FROM THE TOS PRESIDENT

Paula Bontempi

Dear TOS Members:

I hope everyone is well. I’d like to thank those who responded with thoughtful emails and comments on my quest for the greatest discoveries and achievements in ocean sciences. It has led to quite a number of offline discussions, details of which I will provide in a future President’s column. A few members have suggested authoring a retrospective of discoveries and advancements in global science and technology, perhaps even management and policy, as a result of the international investment in ocean sciences. Please keep those ideas coming to the President’s email, and thank you to those who have already commented.

Over the course of the last nine months, many of the ocean and science-facing Presidents and President-elects have been talking about the future of STEM in the world. I have found these discussions very enlightening. They often lead to coordinated strategies for justifying continued investment in science and technology while also crafting new science program concepts and novel partnerships. One issue many of the Presidents and leaders have been discussing is the value of being a professional society member.

I have been a TOS member for nearly three decades, drawn by the organization’s ethos and the member benefits. TOS provided a pathway to attend my first Ocean Optics Conference as a student in Santa Fe, NM. It was there that I met future collaborators and employers, and gained new research ideas in marine bio-optics and satellite remote sensing. Further, TOS and its phenomenal membership are committed to supporting a community that encourages the open expression and exchange of ideas, that is free from all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and that is welcoming to all members and to those who participate in its activities. In pursuit of that commitment, TOS is dedicated to the philosophy of equality of opportunity and treatment for all participants, and welcomes members from all nations.

TOS also offers:
Alerts regarding the publication of Oceanography articles and flipbook editions
Access to job search tools and discounted job posting services in the TOS Career Center
Invitations to participate in TOS networking events at various scientific conferences
Opportunities for students to apply for support to attend conferences
Monthly delivery of TOS NEWS and other announcements of community interest
The right to vote for Council members and to express your opinion on all matters of interest to the Society
Please be on the lookout early next month for a membership renewal notice for the upcoming membership year. We value you as a TOS member and look forward to providing resources to enrich your participation in the ocean sciences community.

I am thankful for all of the TOS members worldwide for making TOS a global family and giving me a springboard to my career so many years ago.

Sincerely,
Paula

It is our pleasure to invite you to attend Ocean Optics XXVII, the twenty-​seventh edition of the biennial international Ocean Optics Conference. 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.

Ocean Optics XXVII will be held at two exceptional venues in the heart of Ghent. Wintercircus, a stunningly renovated innovation hub centered around a dramatic circular arena, will provide the space for the poster sessions, exhibits, and short courses. The plenary sessions will be held just across the street in the iconic Theaterzaal (theater) of the Arts Center VIERNULVIER, known for its historic elegance and architectural grandeur.

The Planning Committee meets next week to organize the 6,000+ abstracts and other event requests that have been received. The program for OSM26 will be finalized over the next few weeks and will be posted by mid-October.

Be sure to register by January 14, 2026 to take advantage of early bird rates.

Exclusive discounted hotel rates are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

This issue includes articles on oceanography and intelligent robots, freshwater-driven AMOC changes, perspectives on marine CO₂ removal, the Kuroshio Current nutrient footprint, and more. View the full issue open access flipbook, which includes animations and videos, or view the individual articles.

The Society for Women in Marine Science (SWMS) aims to build supportive communities of women and marginalized genders in marine science at all career levels locally and globally. Locally, SWMS chapters are generally associated with specific institutions or particular regions and provide our members opportunities to connect, collaborate, and access in-person peer support. Members also engage beyond SWMS by hosting community outreach events and professional development workshops. SWMS also hosts a mentorship program that pairs mentors and mentees of all career stages to foster relationships, offer individualized guidance and support, and build a network within the SWMS community. Mid- to late-career mentors are especially encouraged to participate, as they bring expertise that will guide and inspire the next generation of marine scientists. SWMS is excited to introduce new seasonal networking events, with a focus on creating a safe support space through the SWMS Pods. These regularly scheduled events will allow members to grow professional networks and receive peer support. Collectively, these efforts aim to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive marine science community.

To learn more about SWMS, become a member, join a local chapter, or participate in the mentorship program, visit the SWMS website or follow @swmsmarinescience on social media.

Partner with STEAM the Streets to inspire the next wave of ocean stewards. By blending storytelling with science, we open pathways for youth to pursue careers in marine science, and beyond—ensuring a diverse future workforce for our planet’s waters. For an example, view our video featuring the story of Tammy Silva, NOAA Marine Ecologist. > Contact Us