The registration is now open for the anticipated All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA) Forum 2025, hosted by the European Union on September 25-26 in Brussels.
The AAORIA unites countries across the Atlantic basin – from Europe, Africa, North and South America, to both polar regions – to advance marine research and innovation through collaborative efforts. This unique alliance continues to strengthen international cooperation in implementing the Galway and Belém Statements while addressing the priorities outlined in the All-Atlantic Declaration.
This year’s Forum holds particular significance as the EU’s chairmanship agenda aligns strategically with both the EU’s Atlantic Strategy and the ambitious EU Mission ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters’. The event will serve as a critical platform to showcase achievements in implementing the AAORIA Declaration and advance cooperation across all agreed partnership areas.
A key focus of the Forum will be promoting activities that transfer scientific knowledge and solutions to local communities along the Atlantic coastline. The upcoming network of Atlantic Beacon Sites- demonstration sites for coastal resilience – will be highlighted as a model for cooperation among inter-linked policy areas based on scientific results. Additionally, the Forum will further the Atlantic inter-generational dialogue through an innovative Blue Intergenerational Programme.
The AAORIA Forum represents a unique opportunity to connect the Atlantic research community with policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society. By bringing together diverse stakeholders from across the Atlantic, it can accelerate knowledge exchange and develop more effective, coordinated approaches to ocean challenges.
Attendance is free, but spaces are limited with registration accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The organizers strongly encourage early registration, particularly for participants requiring invitation letters for visa purposes.
In keeping with AAORIA’s commitment to accessibility, the Forum will also be web-streamed, with recordings made available on the AAORIA website following the event.
To register, please visit the following webpage: https://bit.ly/4m7Uda4
More information on the event will be shared soon.
Networking Friday with Milton Kampel (INPE)
On May 15th, 1-2 pm UTC, we had Milton Kampel, Lab Leader of MOceanS – Monitoring Oceans from Space Lab, from INPE – Brazilian National Space Research Institute. From his laboratory, located in Sao Jose dos Campos, Sao Paulo, Milton presented his work on use of satellite images and metocean modelling for studying land-ocean interactions and monitoring corals and mangroves. This session was moderated by Sofia Cordeiro, Head of the Ocean Office at FCT – Portuguese Foundation of Science and Technology.
Networking Friday with Samuel Mafwila (SANUMARC, University of Namibia)
On May 8th, 2020, 1-2 pm UTC, we met Samuel Mafwila, Director of SANUMARC, which is a multidisciplinary research centre of the University of Namibia, located at Henties Bay, Namibia. The main themes discussed were the sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture sectors in Southern Africa, desert and coastal agriculture in Namibia and the importance of and indigenous knowledge. Stewart Bernard, Principal Researcher from CSIR – South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and Chief Scientific Officer of the AIR Centre, moderated the session.
Networking Friday with Gregory Jenkins (Penn State’s AESEDA)
The Networking Fridays Webinar series started on April 24th with with Gregory Jenkins, Professor of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science at Penn State University and Director of AESEDA – Penn State’s Alliance for Education, Science, Engineering & Design with Africa, will share with the audience his work to improve observations and predictions on air pollution in West Africa by bringing together Earth observation, numerical modelling and innovative low cost sensors. The session will be moderated by Jerry Miller, President of Science for Decisions, a consulting practice founded to ensure that solid science is available to inform decisions that impact people and places around the globe.