United Kingdom and Rhode Island Celebrate Blue Economy Partnership at University of Rhode Island

KINGSTON, RI – Feb. 13, 2026 – The British Consulate-General Boston and the University of Rhode Island brought together over 80 legislators, academics and industry leaders for a summit celebrating transatlantic collaboration on the blue economy.

University of Rhode Island President Marc Parlange welcomes guests from Great Britain and representatives from academia, industry, and government.

“As an island nation, the UK has always looked to the sea, and today we’re at the forefront of marine tech, ocean science and sustainable ocean industries,” said British Consul General David Clay MBE. “Rhode Island is a natural partner, with URI’s outstanding oceanography research and the state’s leadership on blue economy. Our collaboration aims to drive innovation that protects our oceans and creates jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.”

A panel discussion highlighted collaborative and innovative efforts between URI, Rhode Island, and the UK in ocean research, conservation, and technology. From left, Bethany Jenkins, URI vice president for Research and Economic Development; Anthony Marchese, dean of URI’s College of Engineering; Dave Stone, chief scientist, UK Joint Nature Conservation Committee; and Jon Boswell, head of Strategic Funding, UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

“The University of Rhode Island has played a key role in the state’s $5 billion blue economy by conducting cutting-edge ocean science research, preparing students for high-quality jobs, and partnering with stakeholders from industry and government,” said Bethany Jenkins, URI vice president for Research and Economic Development. URI looks forward to building upon current relationships with the UK and establishing new initiatives that would be beneficial to URI students and faculty, and the rest of Rhode Island.”

“The transatlantic partnership between URI and the UK helps to advance innovation in ocean science and marine tech on both sides of the pond. We in the Ocean State are very excited by the opportunities ahead and look forward to working with our UK counterparts to move this important work forward,” said Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce Stefan Pryor.

Marchese shares his thoughts on how URI can partner with the UK on blue economy initiatives during the panel discussion.

The event featured a panel discussion with UK and Rhode Island leaders exploring collaborative efforts in ocean research, conservation and technology, followed by a reception to strengthen relationships and spark future partnerships.

In addition to the Consul General, a delegation of three British officials travelled from the UK for the event:

Dave Stone, Chief Scientist, UK Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)
Katherine Ryder, Deputy Director for Government Reviews, Natural England
Jon Boswell, Head of Nature Finance Strategy, UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)

Joint engagement on ocean planning has created a sustained, two-way learning opportunity as both regions work to balance economic development with ocean and coastal stewardship. This collaboration connects practitioners, resource users, particularly commercial fishermen, researchers, and graduate students, to share knowledge across policy, science, and lived experience. It has generated publications, tested decision-support tools, and supported mentoring that turns research into practical marine planning strategies. Beyond bilateral exchange, this collaboration contributes to global dialogue and offers a replicable model for building a resilient and sustainable blue economy.

About University of Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island is a global education leader and the state of Rhode Island’s flagship public research institution. URI offers its undergraduate, graduate, and professional students distinctive educational opportunities designed to meet the global challenges of today’s world and the rapidly evolving needs of tomorrow. Founded in 1892, URI now enrolls more than 17,000 students and has earned the prestigious Carnegie R1 designation for high research activity. As a land- and sea-grant institution, URI is a key driver of economic development in Rhode Island and contributes significantly to the health and vitality of the state and New England region. Discover more at uri.edu.