From 22–27 February 2026, the global ocean science community will gather in Glasgow, Scotland for the Ocean Sciences Meeting 2026. This leading event brings together researchers, policymakers, and innovators to share the latest advances in ocean science, technology, and solutions for a sustainable future. Don’t miss this key moment to connect and collaborate across the marine science landscape. Register today: https://www.agu.org/ocean-sciences-meeting

It’s official! Save-the-date for the 4th EMODnet Open Conference on 25-26 November 2025 in Brussels. This edition will take place during a week of EU Marine Knowledge events, starting with a 0.5-day EMODnet partnership Jamboree on 24 November PM, then the EMODnet Open Conference 25-26 November, directly followed by the Digital Ocean Forum 2025 on 27 November. Stay tuned for more information!

Abstract submissions are now open for the Living Data 2025 conference, taking place on 21–24 October 2025 in Bogotá, Colombia. Join the global biodiversity data community to discuss everything from technical advances in data standards to the role of data in science-policy action. Deadline: 20 May 2025.

Find more information: Living Data 2025 - Information that together, transforms 

Join the European Marine Science Educators Association (EMSEA) from 6–9 October 2025 in Ostend, Belgium, for a special 10th anniversary edition of its annual conference. EMSEA 2025 will celebrate a decade of impact in ocean literacy while bringing together educators, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to share best practices, innovative tools, and collaborative approaches for shaping the future of ocean education across Europe and beyond.

Learn more and register: https://www.emseanet.eu/conferences/2025-ostend-belgium

The 5th International Forum on Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (FBAS 2025) will take place from 6 to 8 September 2025 in Beijing, bringing together global experts, policymakers, and innovators to explore how big data can drive progress towards the SDGs. The forum will showcase cutting-edge data solutions, foster cross-sector collaboration, and promote the use of science-based evidence in decision-making for a more sustainable future.

Follow the link for more information.

The OCEANS 2025 Brest “Call for Abstracts” is now open, inviting experts and innovators to submit cutting-edge technical presentations focusing on Marine Energy, Environmental Marine Engineering, and a Digital Ocean. Abstracts and full technical papers must align with one of these key areas to be considered for inclusion in the conference, taking place from 16–19 June 2025 in Brest, France. Interested contributors can review the conference details and access the abstract submission guidelines here. Submission deadline is 20 December 2024!

Be part of the global conversation on marine science and innovation at OCEANS 2025, taking place in Brest, France, from 16–19 June 2025. This leading conference unites ocean professionals from research, industry, and policy to explore the latest in ocean technology and sustainable solutions. Register now:

Home - OCEANS 2025 Brest 

Be part of the global conversation on marine science and innovation at OCEANS 2025, taking place in Brest, France, from 16–19 June 2025. This leading conference unites ocean professionals from research, industry, and policy to explore the latest in ocean technology and sustainable solutions. Register now: https://brest25.oceansconference.org/

Over 1,250 proposals were submitted for side events at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, reflecting strong international engagement on ocean sustainability. Taking place in three formats—at the Conference venue (Blue Zone), at off-site locations in and around Nice, and virtually—these side events will serve as key moments for stakeholders to exchange experiences, showcase voluntary commitments, and propose innovative solutions in support of SDG 14. The draft programme for Blue Zone side events is now available. Find out more on the official website: https://sdgs.un.org/conferences/ocean2025/side-events

The call for abstracts is now open for the One Ocean Science Congress, scheduled to take place from 4-6 June 2025 in Nice, France. This congress is a special event of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) and presents a unique opportunity for ocean science professionals to present their projects and contributions on a global platform. We encourage you to submit abstracts showcasing your research and initiatives. The submission deadline is 14 November at 13:00 CET. For detailed submission guidelines and additional information, please visit the congress website.

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.

On 28 May 2025 EMODnet experts and wider stakeholders gathered in Brussels for the workshop 'Standards and Practices in Ocean Observation' with EMODnet Physics Coordinator Antonio Novellino and EC DG MARE's Zoi Konstantinou amongst the speakers. Multiple EMODnet partners are involved in the European Ocean Best Practices project, building on the ongoing collaboration between EMODnet and in the in situ ocean observation community to streamline the marine knowledge value chain, from data collection to FAIR data management and services, for users.

