The United Kingdom is marking a significant milestone in 2025 as it commemorates the centenary of the Royal Research Ship (RRS) Discovery's designation as its first Royal Research Ship. This landmark occasion honors a vessel that has been pivotal in advancing global oceanographic exploration for a century.
To celebrate this centenary, a series of events are being held in Dundee at Discovery Point, hosted by the National Oceanography Centre and Dundee Heritage Trust. These events, running from September 12-16, 2025, include the unveiling of a new exhibition, '100 Years of RRS Discovery,' on September 13, 2025, which will be accessible until late 2026. Additionally, a 'Discovery Mast Climb' is scheduled for Autumn 2025, offering visitors a unique perspective of the historic ship.
The original RRS Discovery, launched in 1901, was designated a Royal Research Ship in 1925, initiating the crucial Discovery Investigations. These expeditions were instrumental in expanding the understanding of whale migration patterns and significantly influenced the regulation of the whaling industry. The scientific groundwork from these voyages provided evidence of several whale species nearing extinction, which spurred early marine conservation efforts and contributed to the eventual ban on commercial whaling.
Discovery Point has also benefited from a £3.55 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, awarded in April 2025. This funding is allocated for a comprehensive redevelopment, including new exhibition galleries that will explore the ship's history and the evolution of ocean science, aiming to preserve the RRS Discovery for future generations.
The legacy of the RRS Discovery continues through the current RRS Discovery, operated by the National Oceanography Centre, which undertakes contemporary oceanographic and marine science missions worldwide. The enduring impact of the RRS Discovery highlights its continued relevance in the ongoing quest to understand the world's oceans.