MarSens hosted Ocean Optics XXVII: That’s a wrap!

marsensugent

4 hours ago

3 min read

From 13–18 September, the international Ocean Optics community gathered in Ghent for the 27th International Ocean Optics Conference, chaired by MarSens PI Griet Neukermans.

The conference brought together 367 participants from 29 countries for a week of science on ocean optics, remote sensing, new observing technologies, and their applications to understanding our changing oceans.

With 49 oral presentations, 247 posters, four invited plenary talks, and the prestigious Jerlov Award lecture, there was plenty of science to discuss — in the magnificent Theaterzaal of Viernulvier, around the poster arena and exhibition at the beautiful Wintercircus, and perhaps just as importantly, in all the conversations that happened in between.

It was a particularly special week for MarSens. Our team not only presented its latest research on marine optics, autonomous sensors, particles and ocean carbon cycling, but also helped welcome and host the Ocean Optics community throughout the week. A very special thank you to the entire MarSens team, who stepped in wherever needed and helped us host this wonderfully international and interdisciplinary gathering of ocean scientists here in Ghent. Organizing a conference of this scale was a huge team effort. Thank you!

Students and early-career scientists were an important part of the conference programme. The week included short courses, fast-paced lightning-talk sessions, student presentation awards, opportunities for students to introduce our plenary speakers, and an Early Career Luncheon bringing together 80 early-career scientists and 20 mentors from academia, government and industry for a lively hour of speed mentoring and conversations about careers in ocean science. A special thank you to Heidi Dierssen and Jeremy Werdell for organizing the luncheon, and to EUMETSAT for sponsoring it — and apologies for missing this well-deserved thank you in the closing remarks!

We were particularly delighted by the incredibly positive response to the conference — from long-standing members of the Ocean Optics community as well as many first-time participants. Bringing this community to Ghent was a huge undertaking, but seeing the scientific exchange, new connections and enthusiasm throughout the week made it more than worthwhile.

A huge thank you to the Ocean Optics XXVII Planning Committee, The Oceanography Society, our sponsors and exhibitors, and everyone who contributed their time and energy to making the conference happen.

Most of all, thank you to everyone who came to Ghent and brought your science, ideas, questions and enthusiasm with you. As Griet said at the closing ceremony, a planning committee can put together a programme, find venues and organize sessions — but YOU create the conference.

For a more personal reflection on what it meant to bring Ocean Optics to Ghent — and on the community behind the conference — you can read conference chair Griet Neukermans’ opening and closing remarks from Ocean Optics XXVII below.

And perhaps the words written in lights around the Wintercircus are still the best way to wrap up the week:

Never stop listening and never stop debating — because science advances when we listen to each other, but also when we challenge each other's ideas.

Never stop wondering — because science starts with being curious, deep thinking about something we don't yet understand and wanting to know why.

And never stop playing. Some of the best science begins when we experiment, try something that might not work, or simply look at an old problem differently.

Ocean Optics XXVII: that’s a wrap!