Plenary Session
Keynote Speaker
ZOI KONSTANTINOU
Policy Officer, European Commission, DG Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MARE), Unit for Maritime Innovation, Marine Knowledge and Investment
Zoi Konstantinou is a Marine Scientist MSc-PhD, with expertise on Integrated Coastal and Marine Management and on Science-Policy-Society interface. Before joining the European Commission, she worked in marine research, in science-policy interface and in higher education. As an EC Policy Officer, she is responsible for the European Marine Observation and Data network (EMODnet) and the EU Digital Twin of the Ocean (EU DTO), while she is working on other aspects of European Marine Knowledge, as the coordination of Ocean Observation.
European Marine Knowledge for the Ocean Pact: An Old Path, A New Era
The Marine Knowledge value chain begins with the observation and monitoring of the marine environment, in the field and from satellites, continues with state-of-the-art data management under FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles, that can be transformed into knowledge products, assessments, analysis and a variety of digital applications, as Digital Twins of the Ocean. To increase productivity and competitiveness, enhance innovation and reduce uncertainty in developing the blue economy and implementing ocean and climate related policies (e.g. CFP, MSFD, MSPD, NRL, LULUCF, etc.), the European marine knowledge value chain should be further integrated and optimised, creating connectivity between its different components, taking advantage of new technologies and digital advancements, and increasing its availability for all interested users. This presentation will discuss how does the European Commission aims to achieve the aforementioned and reflect on the stakeholders’ input necessary to build on the capacity that we already have, to achieve sustainability and digitalisation goals.
Keynote Speaker
BENTE LILJA BYE
CEO, BLB
Bente Lilja Bye runs a research and consultancy company, BLB, focusing on transforming Earth observation data to information and knowledge for societal benefit. Bente is acting as Innovation Manager in the H2020 project ILIAD, developing digital twins of the ocean. Before founding BLB Bente was Research Director at the Norwegian Mapping Auhtority. She has been an active member of the GEO community since 2004 currently focusing on data sharing and open knowledge as member of the Data working group. She has a background from theoretical astrophysics University of Oslo, Norway.
Bridging the Gap Between Science and Innovation Towards Societal Transformations. A Gendered Perspective.
In an era of rapid technological advancement, the ability to integrate new knowledge and technology is crucial for driving meaningful societal change. This keynote explores how innovations like digital twins—leveraging big data, AI, and advanced analytics—can be effectively implemented to improve society.
A key focus is on the diversity of human experiences, particularly the differing perspectives, needs, and values of men and women. Through concrete examples, the keynote demonstrates how integrating a gendered perspective in science and innovation leads to more equitable and effective outcomes.
Additionally, the talk highlights the importance of training and educating women to not only engage with but also shape emerging technologies. By fostering gender diversity in STEM fields, society can unlock untapped potential and ensure that technological progress benefits all.
Keynote Speaker
LUCIE COCQUEMPOT
Lucie Cocquempot is in charge of the coordination of observation networks within French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea (www.ifremer.fr), and a member of the executive boards of several national research infrastructures dedicated to the understanding of the oceans. She has recognized skills in leading cross-disciplinary groups, in the co-construction of observation strategies and in marine data management. As an engineer in physical oceanography by training, she has developed interests in the coordination of multidisciplinary systems, participatory sciences including the valorization of indigenous knowledge, low-tech labs and other open science projects.
Her expertise is acknowledged within her institute and the international groups in which she collaborates. Currently, she is a member of the AtlantOS (http://www.atlantos-ocean.org) Steering Committee, One of the Executive Director of the EuroGOOS (www.eurogoos.eu) and the co-chair of its Scientific Advisory Working Group, and the co-chair of an OPBS (https://www.oceanbestpractices.org/) Task Team on “Standard Operating Procedures/Best Practices for Coastal Observations in under-resourced countries”.
She is convinced of the need to co-construct a sustainable global ocean observing system as an essential part of the ‘value chain’ linking ocean and societal interests.
With her atypical profile, rich of various professional experiences, she contributes to the evolution of ocean observation governance, with a user-oriented approach, while valuing the investments made and the dissemination of information.
Ocean Observation – Marine Sciences & Innovation in a Transitioning World
When it comes to ocean observation, innovation has often been associated with “more”: more resolution, more frequency, more depth, more spatial coverage. But in a world where it is now accepted that resources are limited, this injunction can seem contradictory to a whole new generation of researchers. Through various examples of partnerships between science and industry, but also with society, this enthusiastic presentation aims to explore the paths of more sober, more social innovation, for a world in transition.
