Meet tomorrow’s generation of scientists: Investigating ocean deoxygenation and acidification

A School Supported by Lead Organizations in the Field

After two years of preparation, the GOOD-OARS Summer School took place on 4-11 November 2025 at the Centre for Marine and Coastal studies (CEMACS), Malaysia. Under the lead of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, more than 10 partner organizations came together to support the summer school, including the two IOC-supported expert groups – the Global Ocean Oxygen Network (GO₂NE) and the Global Ocean Acidification Network (GOA-ON) – as well as the two Ocean Decade programmes – the Global Ocean Oxygen Decade (GOOD) and the Ocean Acidification Research for Sustainability (OARS).

A School Combining Theoretical and Practical Training

During the summer school, early career scientists (ERCs) had the possibility to learn more about the drivers and impacts of ocean deoxygenation and acidification. The days were filled with lecturers introducing the scientific basis, hands-on training comprising observation and experimental techniques, science communication and outreach, as well as ethical considerations when conducting science. In line with the vision of the Ocean Decade, the school encouraged engagement with the end-users of science. A stakeholder event with the local aquaculture industry allowed participants to identify how new scientific findings might be applied by the private sector.

Building Future Generations of Experts

CEMACS provided an ideal setting for this summer school, with plenty of opportunities for ERCs and leading scientists to share knowledge, connect science to action, and establish future collaborations.

The 34 ERCs from 23 countries left the venue with new friends and scientific ideas, which both will be instrumental in tackling ocean deoxygenation and acidification in the future.

The next GOOD-OARS Summer School is already provisionally planned for 2027.

If you are interested in more information about ocean oxygen, please sign up to the GO₂NE/GOOD email list and visit the GOOD webpage.

For more insights on ocean acidification, become a GOA-ON member and check out the GOA-ON website.

This article was originally published on IOC’s website.