At this time of global warming, it is even more important that mankind understand the effect of climatic changes on the environment of the oceans. This requires the training of skilled oceanographers at the best institutions in the world.

One of these institutions of excellence is the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS), which has been awarded a Nippon Foundation - Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO) prize as a Centre of Excellence in Observational Oceanography.

The awarding of this prize will allow BIOS to provide 10 months of advanced scientific oceanographic training for 10 candidates from developing countries. While the majority of oceanographic study centers are located in the Northern Hemisphere, two-thirds of the world's oceans are in the Southern Hemisphere where researchers and oceanographers are critically needed.

The purpose of the training program at BIOS is to expand and deepen the capacity to observe the oceans on a worldwide basis. This requires the training of young scientists in developing countries in order to expand international networking in ocean sciences.

At one level, the training will focus on developing excellence in integrated, multidisciplinary oceanography with shipboard training using state-of-the-art instrumentation, and course work that emphasizes the theoretical and applied aspects of ocean operational observation.

At another level, the training is designed a) to enhance the capacity of the international ocean-science community to observe and monitor the world oceans to promote mutual social benefits, b) to assist with the obligations of the oceanographic community to promote sustainable development in the world oceans, and c) to promote networking among the oceanographic institutions of the world.

This is an inspiring opportunity for scientists and graduate students to interact closely with leading experts in their field. The legacy of such training is that they will return to their home countries, and will be in a position to train newcomers at their own institutions.

Link: The Bermuda Institute of Ocean Studies