What: Training session for technicians and scientists in marine Research Infrastructures
When: 6 – 10 October 2025
Where: Flanders Marine Institute – VLIZ, Marine Station facilities, Oostende, Belgium
How to apply: Submit your application by 14 April 2025 through this form.
About
The Horizon Europe funded GEORGE project develops new sensor and sampler technologies for monitoring the ocean carbon system. The aim is to integrate the new technologies into the three European marine Research Infrastructures (RIs), Euro-Argo, EMSO and ICOS.
To advance this goal, the project organises training sessions, called Technical Forums, aimed at technicians, engineers and scientists working in the RIs – whether on stations, platforms or labs.
The Technical Forums provide participants with an exclusive opportunity to be among the first to learn about the novel technologies, collaborate with peers, developers, and manufacturers, receive training on sensors and systems, and contribute valuable feedback to the development process.
The first edition of the Technical Forum took place in May 2024 in Villefranche-sur-Mer, France. Read more about the session here. You do not need to have participated in the first Technical Forum to apply for Technical Forum II.
When & where?
The Technical Forum II will be organised on 6 – 10 October 2025, at the Flanders Marine Institute – VLIZ, Marine Station facilities, Oostende, Belgium. It consists of four days of practical sessions working on the sensors, the data and lectures. The nature of the sessions is collaborative, and all participants are welcome to share their knowledge with the group.
The training is free of charge, but travel expenses must be covered by the participant or their home organisation. The organisers will provide tips about connections and accommodation to the accepted participants.
Due to space limitations, there is is a limited number of spots available. There will be 10 spots reserved for each GEORGE partner Research Infrastructure: Euro-Argo, EMSO and ICOS.
What you’ll learn
The second Technical Forum will focus on Sensors developed within GEORGE. Such sensors and systems can include:
- 4HJena HydroC-CO2 FT new generation combined with HydroFIA TA & pH systems to overconstrain the carbonate system
- National Oceanography Centre (NOC) Lab On Chip sensors for DIC, TA and pH
- ClearWater Sensors (CWS) pH and TA sensors
- Use of the ICOS portable calibration unit
- Presentations on how to integrate biogeochemical sensors on ARGO floats (ISFET pH, DO, Contros CO2)
By the end of the training session, you will be able to…
- Understand the basic principles of the technology used in each sensor
- Operate the sensor based on a recommended and standard operating procedure (SOP)
- Find ways of optimal deployment possibilities and adjust according to user case
- Troubleshoot and adjust the sensor/system
What is expected from you?
- Prepare to be present on-site on all days of the training session
- Read the online introduction and complete the online training exercises connected to the session (links will be provided via email closer to date).
- Participate actively and share your knowledge with the group
How to apply?
Submit your application using the form below by 14 April, 2025. All applicants will be notified via email by May 15. Good luck!