Ocean technologies, data, and infrastructures are undergoing rapid changes, transforming the ocean research and innovation. Disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data or blockchain are starting to shape research and innovation cycles. Sustained ocean observations, essential to increase our understanding of the ocean and its functions, require a suite of increasingly efficient technologies and instruments to gather, store, transfer and process large volumes of ocean data. We need to better incorporate new technologies into the observing systems, while making sure the observations are fit for purpose and address societal needs.
The EOOS Technology Forum provides the structure to enable the comparison of old and new technologies for their usefulness in ocean observing systems, understand data management and processing needs, and provide guidance to technology developers about technology user requirements.
The second edition of the EOOS Technology Forum was held from 22 to 24 March 2022 as a virtual event. It was endorsed as an activity of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 (Ocean Decade). The event was organized by EuroGOOS with support of the EU Horizon H2020 projects EuroSea and Minke. It brought together over 120 international participants, including instrument manufacturers, technicians, technologists, scientists, and policymakers. The three-day Forum comprised several keynote addresses, panel discussions, Show-and-Tell presentations, and interactions with the audience. Report of the Forum is now available on the EOOS website.
Scientific research and innovative technologies are crucial to achieving global sustainability and adequate stewardship of the ocean. They enable us to deepen our understanding and respond to societal needs. As a regular meeting point on ocean observing technologies, the EOOS Technology Forum helps boost cooperation among a wide range of ocean observing implementers and stakeholders.
