About this session

In July-August 2021, a team of marine scientists from the iAtlantic project will embark on a 6-week expedition to investigate and explore the ecosystems and natural processes in the deep sea around the Cabo Verde islands in the central Atlantic Ocean. This expedition – known as iMirabilis2 – is much more than a scientific mission: on board will be a cohort of early career scientists who will undergo hands-on, at-sea training in a range of cutting-edge techniques and skills that will equip them to be the expedition leaders of the future. Partnering with them back on shore around the Atlantic are other iAtlantic researchers who are not able to join the ship but will be supporting the mission and sharing the learning opportunities through virtual means.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, plans for this expedition have had to be significantly adjusted, resulting in a reduced number of scientists and trainees on board the ship. However, to counterbalance this and to ensure as many people as possible can benefit from the exciting experience of working on a research vessel, we will be providing extensive online coverage of the expedition from start to finish. Through this coverage, and thanks to our dedicated and enthusiastic outreach team on board the ship, audiences worldwide can share the adventures of the scientists as they prepare for and undertake a range of experiments and investigations to find out more about the health, functioning and resilience of Atlantic deep-sea ecosystems. Those who join us for the journey will learn about the equipment we use to sample the deep ocean, why we do it and what the data are used for, and how new discoveries and improved understanding can shape our approach to better managing human activities in the ocean. Beyond the science, our followers will discover what it’s like to live and work on board a research vessel, both as a part of the science/technical team who are on board for just a few weeks, and as part of the ship’s crew – without whom these missions would not be possible. Expedition coverage will be supported by a wealth of online background information and support materials that will be accessible and relevant well into the future.

This UN Ocean Decade satellite activity “iMirabilis2: From deep sea to desktop” marks the launch of our expedition coverage. In this session, we will hear from the cruise leaders and our team of early career researchers who will be preparing to enter quarantine ahead of joining the ship in Vigo in mid-July. They will discuss the preparations to date, describe the excitement of scientific discovery at sea, and share their expectations for the expedition ahead as well as their hopes for what their research will help to achieve for the future of the ocean. We will also discuss the challenges of organising and mobilising an expedition in COVID times, and the innovative ways we plan to share the expedition with those back on land. There will be a Q&A session for the audience to ask questions of the panel, and to tell us what they want to see from the at-sea coverage.

It is our hope that this session will enthuse people to follow the iMirabilis2 expedition, and encourage young and aspiring scientists worldwide to join in the capacity building activities we have planned on the ship. In particular, we hope this session will attract young marine professionals and students who will actively engage with the expedition activities, take advantage of the learning opportunities on offer, and become part of and strengthen the network of Atlantic-based stakeholders. For those who are perhaps considering a career in marine science, we hope the expedition coverage and opportunities to engage with the team will inspire them to take a step towards fulfilling their ambition.