SOCCO is a South African born science programme, in support of the Global Change Grand Challenge and the Marine and Antarctic Research Strategy. It aims to use the challenging problems in the role of the Southern Ocean in 21st century regional and global climate to attract excellent young South Africans to acquire advanced numerical, technological and problem analysis skills in support of a transformed knowledge based economy. It also aims to build partnerships with local and international leaders to strengthen South Africa’s impact as a global citizen with clear commitment to ocean and climate stewardship.