The newly published 2025 EU Blue Economy Report outlines major developments in Europe’s ocean-based sectors, from expanding renewable energy and innovation to progress in sustainability and emissions reductions. With coastal tourism, maritime transport, and offshore wind leading the way, the report captures how the EU is advancing a resilient and competitive blue economy. Marine data and knowledge are a key foundation and driver for the transition to a more green and sustainable Blue Economy. The report is produced by the European Commission and Joint Research Centre, the publication offers a comprehensive overview of trends shaping Europe’s Ocean industries. Find out more and download the report: https://blue-economy-observatory.ec.europa.eu/news/eu-blue-economy-report-2025-2025-05-22_en

From 21-23 May 2025, EMODnet made a significant impact at the European Maritime Days (EMD2025) in Cork, Ireland. EMODnet had an exhibition booth and welcomed many stakeholders to discuss the latest EMODnet services, data sharing opportunities and use case and EMODnet's Biology Coordinator, Joana Beja (VLIZ, Belgium) spoke at a workshop on biological ocean observation. EMODnet also contributed to presenting EDITO, together with colleagues from Mercator Ocean International and Copernicus Marine. This annual event, organized by the European Commission, brought together around 1,200 marine and maritime stakeholders to discuss and shape the future of Europe’s marine knowledge supporting EU policy and a green and competitive blue economy. Read more and find out about all the highlights of EMODnet's activities during the event:

EMODnet at the European Maritime Days 2025 in Cork, Ireland | European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) 

The UN Ocean Decade has launched Call for Decade Actions No. 09/2025, seeking initiatives that tackle regional and thematic gaps in ocean knowledge while supporting informed policymaking for sustainable development. Anchored in the priorities of the Barcelona Statement and Vision 2030, this call welcomes Expressions of Interest for new Decade Programmes, as well as Decade Projects under 29 existing Programmes. Submissions are now open. For details on eligibility, application forms, and deadlines, visit the Ocean Decade Call 09/2025 webpage. Proponents are encouraged to submit before 31 August 2025.

On Monday, 9 June 2025 (18:30–20:30) at Hôtel Aston La Scala in Nice, a high-level side event at UNOC 2025 will bring together stakeholders from across the public and private sectors to explore the critical role of ocean data sharing including by the private sector e.g., for seabed mapping and bathymetric data sharing. Co-organised by the Ocean Decade Alliance, IOC/UNESCO, International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), GEBCO, the Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project, and the UN Global Compact, this session will discuss how ocean depth data can inform science, support marine management, and shape effective ocean policy. It targets actors involved in ocean data acquisition and sharing, including those influencing data governance in national jurisdictions and holding valuable private-sector data. More information:

https://iho.int/en/side-event-global-ocean-data-sharing 

On 12 June 2025 (14:30–15:15 CEST), EMODnet and the UN Decade Coordination Office for Ocean Data Sharing will co-host a workshop at the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) Digital Ocean Pavilion exploring how regional marine data services contribute to building an interoperable global digital ocean data ecosystem. The session will spotlight examples from EU marine data services e.g., EMODnet, including the service’s international partnerships, EMODnet and Copernicus Marine’s key role as data services for the European Digital Twin Ocean and experts from other National and regional data services. The workshop will include a Panel discussion that showcases how regional cooperation and mandates help deliver FAIR data and ocean knowledge that underpin science, policy, and sustainable development worldwide. The event is in-person and open to all who register for the Green zone. More information: The EU & the Marine Observing Infrastructures

The Institute for Sea Studies Almirante Paulo Moreira (IEAPM), under the Brazilian Navy, used EMODnet Biology’s data services—including the Biocheck tool and Data Laundry sessions—to validate and harmonise a large zooplankton image dataset collected with the LOKI (Lightframe On-sight Key species Investigation), an underwater optical camera system. This collaboration supported marine research in the South Brazilian Shelf and advanced the application of FAIR data principles, paving the way for scientific outputs and improved environmental monitoring. Read more:

https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/en/use-case/emodnet-biology-biocheck-tool-aids-harmonisation-dataset-collected-situ-optical-plankton 

Using EMODnet Geology and Bathymetry data, ISPRA has characterized the structural settings of Italy's surrounding seas. The data provided insights into tectonic activity, including earthquakes and submarine volcanoes. This comprehensive information forms a solid basis for future studies on marine geohazard assessment and land management. Read more:

EMODnet Geology helps characterise structural settings of seas surrounding Italy | European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet)