From 24 to 27 March 2026, the city of Venice will host the first edition of the International Symposium – Transformative Ocean Science, an event of international significance organised by CNR ISMAR, DSSTTA and IRBIM, in collaboration with leading national and international marine research partners.
The event has been conceived in response to the growing need to translate scientific knowledge into concrete action, placing at its core the new European vision of The Ocean Pact, the European strategy dedicated to the future of our oceans.
The Symposium serves as a high‑level forum bringing together scientific communities, research institutions, policymakers and international organisations to discuss how ocean science must evolve in order to address the most pressing environmental and societal challenges. Its aim is to explore how science, ethics and innovation can work together to make the sustainability of our blue planet truly operational and to contribute to the implementation of the Ocean Pact.
The Symposium comprises three invitation‑only days during which discussions among participants revolve around three fundamental pillars: the first is dedicated to Transformative Sciencereflecting on the role of research in reconciling economic development, ethical responsibility and environmental balance, so as to foster a form of science capable of producing tangible change and influencing political decision‑making and the management of marine resources. Beyond the boundaries of researchwhich explores the new scientific frontiers and interdisciplinary approaches required to fully implement the European Union’s Ocean Pact. From knowledge to action,which focuses the activities on developing concrete tools to guide the future of ocean governance, including a Strategic Roadmap to define strategic priorities and areas of collaborative research, a Policy Brief with key recommendations for the European Commission, the European Parliament and international partners, and a White Paper dedicated to Transformative Ocean Science and the contribution of the Ocean Pact. The fourth day, on 27 March, is open to the public: it is possible to register for on‑site participation via a dedicated form or follow the event remotely through a dedicated link, which will be published on this page.
The Symposium’s Scientific Committee brings together leading figures in the international marine research landscape, representing research institutions, universities and European as well as global organisations. Led by Mario Sprovieri, Director of CNR‑ISMAR, the Committee includes experts in physical and biological oceanography, Earth observation, applied ethics, technological innovation, ocean governance and climate change; the Director of IRBIM, Gian Marco Luna, is also a member.
The Committee’s extensive experience in international strategic programmes, oceanographic missions, research infrastructures and European initiatives such as the Ocean & Waters Mission and the Ocean Pact ensures an authoritative, interdisciplinary and concrete scientific oversight, strengthening the promotion of Transformative Ocean Science.
As a co‑organiser, IRBIM anticipates the participation of Fabio Campanella, Valentina Lauria, Andrea Miccoli e Emanuela Fanelli who will act as rapporteurs throughout the event; however, the involvement extends to the entire scientific community, which will be able to contribute reflections and content through a dedicated form. The estimated time required for completion is approximately 50 minutes, the submission deadline is 30 April, and the designated contact person is Dr Elena Gissi (CNR ISMAR).