Judith Patten Receives the 2025 SUT President’s Award

The Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) is delighted to award Judith Patten the President’s Award, recognising her outstanding contributions to underwater technology and marine renewables. 

Judith has been involved with SUT for decades, from supporting Oceanology International to serving as a Fellow and Hon Fellow. In this interview, she reflects on her journey with the Society, her work in marine renewables, including the creation of the All-Energy show, and shares advice for those starting out in underwater technology and the growing renewables sector. 

1. What first inspired you to get involved with SUT?  

I found myself involved with the SUT when Spearhead Exhibitions acquired Oceanology International from the Society in the mid-1980s and as Spearhead’s PR and Marketing Consultant I was soon working on it, and carried on until 2000 attending conference committee meetings, doing PR, running the press office, and much more and learning fast about the Learned Society’s work and, of course, the topics that were important to SUT’s members. Indeed, I can scarcely remember a time when I wasn’t involved with the SUT!  

As part of the promotion of the show I started producing an emailed news round-up, which we called Oceasp@ce, which became very popular. When RX bought the show, I was invited (after a break) to start producing Oceansp@ce again which I did for several years. I became a member when the Marine Renewable Energies Committee was set up at the start of this century; I was proud to become a Fellow in 2014 and equally proud to become an Hon Fellow. 

1. Looking back on your time as SUT President, what stands out as a highlight?

Obviously, as much of my year was a pandemic year it was a bit strange, sadly not a lot of networking was possible. Finding out how much work goes on behind the scenes was part of my enjoyable learning curve, we ought to shout more about the ‘hidden’ expertise of the Society. The Strategic Review undertaken by Ralph Rayner and a small working group will move this aspect on. 

I was only sorry that pressure of work meant I served for only one year as I couldn’t give as much of my time as I would have liked to in order to really dive in and do what I felt the role deserved. I am incapable of just playing a ‘token’ role.  

Highlights… learning more, much more, about the work of the SUT and the enthusiasm of being involved with the first online Offshore Wind Introductory course, a brilliant idea of Dave Brookes; involvement with the judging of the first Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration – I had met him at Oi, what a man! Discussions with MTS Past President Rick Spinrad (a hero of mine, and certainly to this day in view of what his old organisation, NOAA, has suffered). So many things! 

1. How does SUT support your work in the marine renewables sector?  

It helps satisfy my need to acquire knowledge, A relatively new SIG – MESSIG – provides me with great inspiration. 

1. All-Energy has had such a major impact on the renewables community—what inspired its creation, and what are you most proud of from its journey so far?  

David Stott (the genius who created Offshore Europe, acquired Oceanology International plus creating other shows) and I both thought that renewables deserved a show of their own. His Board disagreed. In 2000, when David had retired, I learned that Aberdeen was no longer to be known as the Oil and Gas Capital of Europe, but as ‘THE Energy City’ –  Q: “Does that include renewables?” The answer was “everything”.  A phone call to David to say: “I know where we are going to hold OUR renewables show” and we were moving forward like mad!  

We promised The Lord Provost of Aberdeen we would be holding a show, joined forces with Aberdeen’s old exhibition centre, issued a launch a press release. By June 2000 I had a title and a very long action list (e.g.  sell space/organise conference/promote/++). Then David and I went to a show organised by the World Renewable Energy Congress and Network in Brighton, and who should we bump into but Ian Gallett, SUT’s Chief Executive at the time. 

Over a coffee we explained why we were there (to learn from exhibitors primarily)… explaining we were planning a show in Aberdeen; Ian thought the SUT could probably organise a conference on marine renewables. “Let’s join forces”! All systems GO!  

The first show in February 2001 (held in deep snow), dealt solely with the “wet and windy” (i.e. on- and offshore wind, and marine renewables, which at the time was wave power, only the late-Professor Ian Bryden seemed then to be looking at tidal stream).  

350 came to the show, we claimed 50 exhibitors (some just had A3 “business boards”) if I had bottled the passion and enthusiasm I’d have made a fortune! Numbers doubled for 2002, doubled again for 2003; and growth continued.. The show topics widened when an exhibitor/speaker said: “Let the market decide what you are, you are here to serve them” We did!  

RX acquired the show in 2011; and I was delighted to stay with it (of course).All-Energy remained in Aberdeen until 2014 and then moved to Glasgow. This year, total attendance was 13,033; over 300 exhibitors; 600+/- speakers and still true passion for it! Next show 13 and 14 May at Glasgow’s SEC! 

1. What does receiving the President’s Award mean to you?  

It makes me proud beyond belief, and virtually speechless (a rare phenomenon!).. Thank you, thank you! I am only sad I could not be there on the night to receive it. 

1. Any advice for people getting started in underwater technology or marine renewables?  

Underwater technology: Check out the SUT Education pages! 

Simply put ‘renewable energy recruitment‘ into Google and you’ll be surprised to see what bounces up – people actively needed at every level. This is a growth industry. 

The marine renewable sector is still tiny, so fewer opportunities there, but dig and delve and talk to the UK Marine Energy Council, and the European Marine Energy Centre  (EMEC) both have fantastic networks. You are much needed somewhere in the wider industry!