The 2026 IOCAS International Training Course on Subsurface Mooring Observations, hosted by the Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IOCAS), successfully concludes on September 20 in Qingdao, China. 20 trainees from 11 countries including Bangladesh, Portugal, Indonesia, India and Bahamas attend the training. More than 20 renowned experts and early-career scientists from China and abroad serve as lecturers.
Prof. WANG Jianing, Assistant Director of IOCAS, delivers closing remarks and presents certificates to trainees. Dr. LI Yanwei, head of International Cooperation Office, chairs the closing ceremony.
On behalf of IOCAS, Prof. WANG warmly congratulates the trainees on successfully completing the training course. He points out that the training systematically strengthens core skills of trainees in ocean observation and data processing, and builds a platform for exchange and cooperation among international peers. He encourages young scientists from various countries to take the training as a new starting point, deepen their work in ocean observation, strengthen international academic exchange and cooperation, and jointly advance global ocean observation technology.
Prof. WANG presents certificates to trainees
During the one-week training, trainees systematically learn fundamental theories of subsurface mooring and buoy observation, the principles of instruments and equipment, standardized deployment and recovery procedures, as well as processing and analysis methods of subsurface mooring data. They gain an in-depth understanding of how subsurface mooring and buoy observations apply to regional ocean dynamic processes, air-sea interactions, ocean climate change, and fishery ecological monitoring.
The training also includes practical operations conducted on a scientific research vessel in the surrounding waters of Qingdao. Trainees carry out the full process of deployment and recovery of subsurface mooring, greatly enhancing their capabilities of equipment operation and emergency response.
Trainees take scientific research vessel to conduct on-site training on the deployment and recovery of subsurface mooring
Trainees all provide positive feedback on this training.
For Shellyn Prastisia Mberato, a doctoral student from Indonesia, "interdisciplinary" best describes her experience. Through theoretical lectures and at-sea practice, the training helps her broaden her physical oceanography perspective beyond her background in chemistry and biotechnology, providing new theoretical perspectives and technical support for her doctoral research.
LI Youzhi, a postdoctoral researcher at Shanghai Ocean University, finds the training especially useful for "filling gaps". His team is preparing a comprehensive open-ocean survey. During the course, he systematically learns key technical workflows, including mooring design, deployment and data processing, laying a solid foundation for his project.
Beatriz Isabel Estrada Biguino, a postdoctoral researcher from Portugal, highlights "promoting application" as a key benefit. The course content aligns closely with her research direction. She gains much from the at-sea practical session and plans to apply the knowledge and advanced technologies of subsurface mooring observations to her future research.
Trainees share their achievements and thoughts on this training
Since 2023, IOCAS has successfully held three international training courses on subsurface mooring observations, attracting 82 trainees from 36 countries/regions. IOCAS will continue to host international training courses to provide a high-level platform for global exchange and talent development in ocean observation. It will also contribute China's effors to building a global ocean observation network and advancing the sustainable development of marine science.
Group Photo
(Editor: ZHANG Yiyi)