We wish our partners, associated partners of the EMOD-network and wider community Seasons Greetings and a great New Year to come!
EMODnet is delighted to share further highlights from its recent Open Conference (OC) 2025, held on 25–26 November 2025 in Brussels, Belgium, including plenary recordings, presentations, photos and more. The OC brought together more than 450 participants from 33 countries on-site and online. As the European Union’s in situ marine data service, EMODnet showcased its essential role in delivering actionable marine data and knowledge for the European Ocean Pact the EU Ocean Observation Initiative and the European Digital Twin Ocean. The event also launched the EMODnet Vision 2035, a community roadmap for EMODnet’s service evolution over the next decade.
More than 300 stakeholders gathered in Brussels for the EMODnet Open Conference on 25-26 November 2025 which showcased EMODnet’s role as an essential marine data service of the European Ocean Pact. This fourth edition attended by partners, Associated Partners including the private sector, the European Commission DG MARE, RTD, ENV, DEFIS, INTPA, JRC and more, launched the EMODnet community Vision 2035 with an ambitious – yet pragmatic and necessary - roadmap for strengthened investment into EMODnet’s service evolution over the next decade, to meet the emerging and expanding marine data needs of the Ocean Pact, the EU Ocean Observation Initiative and EMODnet as the in situ component of the European Digital Twin Ocean. The event kicked off a Marine Knowledge week, highlighting EMODnet as a cornerstone of EU marine knowledge. Stay tuned for full Highlights! Read more: EMODnet Open Conference 2025 and Vision 2035.
Join online on Thursday, January 29 at 11am CET for an information session on EDITO’s first call for Financial Support to 3rd Parties. The call will offer financial support to onboard existing applications onto the EDITO platform, enhancing the EDITO ecosystem contributing to the co-construction of the European Digital Twin Ocean. Learn more about who can apply, the application process, the evaluation criteria, and more in this information session. Register here.
The Digital Ocean Forum (DOF) 2025 brought together the marine data and digital ocean community in Brussels for two days of inspiring discussions, demonstrations, and collaboration on the European Digital Twin Ocean. EMODnet is an active and core contributor to the DOF event series, not least as the in situ marine data component of the European Digital Twin Ocean. Held back-to-back with the EMODnet Open Conference 2025 as part of EU Marine Knowledge Week, the event showcased Europe’s progress toward a connected, data-driven, and digitally enabled ocean. You can now revisit the event’s key moments through the Photo gallery, Replays and PDF presentations and Use case testimonies!
The UN OD DCO ODS Data Sharing Software Webinar Series brought together participants from around the world to explore innovative tools and best practices for ocean data sharing. For those who were unable to attend live—or who wish to revisit the discussions—all recordings are now freely available on the IOC/IODE YouTube channel. As preparations begin for the 2026 edition of the series, organisers invite feedback from the community through a short survey where participants can suggest topics and ideas for future sessions. This initiative continues to advance knowledge exchange and strengthen capacity in open and interoperable ocean data systems.
We are pleased to announce the release of the OSL 3.0 Final Report and OSL 3.0 Highlights Video. These resources provide a summary of the event which took place in early Spring 2023, and the key results and outcomes. Thanks to all co-organisers, mentors, coaches and participants for an engaging and interactive event that pushed the boundaries of marine data innovation.
Meeting minutes and presentations are available for: 16th EMODnet (Spring 2022) Steering Committee Meeting 7th EC Marine Knowledge Expert Group (MKEG) Meeting Minutes 11th EMODnet (Spring 2022) Technical Working Group Meeting
The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IMPA), one of the EMODnet partners, is a state laboratory whose mission is to promote and coordinate scientific research, technological development, innovation and services on sea and atmosphere. This use case is set in the context of REPowereu project and used EMODnet data to develop up to 10 GW of electrical production centers in the offshore of Portugal, based on oceanic renewable energy until 2030.
EMODnet Chemistry data was used in a research study in the Mediterranean Sea region to support the implementation of Good Environmental Status as defined by the MSFD. More specifically, researchers developed a common methodology for the determination of eutrophication thresholds and reference values for the Eastern Mediterranean Sea basin, and tested an integrative tool as a common assessment method for eutrophication status.
