information

Guy Baker, Marine Biological Association on 01752 633 244 or guba@mba.ac.uk