The Southern Ocean Observing System (SOOS), headquartered in Hobart, is gearing up to welcome over 250 delegates from 25 different countries for its inaugural symposium which will host global discussions centred around the Southern Ocean’s significance in the realm of climate science.
The 2023 SOOS symposium theme is ‘Southern Ocean in a Changing World’ and will be held at Hobart’s Hotel Grand Chancellor from August 14 to 18.
SOOS executive officer, Dr. Alyce Hancock, who is based at the SOOS International Project Office at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), emphasised the timeliness of the Symposium, underscoring the importance of uniting the global community to delve into the intricate dynamics of the Southern Ocean, often referred to as the global climate engine.
“Antarctic sea ice is at record low levels during winter and there is new research charting shifts in critically important deep currents,” Hancock said.
“As a gateway city to eastern Antarctica, home port to Australia’s national research vessels, and host of the SOOS International Project Office for 13 years, Hobart is the perfect venue for the inaugural SOOS Symposium.
“We can’t wait to welcome attendees to Hobart from every continent, from Somalia to South Korea, from Brazil to Brussels, Ghana to Georgia.”
SOOS is a globally-recognised initiative aimed at elevating the quality and breadth of observations within the Southern Ocean. By cultivating a global network of research professionals and policymakers, SOOS ensures the sharing of insights that contribute to advancing our comprehension of this vital ecosystem.
Business Events Tasmania’s Business Events Attraction fund (BEAF) played a pivotal role in enabling the realisation of the SOOS Symposium. The fund strategically entices both national and international events of significance to the state.
University of Tasmania’s (UTAS) College of Science and Engineering executive dean, Terry Bailey, said he was pleased that the university would continue to host the SOOS International Project Office in Hobart.
“As a leading university for climate and marine research it is important that UTAS continues to sponsor and host the SOOS as we have for the last 12 years,” Bailey said.
“A vibrant and active SOOS is fundamental to our understanding of the Southern Ocean and Antarctic environments and essential to maintaining IMAS’s status as a global leader in Southern Ocean research.”
