Exploring the depths: knowns, unknowns, and way forward in deep-sea research

What do we know about the deep-sea? Scientists estimate that two thirds of around one million ocean species are yet to be discovered, while only a quarter of the seabed floor has been mapped. These numbers are even lower in the deep-sea, a region of dark abyssal plains, hydrothermal vents, fascinating creatures, and hydrostatic pressures exceeding 500 times those at sea-level. The deep-sea is not only a place of wonder and exploration for marine scientists, but also an area of interests for nation states and commercial actors. In this hybrid all-day event, we explore some of the cutting-edge deep-sea research that is being done at the University of Bergen, including projects on deep-sea biology, the geology of mid-oceanic ridges, deep-sea mining, or ocean science diplomacy. During the panel sessions, we discuss pressing questions on knowledge-creation and knowledge use, reflecting on the societal impact and relevance of deep-sea research. Join the conversation!

The main topics of discussion for the two panels are:

• Research gaps in deep-sea research (what do we still need to know and why); 
• The role and use of deep-sea research in society (how is/can deep-sea research be used for the betterment of society and the environment);
• The role of interdisciplinarity in filling out research gaps and going forward (what interdisciplinary collaborations are needed and for what); 
• What types of knowledge is included in deep sea research, what is excluded and what are the implications of that? 
• What role should deep sea researchers have in decision-making?

This event is part of a larger, one-week long event called the “After Development Lectures”, which is now in its fourth year, and which is co-organized by Eduard Nedelciu annually with the University of Clermont-Auvergne in France.

• Find a brief programme of the whole week here.

PROGRAMME

9:15-9:30 Welcome & coffee

9:30-9:40 Introduction to the day

• Eduard Nedelciu, System Dynamics Group, Postdoctoral fellow in the SEAS programme at UiB

9:40-11:00 Round of presentations

Speakers:

• Peter M. Haugan, Policy Director at the Institute of Marine Research and Professor at the Geophysical Institute, UiB: “Sustainability of deep sea mining with emphasis on the case of Norway”
• Lise Øvreås, Professor at the Department of Biological Sciences, UiB 
• Pedro A. Ribeiro, Deputy Director at the Centre for Deep Sea Research and Researcher at the Department of Biological Sciences, UiB: “The need for an improved knowledge base to support decisions on seabed mineral exploration in Norway” 
• João Bettencourt, Geophysical Institute and SEAS postdoctoral fellow at UiB: “The territorial logic of the Clarion-Clipperton Zone Regional Environmental Plan”

Including 15-minute coffee break

11:00-12:00 Panel discussion

• The four speakers gather for a panel discussion moderated by Eduard Nedelciu

12:00-13:30 Lunch Break

13:30-15:00 Round of presentations

Speakers – all postdoctoral fellows in the SEAS programme at UiB:

• Aistė Klimašauskaitė, Centre for the Study of Sciences and the Humanities, SEAS UiB: “Deep-sea governance research: where to next?”
• Morgane Le Saout, Department of Earth Sciences, SEAS UiB: “Variability of tectonic, magmatic and hydrothermal activity along ultra-slow spreading ridge; example of the Mohns Ridge”
• Chloe Amanda Game, Department of Informatics, SEAS UiB: “Smart Seas: How AI is Transforming Deep-Sea Research”
• Zoran Sargac, Department of Biological Sciences, SEAS UiB: “Knowledge gaps on the ecological impacts of deep-sea mining”

Including 15-minute coffee break

15:00-16:00 Panel discussion

• The four SEAS fellows in discussion moderated by Professor Edvard Hviding, Department of Social Anthropology, UiB

16:00-16:10 Concluding remarks

• Sverre Ole Drønen, Section for International Cooperation, Division of Research and Innovation, UiB