EMODnet played a pivotal role in a recent study conducted by the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute (SMMI) of the University of Southampton, a global leader in oceanography and marine geoscience. Master’s student Cedric Muscat, alongside SMMI experts and external stakeholders, utilised EMODnet’s extensive datasets, including Bathymetry, Seabed Substrate, and parameters of Human Activities, to identify optimal locations for offshore wind farms in Malta's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
AQUASERV invites researchers from academia, industry, and policy to apply for its Open Call offering free Transnational Access to top-tier aquatic research infrastructures across Europe. Whether you're investigating aquatic ecosystems, developing nature-based solutions, or supporting ocean restoration, this initiative provides the tools, data, and expertise you need to drive innovation and advance your project. Applications are open until 30 September 2025. More information: https://www.aquaserv-ri.eu/transnational-access-call
The Horizon Europe project AQUARIUS is launching a funding call on 2 September 2025 for transnational access to a portfolio of marine and freshwater research infrastructures, in support of the EU Mission Ocean and Waters. The funded projects will be guided to implement a dedicated data management approach, ensuring collected data and metadata will be managed in line with the FAIR principles. The data will be ingested into EMODnet, which is in turn feeding into the European Digital Twin data lake (EU-DTO). Find out more: https://www.aquaserv-ri.eu/transnational-access-call/
The Horizon Europe 2025 Programme has launched eight new calls under the Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters, with a total budget of €120 million to fund up to 18 projects. From Blue Parks and marine litter reduction to sustainable blue economy solutions and the EU Digital Twin Ocean, these calls target key priorities for ocean health and innovation. The deadline for proposals is 24 September 2025. Explore the calls and apply now via the EU Funding and Tenders Portal.
How is ocean data shaping global governance and policymaking? The ERC research project TwinPolitics is investigating this question through a new international survey exploring how ocean data, knowledge, and emerging technologies—such as the Digital Twin of the Ocean (DTO)—inform decision-making. The survey is open to policymakers, diplomats, researchers, NGOs, and stakeholders involved in ocean governance. Available in six UN languages and German, it takes around 15 minutes to complete and aims to identify how ocean data is used, what challenges exist, and how it can better support policy. Take the survey: https://univie.questionpro.eu/oceandatasurvey
The European Commission has launched a public consultation to gather views on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the EU’s long-term budget for the post-2027 period. Stakeholders from all sectors are invited to share their perspectives on future priorities, funding allocations, and how the EU budget can best support Europe’s challenges and ambitions. The consultation is open until 7 May 2025. Follow the link to learn more.
UNESCO in partnership with the Committee on Data (CODATA) of the International Science Council (ISC) is launching a consultation to explore how the principles of open science could guide efficient policies for data sharing in times of crisis. The International Science Council is seeking contributions to help develop data policies that enhance global responses to crises. Effective data policies are critical for ensuring timely, reliable, and actionable information in times of emergency. Your expertise can help shape guidelines that empower better decision-making and foster international collaboration. Share your insights and contribute to this important initiative. The deadline for input is 16 December. Learn more and get involved: Developing Data Policies for Crisis
The World Conference on Marine Biodiversity (WCMB) 2026 will take place from 17–20 November 2026 in Bruges, Belgium, with organisation led by the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ). This flagship global event will gather scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore the latest research, innovations, and solutions for marine biodiversity observations, data, conservation and sustainable ocean management. The Call for Abstracts is open until 17 March 2026 (23:59 CET), and registration is now available via the WCMB 2026 registration portal, with early-bird rates valid until 18 June 2026. Find all submission details and updates on the WCMB 2026 website.
Oceanology International returns to London ExCeL on 10–12 March 2026, bringing together the global ocean technology community for three days of innovation, demonstrations, and expert insights. Participants can explore the latest marine science and technology, attend technical sessions, join dockside demos, and connect through 1-to-1 matchmaking.
The third edition of the European Ocean Days will take place on 2–6 March 2026, bringing together Europe’s ocean community to explore ocean literacy, blue skills, innovation, investment and the latest progress under the EU Mission Restore Our Ocean and Waters. Guided by the European Ocean Pact, the week will feature thematic sessions, stakeholder consultations and opportunities to help shape future ocean and water resilience strategies. Stay tuned for registration opening in December.
From 27 June – 1 July 2022, ocean stakeholders gathered in Lisbon, Portugal for the second UN Ocean Conference. Experts from across the EMOD-network co-organised and participated in a number of activities, including a side event on Marine Data Interoperability co-organised by EMODnet, IOC-UNESCO, Fugro, IODE/IOC, VLIZ, Copernicus Marine Service and the Intertidal Agency, in collaboration with the EC and the UN Ocean Decade Data Coordination Group, for which EMODnet is a co-Chair, and a side event on “Digital Ocean Systems” co-organised by Mercator Ocean International, amongst others. Ocean Literacy also featured highly on the agenda with a side event on Ocean Literacy Dialogues co-organised by the EC DG MARE, the European Ocean Literacy Coalition EU4Ocean and IOC-UNESCO. In addition, EMODnet was highlighted as a key marine data service and infrastructure for the EU Green Deal, Digital Twin Ocean, UN 2030 Agenda and the UN Ocean Decade. The European Atlas of the Seas communication tool was also noted to be the mapping tool selected by the EC for reporting the evolution of Mission “Restore our Ocean, seas and inland waters by 2030”. And it was celebrated as a tool for education at the event Creating Good Vibes' Generations which brought together the Escola Azul community, the Portuguese network of Blue Schools, a key component of the European Ocean Literacy EU4Ocean Coalition.
