The ICES Science Day took place 7 June at the
Portuguese Institute for Sea and
Atmosphere (IPMA), in Algés, Portugal. The event attracted more than 100
marine scientists and stakeholders from many Portuguese marine research centres
and universities. The objective was to present the ICES Science Plan, explain
how the organization works, and discuss the benefits of increased participation
in the ICES network by Portuguese researchers.
Invited speakers presented lectures on various
scientific areas as per the ICES science priorities ranging from ecosystem
studies, observation and exploration, to aquaculture and social and economic
sciences.
“A whole day dedicated to marine sciences
and ICES was very useful and important for the Portuguese marine science
community”, said Antonina dos Santos, the Portuguese member of the ICES Science Committee
(SCICOM), and one of the organizers of the event.
“The importance of having a funding line allowing
Portuguese scientists to participate more often in ICES working meetings was raised
as a vital point. This would help further consolidate Portugal's position
in the organization”, dos Santos continued.
Belgian community promotes ICES
International science cooperation is
strengthened by coordinated national efforts. The Portuguese event was a
continuation of ICES member country institutes’ efforts to inform their marine
science communities about the opportunities to participate in the organization's work.
The Belgian ICES community is also actively
promoting ICES in the country hoping to increase collaboration among its
members. A series of initiatives have been organized by the recently
established group, BICEpS, with the culmination of BICEpS
Colloquium last November.
The BICEpS community shares information
about their activities via the ICES website. Find out more by
visiting the BICEps webpage.
