Croeso i Gymru! Welcome to Wales, where the International Research Ship Operator (IRSO) meetings began.
The 37th meeting will be hosted by the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) in the city of Cardiff, Wales, from Monday 14th - Friday 18th September 2026.
We will celebrate the 40th year of IRSO at TechniQuest - an interactive science centre overlooking Cardiff Bay and the working docks.
Venue | Programme | Ice breaker | Gala dinner | Presentations | Team Building | Registration Information | Accommodation
The IRSO forum is a group of research ship operators representing 49 organisations from 30 countries who manage over 100 of the world’s leading marine scientific research vessels. IRSO membership is open to all research ship operating institutes or national research programs that are engaged in the collection of data from ships at sea and follow established protocols for the open publication of their results.
Conference Venue
Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW
TechniQuest is an interactive Science centre, focussed on educating the next generation - a perfect fit as we celebrate facilitating Ocean Science around the globe.
Meeting Programme
Workshop: Monday 14th September, afternoon
Research vessel contribution to the Global ocean Observing System, inclusive of OceanOPS and the
Conference: Tuesday 15th September - Thursday 17th September
Three full days of meetings including speakers, workshops, oral and poster presentations
Final conference programme to follow
Ice Breaker Reception: Monday 14th September 7pm at The Botanist
Join us in the heart of Cardiff Bay at the beautiful Botanist.
Unit 4-6 Mermaid Quay, Cardiff CF10 5BZ
Gala Dinner: Wednesday 16th September 7pm at The Coal Exchange
Gather at the historic Grade II* listed Coal Exchange, a historic building that was once at the epicentre of the world's coal trade, for a 3-course event dinner
Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff Bay, CF10 5FQ
Presentations
We welcome oral presentations (typically 15 mins plus 5 mins questions) and poster presentations for the following themes. Please state how you'd like to present and in which theme at registration.
Theme 1 – Research Vessel Builds, Modifications and Performance: New vessels | Modifications and upgrades |Greening of ships |Underwater Radiated Noise | Bubble sweep down
Theme 2 – Manning, Safety and Training: STCW | MLC | Alcohol and drug policies | Medical standards and provision | Safety and security issues
Theme 3 – Scientific Technology: AUVs and ROVs | USVs and Remotely Operated Surface Vehicles | Cables and winches | Scientific instruments | Hydroacoustic equipment | Drones | Data management and handling
Theme 4 – Legal and Insurance: Insurance | Admiralty Law in research vessel operations | IMO Regulations | Diplomatic Clearances and permiting | Polar Code and high latitudes | RV Code of Practice | Vessel Charter
Theme 5 – Cooperation and Outreach: RVOC | OFEG |ERVO | POGO | EuroFleets AISBL | Other
Team Building Day: Friday 18th September
A cultural day out in Cardiff - we'll set sail for an informative harbour and river tour, followed by a trip to the home of Welsh Rugby at the national Principality Stadium for a behind the scenes tour.
Registration information
Price includes, lunch on Monday, followed by the afternoon workshop and an Icebreaker event in the evening; full day conference Tuesday - Thursday, inclusive of refreshments and lunch; and three course gala dinner on Wednesday evening. You can opt in for adding a guest to the dinner and the team building events on the Friday.
Early Bird registration rates apply until Sunday 7th June 2026
IRSO Early Bird Registration £375 (use this coupon code at checkout: IRSO Early Bird)
IRSO Full Price Registration £430
Optional Team Building Activity £50
Partner Add-on (includes icebreaker and dinner attendance, team building activity) £120
Accommodation
Future Inn Cardiff have the following rooms allocated for booking on a first come first served basis:
Double for Sole Occupancy: £104.00 per room per night B&B
Twin Occupancy: - £120.00 per room per night B&B
To book please call 02920 48711. The reference ID is 656741. Guests will need to provide a valid credit / Debit card to secure the booking. Payment will be taken on arrival to the hotel. Free parking is included in the rate. Guest will just need to register their car on arrival on the iPad on the desk.
Other hotel options include: