A leading scientist, university professor and award-winning broadcaster has praised the East of England’s unique position as an increasingly influential hub for world-class marine science, technology and innovation.
Ben Garrod will highlight the global impact of specialist work by small and niche businesses across Norfolk and Suffolk in his keynote speech at the Marine Science and Technology Sector Council’s (MST) annual conference at Norwich City Football Club this month organised by the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR).
The Professor of Evolutionary Biology and Science Engagement at the University of East Anglia will outline how some of the most transformative and influential research in the world has been carried out in the region, and how that work is deep rooted in the heritage of the region, especially Norfolk.
The event – which attracted more than 200 people last year – will bring together marine science and technology’s most celebrated gamechangers, niche consultancies and developers on March 25, shining the spotlight on the region’s world-renowned expertise and knowledge in the sector.
Ben, an experienced tropical biologist and conservationist, has worked across Africa and Asia for the last 20 years with orangutans, gorillas and chimpanzees and has co-presented with Sir David Attenborough in several landmark science documentaries, along with presenting many of his own programmes.
“Norfolk sits in a really unusual place. It’s incredibly local — communities where everyone knows each other — but at the same time it has this laser focus on international potential. That combination is something worth celebrating.
“Norfolk is the only place in the UK where evidence of four different human species has been discovered, with archaeological finds dating back hundreds of thousands of years.
“We can trace human activity here for nearly 800,000 years. From ancient footprints on our beaches to hand axes left by early humans. It makes you think about the legacy we leave behind today — whether that’s a footprint, a tool, or perhaps a piece of cutting-edge technology.
“We’ve got world-leading technology, science and research happening here in Norfolk. We need to stop assuming you must go to London or Cambridge to do something important. There are pioneers in tech and research on people’s doorsteps — and that’s worth celebrating,” said Ben, who is also Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the UEA’s civic work across the region.
Jenni Nicholls, chair of the MST sector council, said the global impact of companies in the East of England needed to be amplified.
“These businesses aren’t a satellite branch of a bigger company, many are headquartered in the east, and they don’t get the chance to shout about that enough.
“Aberdeen’s always seen as the energy capital, but I would argue it’s not.
“It’s very much an oil and gas rich region, but we are so different. We have so many different companies that are investing in so much talent, in various technologies and different sectors. There really is a hotbed of talent.”
Other speakers at the event titled – Unlocking the Seabed: Pioneering Offshore Innovations in the East – include representatives from Equinor, SSE, National Grid, Eastwind and the Crown Estate, with sessions focused on wind, diversification, decommissioning, interconnectors and connected innovation, including earth observations of marine environments, run by Space East.
Building a local skills base and informing and inspiring young people about high quality career opportunities on their doorstep is a priority of EEEGR.
Ben, a former student at East Norfolk Sixth Form College, will inspire students from local colleges in a parallel skills area at the event. They will be introduced to the range of careers in the exciting marine science and technology, meet employers and carry out a project management activity led by Daniel Bradley, senior project manager at Petrofac, who started his career as an apprentice in Lowestoft.
The Marine Science and Technology Sector Council meets monthly and organises a quarterly forum to support people looking to grow their careers and take advantage of the networking opportunities.
Jenni said the conference would help highlight future pipelines of work and research and showcase its expertise.
“We have small and niche companies that work worldwide so they are bringing that knowledge back to the region and sharing it with their industry peers.
“The job of the conference, under the umbrella of EEEGR, is to push the word out that we have these fantastic innovative companies in the region.”
Kevin Keable, EEEGR chair, said the sector council welcomed new members.
“It is such a fantastic asset for the region as it brings together industry peers and supports them in talking about their projects, but it also gives the marine science and technology experts a clear and collective voice.
“What I love about this conference is there’s always such a buzz around the fact that we have these incredible companies carrying out world-class recognised work often quietly behind the scenes and then they impart their knowledge and expertise to a packed room of people who they could potentially collaborate with.
“We had more than 200 people in the room last year and we hope to see the same this month.”
To book tickets visit: https://eeegr.com/events/mst_event_2026/