Held every decade, the OceanObs conference series brings together the global ocean observing community to evaluate progress, address emerging issues, and guide future ocean observation efforts. Starting with OceanObs’99 in France, which launched coordinated physical and chemical data collection, followed by OceanObs’09 in Italy, introducing a unified observation framework, and OceanObs’19 in the USA, emphasizing integrated systems for science and societal needs, each event has advanced observing technology and collaboration. This decadal gathering significantly boosts global ocean data efforts, aiding research, decision-making, and resource use.

The OceanObs conference series, regarded as a premier global forum for ocean observing, establishes the international agenda for ocean observation over the ensuing decade. An event of this magnitude demands extensive preparation and dedication to ensure its efficacy and influence. Initiating the Program Committee recruitment well in advance enables the formation of a highly qualified team, affording sufficient time to meticulously craft the agenda, harmonize contributions, and orchestrate impactful initiatives that will steer the trajectory of ocean science and observational efforts through 2039.

Early Career Professionals (ECPs) are urged to apply for roles in shaping OceanObs’29. A few ECPs will be selected to serve on the Program Committee, contributing directly to its strategic planning. Additionally, applicants may be considered for a dedicated Early Career Committee, offering further avenues to participate in the conference’s development and implementation. We welcome applications from ECPs across all institutional affiliations, geographic regions, and career stages, ensuring broad representation and engagement in this globally significant event.

Applications will be assessed by an Ad-Hoc Committee comprising global ocean observing specialists with diverse expertise and extensive experience, convened to ensure a rigorous and equitable selection process. Candidates will be evaluated using a combination of numerical and subjective criteria, including their technical proficiency, understanding of sustained ocean observations, and capacity to contribute effectively to the planning and execution of OceanObs’29. The objective is to assemble a balanced and capable Program Committee to steer the conference toward success. Decisions will be finalized and communicated by July 2025.

Program Committee members will steer OceanObs’29 by defining the conference agenda, selecting plenary presenters, reviewing abstracts to refine content, crafting key messages, and assisting with presenter choices. The commitment begins with a mandatory in-person kickoff meeting in late 2025 (2-3 days, location TBD), followed by virtual bi-monthly meetings (approximately 1-2 hours each) through 2026 and 2027. From 2028, as planning intensifies, meetings will shift to monthly, with a peak frequency of bi-weekly in the months leading up to the 2029 event, averaging 4-6 hours per month during the busiest phase. Members should also allocate time for occasional asynchronous tasks, such as abstract reviews, estimated at 2-4 hours periodically.

The Ad-Hoc Committee is currently deliberating on a method to select co-chairs for the Program Committee following the selection of its 22 members by July 2025. The process will aim to identify up to four co-chairs capable of providing leadership and fulfilling the committee’s responsibilities through 2029. One potential approach under consideration involves Program Committee members nominating candidates after their selection, followed by an Ad-Hoc Committee review based on criteria such as expertise, leadership experience, and availability. A ranked-choice vote by the full committee would then determine the top four candidates, with the Ad-Hoc Committee confirming the outcome by September 2025 to ensure a capable leadership team. Updates on the final process will be shared as deliberations conclude.

The OceanObs’29 Ad-Hoc Committee comprises distinguished experts invited to serve for a 12-month term to lay the groundwork for this decadal conference. The committee’s charge includes defining conference goals aligned with the UN Ocean Decade, designing the Program Committee selection process, and establishing an effective operational framework, with flexibility to extend based on planning needs. Below are the members guiding this critical preparatory phase.

Visit the OceanObs’29 Ad-hoc Committee page for more details on the members.

The OceanObs’29 Program Committee Kickoff Meeting, in late 2025 (exact date TBD), will convene the Ad-Hoc Committee and newly appointed Program Committee members to launch conference planning. This in-person gathering will facilitate alignment on objectives, establish the preliminary agenda structure, and outline critical milestones. Attendance is strongly recommended to foster collaboration and coordination, though not required; virtual participation options will be explored for those unable to attend. This meeting marks a key step in shaping the conference’s direction and success.

Program Committee members will have access to resources to support their participation, including funding for travel and accommodations to attend the in-person kickoff meeting in late 2025, with financial assistance provided based on individual need. Institutional support from members’ organizations is strongly encouraged to supplement these efforts. Beyond the kickoff, members will benefit from shared planning tools, administrative and logistical assistance, and regular virtual meetings to ensure effective coordination. The Sponsors Committee will devise a strategy to secure additional funding for future planning activities, with updates communicated as they become available.

OceanObs’29 welcomes applications from individuals with expertise from Indigenous and Small Island communities, recognizing their valuable knowledge of local ocean conditions and observation practices. Following the precedent set by OceanObs’19, where an Indigenous Delegation contributed insights on traditional approaches, we aim to incorporate such perspectives into the conference agenda. Program Committee members from these groups will receive travel support for the November 2025 kickoff meeting, with further engagement opportunities to be developed during planning. Qualified applicants are invited to apply and share their practical insights to enhance global ocean observing efforts.

Please contact info@oceanobs29.net for more information. Your questions will be routed to the OceanObs’29 coordination team (Fei Chai, Samuel Wang, Max Zhao, and Nick Rome).