# National Institute of Oceanography

> British research institute (1949-1973)

**Wikidata**: [Q61483461](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q61483461)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/national-institute-of-oceanography-q61483461

## Summary
The National Institute of Oceanography was a British research institution dedicated to oceanographic studies that operated from April 1949 to June 1973. Established as an ocean-focused research center, it was later merged into another organization, marking the end of its 24-year existence as an independent entity.

## Key Facts
- Founded on April 1, 1949, in the United Kingdom
- Operated for exactly 24 years before being dissolved
- Dissolved on June 1, 1973 due to a merger with another organization
- Primary field of work was oceanography
- Official abbreviation was NIO
- Maintained VIAF ID 168304217
- Had Library of Congress authority ID n85212603
- Included in the Yale LUX database with ID group/ae7cc0b1-47b4-42f1-b541-03aa9f0973be
- National Library of Israel J9U ID: 987007599255705171
- Merged into organization with Wikidata ID Q118875280

## FAQs
### Q: What was the National Institute of Oceanography?
A: The National Institute of Oceanography was a British research institute specializing in oceanographic studies that existed from 1949 to 1973. It operated as an independent organization focused on marine research before being merged into another institution.

### Q: When was the National Institute of Oceanography active?
A: The National Institute of Oceanography was active for exactly 24 years, from its founding on April 1, 1949, until it was dissolved on June 1, 1973 due to a merger with another organization.

### Q: What happened to the National Institute of Oceanography?
A: The National Institute of Oceanography was merged into another organization on June 1, 1973, which resulted in its dissolution as an independent entity. It ceased to exist separately and became part of the successor organization with Wikidata ID Q118875280.

### Q: Where was the National Institute of Oceanography located?
A: The National Institute of Oceanography was located in the United Kingdom, though the specific city or facility location is not provided in the available information.

### Q: What distinguished the National Institute of Oceanography from other oceanographic institutions?
A: The National Institute of Oceanography was distinguished by its designation as the "National" institute for oceanography in the United Kingdom during its operational period from 1949 to 1973, though specific research achievements or unique methodologies are not detailed in the available information.

## Why It Matters
The National Institute of Oceanography represented a dedicated British effort to advance oceanographic research during a critical period in marine science development (post-WWII to early 1970s). As a national-level research institution, it likely contributed to the UK's understanding of marine environments, climate systems, and ocean resources at a time when oceanography was emerging as a distinct scientific discipline. Its existence spanned a quarter-century, allowing for longitudinal studies and institutional development in this field. The fact that it was merged into another institution rather than simply closed suggests its work and resources were considered valuable enough to be integrated rather than lost, indicating its significance in the broader ecosystem of marine science research in Britain and possibly internationally. The multiple library and academic identifiers associated with it further attest to its recognized status within the scholarly community.

## Notable For
- One of the established national oceanographic research institutions in the United Kingdom during the mid-20th century
- Maintained operations for exactly 24 years, a significant duration for a dedicated marine research institute
- Preserved through multiple library and academic authority systems, indicating its scholarly importance
- Merged rather than dissolved, suggesting its research assets and expertise were valued by the successor organization
- Operated during a formative period in oceanography when the discipline was establishing its scientific methodologies and institutional structures

## Body
### History and Timeline
The National Institute of Oceanography was established on April 1, 1949, in the United Kingdom as a dedicated research institution for oceanographic studies. It operated as an independent entity for exactly 24 years before being dissolved on June 1, 1973. The dissolution was specifically due to a merger with another organization, as indicated by the qualifier "merger" in its dissolution record.

### Administrative Details
The institute held several official identifiers across library and authority systems:
- VIAF ID: 168304217
- Library of Congress authority ID: n85212603
- National Library of Israel J9U ID: 987007599255705171
- Yale LUX ID: group/ae7cc0b1-47b4-42f1-b541-03aa9f0973be

### Research Focus
The institute's primary field of work was oceanography, focusing on marine scientific research during its operational period. It was classified as a research institute, an organization whose primary purpose is research, as evidenced by its inclusion in the research institute class with 41 related sitelinks.

### Successor Organization
Upon its dissolution through merger, the National Institute of Oceanography's assets, resources, and possibly personnel were integrated into another organization identified by Wikidata ID Q118875280. The exact nature and identity of this successor organization is not specified in the provided information.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. [Source](https://www.oceanswormley.org/index.html)
3. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File