Ocean conferences in 2024
For the last 40 years, the Ocean Sciences Meeting has biennially brought together the ocean community. In February, the meeting continued in New Orleans, U.S., and scientists from around the world gathered. Falkor and Falkor (too) alum shared their findings via poster sessions and talks on topics such as cross-disciplinary deep-sea coral research, managing data, and improving equity in STEM careers. SOI staff Corinne Bassin and Allison Miller co-chaired several oral and lighting sessions. Carlie Wiener co-chaired an all-day session dedicated to science communication and storytelling, which included talks from Artist-at-Sea Michel Droge and Hannah Nolan, who is responsible for SOI’s outreach and community engagement. We also hosted a special event at the Sazerac House for collaborators, friends, and alums from previous expeditions. It was a celebratory evening as people reminisced, shared where their science had taken them, and connected with SOI staff and other alums.
Stian Allesandrini, Errol Campbell, Eric King, Jyotika Virmani, and Jason Williams were in London for Oceanology International in March. The biennial conference, now in its 55th year, is the leading global forum connecting the world’s marine science and ocean technology communities; about 8,000 attended this year. They also attended the Catch the Next Wave conference, which explored solutions for climate and biodiversity issues. Jyotika spoke on the future of ocean sensors.
In April, Corinne Bassin, Eric King, Jyotika Virmani, and Carlie Wiener represented Schmidt Ocean Institute in Barcelona at the first in-person UN Ocean Decade Conference, a global forum that fosters a rich dialogue between science, policy, and society. Corinne is serving on the UN Ocean Decade Data Strategy Implementation Group, and the group unveiled its first draft of a data implementation plan; she also joined an Ocean Census panel discussion. In a special session, Widening Opportunities for Ocean Exploration in the Decade, Eric shared insights from the Pink Flamingo Society, a group dedicated to coordinating the work of private, philanthropically-funded research vessels; this was the first public presentation about the society. Additionally, he sat on a panel discussion about the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine 
Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, also known as the BBNJ Agreement. Jyotika participated in the High-Level Ocean Decade Alliance conversation and spoke at the opening plenary session with 6000 in-person and virtual attendees. She sat on a panel that addressed the conditions needed for the success of the Ocean Decade and co-hosted a technology and innovation showcase and networking event with the UN Ocean Decade Technology and Innovation Working Group. Jyotika also spoke on seabed data at an event co-organized by the International Hydrographic Office and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Carlie, co-chair of the UN Ocean Decade Communications Working Group, presented at a two-day communication symposium. She also spoke in a session about gender equality in ocean sciences and policy and co-organized several art events during the week.
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Chapter 7 Newsletter – 2024 • Menu
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