The Laboratory on the Hoe

The Laboratory on the Hoe. . , The Marine Biological Association (MBA) , The MBA is a research charity with a worldwide membership. Founded in 1884, the MBA has established itself as a leading marine biological research organisation, contributing to the work of twelve Nobel Prize winners and over 170 Fellows of the Royal Society. In 2013, the Association was awarded a Royal Charter in recognition of its long and eminent history and status within the field of marine biology. , The Establishment of the MBA , In the 19th century, a group of naturalists recognised the need for there to be an extensive study of the sea and its marine life. Over-fishing of natural fisheries was a large concern and topic of debate. E. Ray Lankester was passionate that a society be established and a laboratory constructed close to the coast to conduct this essential research. On 31 March 1884 the MBA was founded during a meeting held at the Royal Society in London. T. H. Huxley became the Association's first president., Building the Laboratory , Locations in Weymouth and Bangor were identified as potential sites for a laboratory but it was Citadel Hill that was chosen thanks to its closeness to the sea, and the enthusiasm of Plymouth Town Council and a number of local benefactors. Construction began in February 1887 and the opening ceremony was held on 30 June 1888. The original purpose-built building is made of Devonian limestone, rich in ancient marine fossils. The exterior remains largely unaltered, but now forms the south wing of a much larger Laboratory. Citadel Hill is one of the oldest functioning marine laboratories in the world. , ( photo captions ) , The blue plaque on the front of the building commemorates the achievements of Sir Alan Hodgkin and Sir Andrew Huxley who received a Nobel Prize for discovering, in this laboratory, how nerve cells transmit signals. , The opening of the Laboratory, 30 June 1888. Those attending included: E. Ray Lankester (front row, fourth from left); the contractor who built the Laboratory, J. P. Berry (back row, fifth from left); the Mayor of Plymouth, Henry John Waring (back row, second from left), and the Mayor of Devonport (back row, third from left). MBA Archives. , Building the laboratory, rear view, c.1887, MBA Archives. , “Promoting marine scientific excellence and representing the marine biological community since 1884.” www.mba.ac.uk