Dominic Taunton

Dr. Dominic Taunton is an Associate Professor in Ship Science and Maritime Engineering at the University of Southampton's School of Engineering and Physical Sciences. He serves as Director of Programmes for Maritime Engineering. His research focuses on optimizing high-speed craft design, experimental hydrodynamics, and integrating human factors into maritime systems. Key projects include improving autonomous surface vehicle performance and applying hydrodynamic principles to sports engineering (e.g., skeleton athletes, swimmers, and sailing).

Education:

• BEng (Hons) Ship Science, University of Southampton (1997)
• PhD in High-Speed Craft Seakeeping, University of Southampton (2001)

Research Interests:

• Experimental hydrodynamics for maritime artifacts
• Human-centric ship design methodologies
• Autonomous systems and wave energy conversion
• Sports engineering applications (rowing, swimming, sailing)

Awards:

• Lloyd's Register Safety Prize (2007)
• Royal Institution of Naval Architects Medal of Distinction (2008)
• Ian Telfer Prize (2005)
• Calder Prize (2001)

Teaching: Leads modules such as Ship Design & Economics, Systems Design for Ships, and Sailing Yacht Design. Supervises PhD students in maritime engineering and autonomous systems.

Labs/Teams: Active in the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute, collaborating on EPSRC-funded projects like WITT wave energy converter and MARTHA autonomy initiatives.