The SEA-EU alliance continues to fortify its collaborative spirit with NORD University, highlighted by the recent docking of two Polish research vessels, r/v Oceanograf and r/v Oceania, in Bodø. This event, celebrated by students, researchers, and administrative staff, underscores the growing cooperation within the SEA-EU network.
Vice-Dean for R&D at the Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Kiron Viswanath, expressed his enthusiasm: “The SEA-EU alliance is great for NORD University. Especially this event of bringing both Polish ships to Bodø is really amazing for building cooperation inside the SEA-EU.” He noted the impressive technology and equipment on the r/v Oceanograf, while the r/v Oceania evoked memories of past marine research methodologies, contrasting with the modern opportunities available to young researchers today.
The arrival of these vessels coincided with the inaugural Norwegian exhibition of ‘Women’s View of the Sea,’ a collection that blends scientific and artistic perspectives on maritime issues. This exhibition features 10 award-winning works and distinguished pieces from previous competitions, showcasing the synergy between scientific themes explored by female scientists and their artistic reflections by female artists. The exhibition served as a dynamic backdrop for discussions on the contemporary landscape of science.
Professor Henning Reiss from the Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture emphasized the importance of international cooperation in marine research. “Science is always a collaboration. Nowadays, it’s impossible to do marine science without international joint projects. It’s very expensive to organize a cruise like this one, so it has to be done with the help of our colleagues from Poland, Spain, Italy, etc. This kind of collaboration is vital for marine research and also for Norway. Our country has a coastline that is over 100,000 km long, but we know very little of its ecology. These collaborations are an ideal platform to close knowledge gaps we have in this subject.”
The afternoon saw both ships open to the public, providing guided tours led by researchers. Visitors, ranging from marine science enthusiasts to curious locals, were given a firsthand look at life on board a research vessel and the intricate processes involved in marine research. These tours offered a tangible glimpse into the practical aspects of the researchers’ daily work, complementing the theoretical knowledge often confined to academic papers.
Hanna Mary Pettersen, student council representative at SEA-EU from NORD University, reflected on the day’s events: “The tour of the ships today was really informative. It’s really fun to see the implementation of the work we do every day. Often you get stuck looking at the paper, so it’s good to see the practical aspect of researchers doing their work. Everyone is having fun and doing what they love, which is what we are all working towards.”
The day’s events not only highlighted the technological advancements in marine research but also celebrated the collaborative efforts that drive scientific discovery. The blend of art and science, embodied in the ‘Women’s View of the Sea’ exhibition, and the hands-on experiences aboard the research vessels, fostered a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of global marine research efforts. As the SEA-EU alliance continues to grow, such initiatives will remain pivotal in bridging knowledge gaps and advancing the frontiers of marine science.
Discover the SEA-EU Oceanographic Campaign, BALTARCTIC Research Cruise on the official website.
