Key messages on inclusiveness and transformative ocean science
On the 27th March, the Symposium brought together scientific community and policy stakeholders to discuss how ocean science can better support societal priorities and decision-making.
Key messages highlighted the need to rethink how ocean science is positioned within society, and to change the narrative around the value of ocean research. Discussions also underlined that systemic ocean challenges cannot be addressed through incremental approaches alone, and that more coordinated, long-term and mission-driven strategies are required scientifically, institutionally and financially.
A central theme was inclusiveness: ocean science can only be transformative if it is inclusive, across disciplines and across the science–policy interface, so that knowledge is usable and effectively translated into action.
These priorities closely reflect CIESM’s role as an intergovernmental, independent commission: a neutral platform for cross-border scientific cooperation, and a long-standing “think tank” since 1919, incubating new ideas, methods and promoting dialogues that help connect robust marine science with decision-making for our shared seas.
On site, the CIESM representative was pleased to exchange with CIESM National Delegates Jean-François Doussin and François Houllier (France) and Alan Deidun (Malta).
