The Centre celebrates the oceans during One Ocean Week
Amidst the festivities of One Ocean Week, researchers from the Michael Sars Centre embraced the opportunity to engage with the public on Family Day and participate in the Ocean Outlook conference.
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The second edition of One Ocean Week, held from April 13 to 19, welcomed sea enthusiasts and researchers from all over the world to a diverse array of 185 events. Ranging from a high-level conference on the future of the North Sea to popular science talks and panel discussions, the week catered to a broad audience, offering cultural and scientific activities accessible to all.
Michael Sars Centre Director Lionel Christiaen and group leader Timothy Lynagh presented a keynote lecture at the “Ocean Outlook: the North Atlantic Ocean climate, deep sea and environment” conference, chaired by Prof. Anders Goksøyr from the Department of Biological Sciences at UiB. Their joint presentation, titled “The legacy of Michael Sars in modern marine biology”, highlighted the work of the renowned Norwegian zoologist and connected it to the research projects conducted today at the Centre. “I was grateful for this chance to present recent results from my lab showcasing what we can learn about proteins in the nervous system by exploring invertebrates from the ocean”, Lynagh said. “It was also inspiring to hear diverse oceanographic researchers’ perspectives on marine research.”
Michael Sars Centre group leader Timothy Lynagh presents his research on neuropeptide receptors at the Ocean Outlook Conference.
Reflecting on the conference, Prof. Goksøyr commented, “I think it was a wonderful event, with great presentations over a wide range of ocean-related topics from scientists from both sides of the Atlantic - maybe the best Ocean Outlook Conference ever since its start in 2015!” The conference was organized as a collaboration between the marine research community in Bergen and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in the USA.
Sandra Kyrkjebø shows Oikopleura under the microscope to a young visitor.
On April14th, researchers from the Chatzigeorgiou group brought their laboratory to the public on Festningskaien for Family Day. An estimated 5000 visitors joined in for an afternoon of activities and discoveries. The team showcased their latest research for the DeuteroNoise project on the impact of noise pollution in the ocean, displaying the tunicates Ciona and Oikopleura in aquariums and under the microscope to the delight of young visitors. Guests were also invited to test their newly acquired knowledge of these animals and to experience underwater soundscapes in a quiz. "I believe that this kind of events, like the One Ocean Week, can create an interest in people to learn more about science, or even inspire individuals to pursue scientific careers", said Ingrid Cavazos, research intern in the Chatzigeorgiou group. "I also think it's important that people know what scientists are working on, and the impact that this kind of research can have."
One Ocean Week serves as a platform for collaboration, education, and inspiration, highlighting the importance of ocean conservation and research. After the success of the two first editions, we are already looking forward to next year!
