Centre of Excellence in Observational Oceanography: Nippon Foundation and POGO Supported Programme at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences
Abstract
Building on previous experience in capacity building for ocean observations, the Nippon Foundation (NF) and the Partnership for Observations of the Global Oceans (POGO) have announced a new Centre of Excellence (C of E) at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS). The goals of the C of E are to expand the world-wide capacity and expertise to observe the oceans and to expand capacity-building projects and promote international collaboration and networking in ocean sciences. Over the past 104 years, BIOS has built a global reputation in blue-water oceanography, coral reef ecology, and the relationships between ocean health and human health coupled with high quality education programmes that provide direct, hands-on experience with BIOS-based research. The C of E at BIOS will build upon this model to establish a new, graduate-level education and training programme in operational oceanography. The 10 month Programme will offer course modules in ocean disciplines with a focus on observatory sciences complemented by hands-on training in observational methods and techniques based on the multi-disciplinary expertise of BIOS and BIOS-affiliated scientists who direct ongoing, ocean observational programmes such as: - Hydrostation S, since 1954; - Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study, since 1988; - Oceanic Flux Program sediment trap time-series, since 1978; - Bermuda Test-Bed and Science Mooring, since 1994; - Bermuda Microbial Observatory, since 1997; - Bermuda Bio-Optics Program, since 1992; - Atmospheric chemistry and air-sea fluxes, since 1990 Additional areas of BIOS research expertise will be incorporated in the C of E to broaden the scope of education and training. These include the nearshore observational network of the BIOS Marine Environmental Program and the environmental air-water chemistry network of the Bermuda Environmental Quality Program. A key resource of the C of E is the newly acquired 168 ft. research vessel, the RV Atlantic Explorer, which was specifically designed to provide for ocean research and education (e.g., sufficient berths for scientists and the NF- POGO Scholars; an education-specific classroom). The Atlantic Explorer will serve as a unique platform for the NF-POGO Scholars to gain hands-on, at-sea experience as participants on all scheduled research cruises. The NF-POGO Scholars will take courses that focus on the theoretical and policy side of observational oceanography and participate in a Core Skills module that emphasizes numeracy, data analysis, science management, and written and oral scientific communication. There will be one Regional Training Programme for a Developing Country each year, focused on local issues and how to resolve them. The course is open to 10 participants from developing countries (or countries with economies in transition). NF- POGO Scholars must have at least a first degree in science. Preference will be given to applicants who currently hold a position in a research or academic institution in a developing country and anticipate returning to the country after the training period. Candidates must demonstrate immediate relevance of their training to on-going or planned ocean observations in their home country.
- Publication:
-
AGU Spring Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- May 2008
- Bibcode:
- 2008AGUSMOS51A..01P
- Keywords:
-
- 0800 EDUCATION;
- 1635 Oceans (1616;
- 3305;
- 4215;
- 4513);
- 4217 Coastal processes;
- 4262 Ocean observing systems;
- 4299 General or miscellaneous