Ocean Science Meeting in Glasgow concludes with energy and vision for the future

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Last week at the Ocean Sciences Meeting (OSM) in Glasgow, over 6500 ocean scientists came together to discuss all aspects of ocean and marine sciences- everything from climate change to physical oceanography to eDNA. The week was a brilliant opportunity to meet new and familiar faces and learn of scientific opportunities and the latest endeavors and new findings. Early Career Researchers were especially well represented, bringing new ideas and fresh perspectives for the future.

As a career highlight, I made the first eLighting presentation in the Anthropogenic impacts on blue carbon session first thing in the morning! My iPoster and presentation were well received with constructive engagement, feedback and food for thought. At lunch time, Women in Coastal Geoscience and Engineering network organised a roundtable discussion on Inclusivity to diversity – how to shatter the glass ceiling – here are some highlights from the day, which ended with a lovely dinner with ECOPs from around the world 🌎

Career highlight at OSM 2026
Presenting my presentation and iPoster on Ensemble Forecasting of Blue Carbon Habitat Distribution and Biogeochemical Dynamics at OSM26
iPosters in the eLightning theatre in the Blue Carbon Session

The Monday Lunchtime’s roundtable discussion by the Women in Coastal Geoscience and Engineering (WICGE) network on Inclusivity to Diversity- How to shatter the glass ceiling. WICGE aims to inspire, support, and encourage women at all stages of their careers, through networking, mentoring, and advocating for equal representation and opportunities. The Challenger Society for Marine Science teamed up with the Oceanography Society for a vibrant discussion on EDIA success stories and examples where initiatives have achieved real change (see word cloud below).

Poster for the roundtable discussion
Five themes were discussed in the WICGE roundtable discussion
The Early Career Ocean Professionals network from all around the globe in Glasgow
Broadening the taskforce townhall by the Challenger Society for Marine Sciences

Overall, this has got to be one of the best Ocean Science Meetings to be held so far, first time outside of the USA, marking an important halfway milestone in the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). The decade can be half full or half empty- as they say. Such conferences like OSM can be instrumental in making connections and getting valuable feedback from colleagues from different scientific disciplines. Through the fruitful discussions with many connections, marine conservation was put at the heart of the many environmental challenges facing the oceans today. The work that needs to be done by scientists to get to a solutions-focused science, has been made one step easier just by working together.