TechOceanS recently hosted a dynamic and multifaceted event at PLOCAN facilities in Gran Canaria, combining the Executive Board meeting, project video production, and a comprehensive training session for early-career scientists. This week-long gathering, from March 18th to 21st, 2024, marked a significant milestone as the project moves into its final phase, with technology demonstrations and training at the forefront.

A Week of Learning and Collaboration

The event kicked off with a multidisciplinary practical training session, held from March 18th to 21st. This training offered a unique opportunity for students and early-career scientists to gain hands-on experience with the marine technologies developed by TechOceanS, including sensors, samplers, and algorithms. Experts from the project led the sessions, which combined lectures with practical demonstrations, providing participants with valuable insights into the future of ocean science.

The training also featured a dedicated session on standards and interoperability, ensuring that participants not only learned about the technologies but also understood the importance of integrating these innovations into broader scientific and industrial frameworks.

Executive Board Meeting and Project Video Production

The final day of the event, March 21st, was marked by the TechOceanS Executive Board meeting, bringing together 13 participants from eight countries. This meeting served as a crucial platform to discuss the project’s progress, address potential limitations, and set the course for the final year. The discussions covered all major themes, from genomics to imaging, optics, and microsensors, with a particular focus on the upcoming technology demonstrations.

• Theme 1: Genomics: Martha Valiadi (IMBB) and Jon McQuillan (NOC) shared updates on the genomics work packages, discussing expectations and potential risks for the demonstrations.
• Theme 2: Imaging and Optics: Blair Thornton (UoS), Sarah Giering (NOC), and Kevin Köser (GEOMAR) highlighted progress in imaging and optics, focusing on anticipated outcomes and challenges.
• Theme 3: Microsensors: Fiona Regan (DCU), Allison Schaap (NOC), and Hywel Morgan (UoS) provided detailed updates on microsensor technologies, addressing potential risks and expected results.
• Theme 4: Cross-Cutting and Testing: Carlos Barrera (PLOCAN) discussed the progress in cross-cutting technologies and testing, setting the stage for the next critical steps in the project.
• Theme 5: Dissemination: Keegan Porter (AquaTT) and Pamela Cardillo (ERINN) reviewed the dissemination activities, emphasizing the importance of communication in the final phase of the project.

In parallel with the board meeting and training the TechOceanS team took the opportunity to film the project video, capturing real-life footage of the training sessions and deployments. Researchers stepped in front of the camera to discuss the future applications of their work, providing a compelling narrative of the project's impact on marine science and technology.

Looking Forward

The March 2024 event at PLOCAN was a testament to the collaborative and innovative spirit of the TechOceanS project. With the Executive Board meeting concluding the week, the consortium is now fully focused on the final demonstrations and the dissemination of the project’s outcomes.

The successful integration of the training session, board meeting, and video production underscores TechOceanS’s commitment to advancing ocean science through practical engagement, international collaboration, and cutting-edge technology. As the project approaches its conclusion, the team looks forward to the impactful results that will emerge from this intensive and productive week.