What is the TwinPolitics Ocean Seminar about?

The world’s oceans are home to prestige ecosystems and marine biodiversity, yet much remains unknown. Advances in big data and digital technologies such as digital twins of the ocean (DTO) are opening new possibilities to better understand and protect our oceans but also introducing uncertainties in reshaping the relationship between ocean science and politics.

The TwinPolitics Ocean Seminar Series will build on the foundation of the monthly MARIPOLDATA Ocean Seminar Series and expand its scope and approach. It will continue to offer timely, in-depth discussions on ocean governance, with a focus on the recent developments in data, science, and technology, and their influence on shaping global ocean governance and multilateral decision-making. The series will bring together interdisciplinary insights from international experts across academia, government, and civil society, covering recently published peer-reviewed articles, research papers, first-hand experiences, policy briefs, and other contributions to advancing our understanding of global ocean governance.

In its new edition, the TwinPolitics Ocean Seminar Series will combine input from academics and practitioners on a range of ocean topics, including the development of the DTO and its implications, the ongoing international negotiations for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ), Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Global Plastics Treaty, deep-sea mining, and other overarching ocean topics such as monitoring, modelling, Ocean and Climate Change Nexus etc.

Objectives

  • Create a platform for debating recent publications in the field of ocean science and politics
  • Enhance understanding of scientific and technological advancements and their implications for ocean governance
  • Promote dialogue across disciplines and research areas
  • Foster interdisciplinary exchange among scholars with an interest in ocean-related issues
  • Engage individuals from diverse academic backgrounds with an interest in global environmental governance and ocean issues

Target Group

The TwinPolitics Ocean Seminar Series is meant for researchers focusing on ocean governance issues from various perspectives, including political science, law, biology, computer science, oceanography, and more. It also appeals to policymakers involved in global ocean governance at international, regional, national, and local level, representatives of non-governmental organizations dedicated to protecting our planet, supporters of sustainable blue economy, students exploring research interests in ocean related topics and anyone with an interest in ocean governance. All disciplines are welcome.

Format

  • Speakers: Each session of the TwinPolitics Ocean Seminar will feature one guest speaker to present and one discussant to discuss recently published peer-reviewed articles, research papers, first-hand experiences, policy briefs, and other contributions to advance understanding of global ocean governance.
  • Time: The seminar will be held virtually once a month, typically on a Wednesday afternoon, with the schedule adjusted to accommodate the availability of guest speakers and discussants. Exact dates and times will be communicated well in advance of each session.

How to Join

If you’re interested in participating, please subscribe via the link https://mailchi.mp/ed2568d2b8dd/ocean-seminar-lecture-series. You’ll be added to the TwinPolitics Ocean Seminar Series mailing list to receive updates on upcoming sessions and reading materials.

If you have any questions, please contact TwinPolitics team (twinpolitics.erc.powi@univie.ac.at).