Activities & Events
Project Milestones & Upcoming Activities
DeePCMED is an active UN Ocean Decade project with regular activities, workshops, and international collaborations. Below are our key milestones, past events, and upcoming activities. We invite researchers, students, policy-makers, and ocean advocates to participate in our initiatives and join our growing network of ocean science professionals.
Project Milestones
Kick-off Meeting
Date: 16 October 2025
Format: Online Meeting
Participants: Project partners from Tunisia, Italy, Algeria, Malta, France, and China
The Kick-off Meeting officially launched the DeePCMED project and brought together all partner institutions to align on project objectives, discuss research methodologies, and establish collaborative frameworks. Participants reviewed the UN Ocean Decade alignment and outlined the work plan for the next phases of the project, including the planned 2027 oceanographic cruise.
World Ocean Week - Xiamen 2025
Date: 6 November 2025
Location: Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
Event: Digital DEPTH Workshop – Digital Deep-Sea Typical Habitats
DeePCMED participated in the World Ocean Week celebration in Xiamen as part of the Digital DEPTH programme activities. The event brought together scientists and ocean experts to discuss digital approaches to deep-sea ecosystem monitoring, habitat mapping, and conservation strategies. This workshop emphasized the importance of international collaboration in understanding and protecting vulnerable deep-sea environments while supporting the UN Ocean Decade objectives.
Read more about the event: https://www.fujian.gov.cn/english/news/202511/t20251107_7031481.htm
One Ocean Science Congress 2025
Date: 3–6 June 2025
Location: Nice, France
Event: OOS 2025 Conference
DeePCMED presented a comprehensive poster at the One Ocean Science Congress 2025 titled: “Investigating and Predicting the Impact of Climate Hazards on Marine Ecosystem Resilience in the Mediterranean Sea Through Deep Oceanic Observation.”
The poster presentation highlighted:
• Deep-sea monitoring choke points (Sardinia and Sicily Channels)
• Integration of multi-source observational data (moorings, Argo floats, in-situ surveys)
• Coupled dynamical-ecological modeling approaches
• Project partnerships and international collaboration
• Alignment with UN Ocean Decade objectives and Digital DEPTH programme
The conference provided an excellent platform to share project progress with the global ocean science community and establish new collaborations.
Upcoming Activities
Quarterly Training Workshops (Starting 2026)
DeePCMED will conduct four quarterly training workshops per year focusing on:
• Advanced marine observation techniques and equipment
• Data analysis methods for oceanographic datasets
• Ecosystem modeling and prediction systems
• Digital tools for deep-sea habitat mapping
Target audience: Early-career researchers, technical staff, graduate students, and professionals from partner institutions and the broader ocean science community. Workshops will be held both in-person and online to maximize accessibility.
Annual Academic Exchanges (Starting 2026)
Researchers and students will have the opportunity to conduct collaborative work at partner institutions, facilitating knowledge transfer and fostering North-South scientific collaboration. These exchanges will focus on:
• Joint research projects
• Capacity building in ocean observation techniques
• Hands-on training with oceanographic equipment
• Collaborative data analysis and modeling
Emphasis will be placed on supporting early-career researchers and scientists from developing nations and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
International Deep-Sea Cruise – 2027
The flagship activity of DeePCMED: a planned international oceanographic cruise coordinated by the Digital DEPTH programme.
Vessel: RV Shen Hai Yi Hao (Research Vessel)
Focus Area: Mediterranean Sea (choke points, deep-sea habitats)
Collaborators: Multi-national team from all partner institutions
Objectives:
• Collect multi-source dynamical and biogeochemical observations across the Mediterranean
• Conduct manned submersible dives and in-situ ecosystem surveys in deep-sea environments
• Sample seawater, sediments, and biodiversity (with potential for new species discovery)
• Perform high-resolution multi-beam seafloor mapping and bathymetric analysis
• Promote international cooperation with active involvement of early-career researchers
Outcomes: Data and samples will contribute to the Digital Deep-Sea Habitat Atlas and integrated observation-simulation-prediction platform, advancing understanding of deep Mediterranean ecosystems under climate change.
Get Involved
Interested in participating in DeePCMED activities? Researchers, students, and ocean professionals are invited to join our workshops, training programs, and collaborative initiatives. Contact us to learn more about current opportunities and how you can contribute to advancing ocean science.