Main goals

A concept road map for the Symposia 

  1. Identify and Reframe the Ocean Science grand challenges through a solutions-oriented systems approach 

What is the impact of a changing climate and biodiversity loss on ocean ecosystems functioning and the Earth System?  

While identifying grand challenges remains important, the Symposia aim to go beyond, by actively seeking integrated, actionable solutions. For example, rather than asking only “What is the impact of a changing climate and warming ocean on ocean ecosystems?”, the focus could shift to “How can we mitigate or adapt to these impacts through systemic, multi-actor strategies?”

  1. Map observation and models 

What observations and models/tools are needed to understand and address the grand challenges?  

This question encompasses implementation strategies and ancillary data requirements.  This is also where AI and ocean technologies become crucial, particularly in relation to ocean operations and digital innovation. Industry partners with focus on autonomous platforms and next generation sensors could play a leading role in this area. An important objective will be to discuss ways in which paleo-methods can be used to infer how marine ecosystems have been impacted by environmental changes in the past, and to explore how this can provide a window to help predict the consequences of climate change on marine ecosystems in a future ocean 

  1. Establish the economic impact of the grand challenges 

Why are ocean challenges human challenges?  

Phytoplankton contributes to the protein supply of over 3 billion people; 42% of the global population relies on the ocean for at least one source of protein (UN); an estimated $24 trillion in resources are locked up in the ocean.   In the U.S. alone, from 1980 to 2024, there were 403 weather and climate disasters where damages/costs reached or exceeded $1 billion (including CPI adjustment to 2024), with total costs surpassing $3 trillion. This question involves exploring economic and societally relevant implications of future marine research. 

  1. Transformative and translational science: ensuring transdisciplinary approaches 

How can marine science bridge translational impact and transformative discovery to better serve society and advance knowledge? 

Translational science transforms observations from the laboratory, field or even public input into formats that directly impact people or resources. For example, converting ocean temperature data into weather forecasts, or phytoplankton chlorophyll-a levels into cholera outbreak predictions. The goal is to be able to generate scientific and operational/applied innovations that will inform the public, managers and policymakers.  This may also involve enhancing adaptive management capacity. Transformational science, on the other hand, challenges current paradigms and opens new frontiers in science, technology, education, and engineering. It is discovery driven and pushes the boundaries of knowledge.  

  1. Human sciences and ethics 

Can ethical principles and transdisciplinary approaches guide marine science to ensure responsible, inclusive, and socially relevant research from local to global scales? 

Strengthening the ethical foundations of marine science is essential to ensuring that research serves the public good and responds to complex social and ecological realities. This includes embedding ethics into the design, funding, and implementation of projects, particularly in relation to common goods, responsible resource use, and inclusive stakeholder engagement.  

A more integrated approach is also needed to bridge the natural and social sciences. For example, ethical frameworks and participatory processes are increasingly crucial in areas such as deep-sea exploration, where scientific uncertainty and global governance gaps raise major societal questions. By promoting transdisciplinary research, Europe can better address challenges at the intersection of science, society, the private sector and the marine environment. To this end, specific strategies can be proposed to support inter- and transdisciplinary approaches that enable concrete actions and foster effective interactions between research and innovation from local-to-global scales. 

The Human sciences and ethics play a critical role, now more than ever, in ensuring the responsible adoption of Artificial Intelligence across diverse fields of ocean science. 

Strategic Relevance 

In a moment when marine science risks being underrepresented within Europe’s next Framework Programme, the Venice Symposium serves as both a scientific and strategic platform to demonstrate how ocean research drives innovation, resilience, and human wellbeing.

By connecting knowledge, ethics, and technology, the Transformative Ocean Science Symposia aim to redefine the societal role of marine research and strengthen Europe’s leadership in shaping a sustainable ocean future.