FROM THE TOS PRESIDENT

Paula Bontempi

Dear TOS Members:

Hello! I hope everyone is well. In a fantastic, recent workshop of international natural, physical, and social scientists, engineers, educators, and science communicators, there was extensive discussion about how to define transformational science. The discussion considered the future of global ocean science and technology from space to the sub seafloor. Perhaps first we need to define, or try to define, the term. Here is my attempt:

Transformational science challenges current understanding, paradigms, or provides pathways to new frontiers in science, technology, education, and engineering, and is discovery-oriented. I’d like to think it inclusively inspires a new generation of professionals along the way.

In writing that it occurred to me that what some might classify as “incremental” science could be transformational to others, and vice versa. What about applied science — translating research results in operational management, decision-making, or policy can be transformational. But the question remains, what does the next 100 years of ocean science and technology look like? 

Consider the ocean-based conflicts happening in the world; what role might autonomous vehicles have in strategic mapping of the ocean, navigating potential conflict scenarios, or risk assessment to minimize threats to human and animal life, or economically critical ecosystems? What sensors could be miniaturized to work on centimeter (meter?) sized vehicles autonomously, and could those robots safely return to a parent vessel without leaving garbage or debris in the ocean? Can vehicles and sensors in the deep ocean communicate directly for smart sampling and navigate sensitive areas safely? Is it even possible to simulate the natural aquatic environments with an autonomous or other vehicle to minimize ecosystem disruption?

I wonder how we might bring together our knowledge of acoustics, optics, ocean chemistry, biology, physics, marine geology, ocean sciences, and technology in general to consider our future. Can we incentivize scientists and engineers to work with industry and commercial partners to build environmentally sensitive but commercially viable technology for Earth and our future? I think yes, and how might TOS play a role in establishing new frontiers in ocean science and technology for all career stages?

I welcome your feedback — until next time! 

Best wishes,
Paula

EARLY ONLINE RELEASES

FEATURE ARTICLE • Advancing Monitoring of Nearshore Antarctic Sea Ice and Benthic Ecosystems with HIcyBot
By E. Cimoli et al.

REGISTRATION AND ABSTRACT SUBMISSION ARE OPEN

We look forward to welcoming you to Ocean Optics XXVII for a week of insight, collaboration, and connection. This event brings together a diverse ocean optics community, including oceanographers, limnologists, optical engineers, Earth observation scientists, resource managers, and policy professionals from across the globe, all united by a shared passion for optics in aquatic environments.

KEY DATES
Early registration ends May 1, 2026
Abstracts are due May 1, 2026

DISCO XXX AND PODS XIV

Lihue, Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i | December 1–5, 2026

The Dissertations Symposium in Chemical Oceanography (DISCO) and Physical Oceanography Dissertation Symposia (PODS) provide recent graduates, or soon to graduate, PhD-level chemical and physical oceanographers, respectively, with an opportunity to present their dissertation research in front of their professional peers and to forge professional relationships that will facilitate their future research and academic careers.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 1, 2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 30, 2026

The Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire (RRFB) fellowship program supports early-career researchers conducting high-impact scientific fieldwork that directly advances RRFB’s mission: restoring Bonaire’s coral reefs through innovation, science, and community engagement.