The Solent Forum has established a research group to take forward some of the findings that were identified in the Solent Science Conference, held in 1998. The group comprises a mix of the users (planners and policy makers) and the suppliers (academic community) of scientific information in the Solent. The group has a rolling chair and the secretariat is supplied by the Solent Forum Officer.

The original terms of reference were updated in 2002 when the group changed its focus from research in the physical, biological and socio-economic systems of the Solent to solely looking at socio-economic issues. The role and remit of the group is detailed below.

1. Promote research into the socio-economic components of the Solent whilst retaining links with physical environmental and biological research in the Solent.
2. Promote and facilitate networking and collaboration between the Solent's researchers, planners and managers.
3. Develop a research strategy for the Solent setting out key priorities in regard to the socio-economic system.
4. Co-ordinate research in partnership when such research can not be undertaken by one organisation alone e.g. recreation study.
5. Provide a body of expertise for other groups with science needs, e.g. Solent European Marine Sites Management Group.
6. Facilitate bids for funding. 7. Maintain and develop mechanisms for the co-ordination, exchange and dissemination of information.

The work of the group to date includes:

• The production of the Solent Science Conference proceedings;
• Organisation of a seminar on Eutrophication to assist in developing understanding and management of Eutrophication in the Solent via effective partnership working;
• Organisation of coastal management conference 2004 and production of proceedings
• Information exchange on relevant Solent initiatives e.g. flagship projects;
• Creation of DISC, the Solent Forum's metadatabase;
• Updates on Solent centred research in progress including higher degree research topics for inclusion in the Solent Forum metadatabase (DISC);
• Consideration of specific research initiatives including in-house and contract research (e.g. Solent database, Solent water quality initiativesand Solent indicators)