The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) is the leading funder of independent research, training and innovation in environmental science in the UK.
NERC's new polar research ship is set to set sail in 2019 and is backed by nearly $300 million of government funding. Busy with scientific research, the NERC asked the public for help naming the UK's next world-class polar research ship.
Our new #polar ship will be one of the most sophisticated floating #research laboratories in the world #NameOurShip pic.twitter.com/SqSiovx1Za
— NERC (@NERCscience) March 21, 2016
The internet's response?
My apology for #BoatyMcBoatface was in the most British sense. I stand by it being a brilliant name.
— James Hand (@JamesHand) March 21, 2016
Thanks for your kind words! I'm kind of scared it might actually win now... #NameOurShip #BoatyMcBoatface https://t.co/Sg52kw7SXu
— James Hand (@JamesHand) March 18, 2016
Other popular names include:
- Aurora
- Titan
- Orca
- Henry Worsley
- David Attenborough
- Pillar of Autumn
- It's Bloody Cold Here
- Science!!!
- Big Metal Floaty Thingy-thing
It's a shame the panel will have to chose just one. Cast your vote here.