ICTS SOCIB presents the Oceanographic Vessel and its research at the Nit de la Recerca

The Coastal Observation and Prediction System of the Balearic Islands (ICTS SOCIB) is organizing an open day this Friday, September 27, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Escalera Real in the port of Palma, in front of La Lonja, as part of the "Nit de la Recerca de les Illes Balears 2024."

During the event, guided tours of the Oceanographic Vessel B/O SOCIB will be offered, along with a variety of fun and free activities for all audiences. These will include "Cañas with ICTS SOCIB scientists," the children's area "SOCIB Kids" with the workshop "What oceanographer do you want to be?", and the exhibition "SOCIB: We research the sea, we share the future 2024"; all of which are free to access.

During this day, the public will be able to enjoy guided tours of the SOCIB Oceanographic Vessel, providing a unique opportunity to closely examine the scientific equipment used in oceanographic campaigns in the Balearic Sea and the western Mediterranean. These visits, which require prior registration, are organized in shifts of 25 minutes, offering an immersive experience in current marine research.

The Oceanographic Vessel B/O SOCIB is an essential asset for the marine research conducted by ICTS SOCIB. Equipped with advanced technology, this vessel facilitates oceanographic campaigns in the Balearic Sea and the western Mediterranean. During the guided tours, visitors will learn about the scientific equipment onboard and discover how these facilities are vital for studying marine ecosystems and predicting oceanographic phenomena.

In addition to the tours, "Cañas with ICTS SOCIB scientists" will allow for informal conversations with researchers, exploring topics such as advanced technologies for marine observation, underwater exploration, heat wave detection, and beach monitoring in the face of climate change.

This year, the focus will be on marine observation technologies such as high-frequency coastal radar and Lagrangian platforms, exploration with gliders or underwater platforms, the detection and modeling of marine heat waves, and beach monitoring to understand their evolution in the face of climate change. It’s an opportunity to discover how these advanced facilities contribute to the protection and management of marine ecosystems. The activity is aimed at sea enthusiasts, those curious about science and oceanography, and students interested in marine research.

For younger visitors, the children's area "SOCIB Kids" will feature the workshop "What oceanographer do you want to be?", designed for children aged 5 to 11, to spark their curiosity about marine sciences. Additionally, the exhibition "SOCIB: We research the sea, we share the future 2024" will provide a comprehensive overview of ICTS SOCIB's work in ocean research and conservation. Children will enjoy coloring sheets, puzzles, and building games, all aimed at fostering scientific vocations from an early age.

Throughout the day, the photographic exhibition "SOCIB: We research the sea, we share the future 2024" will be on display, showcasing a selection of images to bring the work and scientific results of ICTS SOCIB closer to all audiences, promoting marine environmental awareness and ocean culture. This exhibition is an opportunity to learn about the importance of marine research and the crucial role that ocean observatories play in protecting the marine environment.

Furthermore, on Friday, September 27, various free activities for all audiences will take place in the square at the Escalera Real in the port of Palma. From 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, researchers from the Public Research Organizations of the Balearic Islands and the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB) will offer micro-talks, experiments, and workshops, among other activities. At this location, at 9:00 PM, the short documentary "From Space to the Mediterranean: Chasing Ocean Currents" will be presented, narrating the experiences of oceanographers from the Mediterranean Institute of Advanced Studies IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB) and ICTS SOCIB during the campaigns of the FaSt-SWOT project aboard the Oceanographic Vessel B/O SOCIB. The presentation, followed by a Q&A session, will feature participation from ICTS SOCIB.

The "Nit de la Recerca de les Illes Balears 2024" is part of a European-wide event, the European Researchers’ Night, launched in 2005 by the European Commission as part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions under the Horizon Program. This event is organized in collaboration with a wide range of public and private institutions and is simultaneously celebrated in over 300 cities across 30 European countries on the last Friday of September. Its aim is to bring research and innovation closer to the public of all ages, alongside scientists, in an enjoyable and participatory manner.