‘SEA-EU alliance is great for NORD University. Especially this event of bringing both Polish ships to Bodø is really amazing for building cooperation inside the SEA-EU.’ says Vice-Dean for R&D at the Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture Kiron Viswanath. ‘We were really impressed with the technology and equipment on board of r/v Oceanograf, but when we entered r/v Oceania it brought back memories, how marine science was conducted in the previous years, compared to what opportunities young researchers have in new vessels.’
R/v Oceanograf and r/v Oceania were welcomed in the morning of June 20 by the representatives from NORD University: students, researchers, and administrative employees. This was a perfect opportunity for opening, for the first time in Norway, ‘Women’s View of the Sea’ exhibition, which focuses on presenting the female perspective on maritime issues, drawing from both scientific and artistic viewpoints.
The exhibition consists of 10 winning works and those IO PAN distinguished in two previous editions of the competition, presenting side by side the scientific theme undertaken by a female scientist and its reflection by a female artist. The exhibition was a perfect backdrop for conversations about the modern face of science.
‘Science is always a collaboration. Nowadays, it’s impossible to do marine science without international joint projects. It’s very expensive to organize the cruise like this one, so it has to be done, in this case, with the help of our colleagues from Poland, Spain, Italy etc.’ says Professor at the Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture Henning Reiss. ‘This kind of collaboration is vital for marine research and also for Norway. Our country has a coastline that is over 100 000 km long, but we know very little of its ecology. These collaborations are an ideal platform to close knowledge gaps we have in this subject.’
In the afternoon, both ships were open for the public. Researchers gave guided tours to everyone interested in marine research, European cooperation or simply wanted to find an answer to the question: how can you live on a ship for 3 weeks straight.
‘The tour of the ships today was really informative. It’s really fun to see the implementation of the work we do every day. Often you get stuck looking at the paper, so it’s good to see the practical aspect of researchers doing their work. Everyone is having fun and doing what they love, which is what we are all working towards to.’ says Hanna Mary Pettersen, student council representative at SEA-EU from NORD University.
