The 2026 IOCAS International Training Course on Subsurface Mooring Observations
Qingdao, China
14 - 20 September, 2026
Background:
The subsurface mooring system is the most effective method for quantifying changing ocean conditions over long periods, which is a cornerstone of understanding climate change. However, recovery and deployment of moorings are very challenging and require comprehensive experience, professional knowledge, and skills. Based on rich experience and solid research capacity in subsurface mooring observation and application, the IOCAS has hosted three training courses on Subsurface Mooring Observations since 2023. The training program aims to provide scientific and technological training to countries worldwide, significantly contributing to the goal of global ocean observation.
Course Topics:
● Research vessel tour and introduction
● Mooring design, deployment, and retrieval procedures
● Field operation and data processing
● Dynamic processes and mechanisms analysis and interpretation
● Scientific reports
Working Language:
The course will be conducted in English
Expert Team:
The instructor team comprises leading scientists with strong academic expertise, extensive hands-on experience in marine expeditions. They demonstrated their effectiveness by successfully delivering the training courses held in previous events, receiving outstanding evaluations and commendations from participants. The core team will be complemented by invited experts in relevant fields, ensuring a diverse and cutting-edge curriculum grounded in global best practices.
Eligible Applicants:
● Be aged under 40 in 2026;
● Early-career scientists, post-doctoral fellows, PhD students, and marine managers from countries worldwide engaged in marine scientific research, observation & application, and marine management & development strategy, etc., for more than 2 years;
● Good working knowledge of English and use of own personal laptop during the training;
● Good health, free from infectious diseases, severe hypertension, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and physical disabilities；
● Seaworthiness (part of the training, i.e., field sampling will be on a boat);
● During the stay in China, abide by the relevant laws and regulations of the People's Republic of China, and respect Chinese customs.
● Applicants who have attended the previous training courses held in 2023 & 2024 & 2025 are not eligible for selection.
Important Dates (GMT+8):
Applications are open during: 19 May – 21 June 2026
Announcement of selected participants: 25– 26 June 2026
Invitation letter released: 3 -7 July 2026
Handbook released: 31 August 2026
Course Dates: 14 - 20 September, 2026
Expenses and Financial Support for Participants:
● This training is expected to have a capacity for around 25-30 participants, and there is no registration fee;
● The IOCAS will cover meals and insurance fees for all participants during the training period;
● Limited financial support of accommodation and round-trip airfare between China and countries of participants is available for those applicants who meet the following criteria: Research experience in related fields (oceanography, hydrography, etc.) with published papers; Good working knowledge of ocean in-situ observations; Good ideas on ocean observations or potential funding for future international field campaign cooperation; A gender balance will be considered for this financial support selection.
Venue:
The training course will be held at the Guzhenkou Campus of the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Address: No. 88 Haijun Road, Huangdao District, Qingdao, China
Organizers:
Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IOCAS)
Key Laboratory of Ocean Observation and Forecasting (LOOF)
Partners:
Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO)
POGO Western Pacific Regional Node Office
Health of Ocean under Multiple Ecosystem Stressors (HOMES)
Addressing Global Warming Threats through Marine Observation Systems and AI Customizability (MOSAIC)
Northwestern Pacific Ocean Circulation and Climate Experiment (NPOCE)
Sponsors:
Chinese Academy of Science (CAS)
National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)
Scientific Steering Committee:
Chair:
Fan Wang, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Executive Committee:
Chair:
Jianing Wang, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Vice Chairs:
Yanwei Li, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Hui Zhou, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Secretary General:
Yixin Ma, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Application & Contact Information:
Please strictly follow the requirements below: Fill out the Application Form (named "Country_Name", e.g., China_Ping Zhang) and send it together with your professional CV (max. 2 pages named "Country_Name_CV) and a scanned copy of your highest degree certificate to mayixin@qdio.ac.cn by 16 June, 2026. Incomplete or non‑compliant submissions will not be considered.
Application Form
Contact: Yixin Ma
Tel: 86-532-82898677
Email: mayixin@qdio.ac.cn
For more information: