Rethinking ocean research and understandings of development for a sustainable future on land and water
This symposium brings together ocean researchers and practitioners from Bergen and beyond to present the status of the ocean and ocean research – and how to achieve a more sustainable interaction between humankind and the ocean. Registration for the event is now open!
Main content
What is ocean research? What is research innovation? What role should ocean research play in shaping society? Why and how do we talk about ocean science and innovation?
Research is shaped by different ways of knowing, but also by political agendas and industry actors – and the other way around. Increasingly, research is faced with additional challenges, from direct political pressure to reductions in funds and resources. At the same time, funding institutions tend to both reinforce existing paradigms and follow trends which strengthen the status quo.
The idea behind this symposium is to create a discussion space for critical reflections on the role, means, and implications of ocean research and innovation, that go beyond the business as usual. The event aims to address what we see as contemporary challenges in ocean research, innovation, and the way in which the science-policy-industry nexus hinders or can facilitate the transformation of a society addicted to growth and extraction.
Bringing in voices from ocean research, the public sector, arts, and industry, we will discuss how ocean research and science communication can contribute to opportunities for the future. We may not be able to transform ocean science and its place in society in a one-day symposium. We do, however, promise an immersive and engaging experience that will invite reflection on challenging questions, and inspire fresh perspectives about how and why we do ocean research.
Join us in this discussion!
PROGRAMME
09:00-09:05
- Welcome by the organisers Claudiu Eduard Nedelciu, Postdoctoral fellow in the SEAS programme, System Dynamics, Department of Geography, UiB and Sverre Ole Drønen, Ocean science adviser and UNAI SDG14 Hub Chair Lead, Section for International Cooperation, Division of Research and Innovation, UiB
09:05-09:30
- Presentation of the immersive installation “the Changing Ocean” by artist and designer Sølve Jozeph Westli of Aurora Vortex Studio
09:30-12:00
This session explores how understandings of ocean research and innovation are influenced by political agendas, industry interests, and funding structures, and how these dynamics shape scientific priorities. Through critical dialogue, we aim to uncover ways research making and innovation can challenge the status quo and open pathways toward more transformative approaches to ocean sustainability. (There will be a coffee break at approx. 10:30-10:45.)
Speakers:
- Chloe Game, Postdoctoral fellow in the SEAS programme, Department of Informatics, UiB
- Aiste Klimasauskaite, Researcher, Research Group Theory of Science, Centre for the Study of the Sciences and Humanities, UiB
- Andrei Polejack, Research and Innovation Director, INPO – National Institute for Ocean Research, Brazil
- Mona Koster Johannessen, business adviser, City of Bergen
- Yves Aubert, innovation lead, UiB
- Gisle Nondal, Chief Operating Officer, GCE Ocean Technology
Moderator:
- Thomas Völker, Postdoctoral fellow in the SEAS programme, Centre for the Study of the Sciences and Humanities, UiB
12:00-13:00
Lunch
13:00-15:45
Workshop on the ocean and ocean science communications
The science communication workshop will be led by Professor Karin Anna Pittman from the Department of Biological Sciences (BIO) and is targeting researchers, or practitioners that engage with audiences, regulators, funders and collaborators through science. The workshop is designed to help you enhance your communication skills, whether you’re new to science communication or looking to build on previous training. This interactive session will focus on identifying and supporting your message for selected audiences, crafting a compelling story around your science, and giving and receiving feedback to sharpen your skills.
15:45-16:00
Closing remarks
The symposium is part of the “After Development Lectures 2025”, building on previous events including “Exploring the depths: knowns, unknowns, and way forward in deep-sea research” (2024) and “The future of deep-sea mining: minerals, industry, society, and seabed governance” (2023).
