Workshop & Brainstorming Meeting, NCPOR.

NCPOR organised a day-long Workshop-cum-Brainstorming Meeting on “𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐨𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲: 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝” on 7 September 2026, bringing together scientists and experts to deliberate on strategies and develop a roadmap for strengthening short- and long-term biogeochemistry research in the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean. The programme commenced with the Welcome and Opening Remarks by Dr. Thamban Meloth, Director, NCPOR, An overview of the Southern Ocean Programme and the background to the brainstorming session by given by Dr. Rahul Mohan, Scientist G, NCPOR,  followed by remarks from Dr. V.V.S.S. Sarma, Scientist-G & Scientist-in-Charge, NIO, Visakhapatnam and NCPOR RAC Member, and Dr. M. Ravichandran, Former Secretary, MoES and Professor, IIT Chennai, who chaired the sessions.

The meeting further featured discussions on institutional long-term initiatives and future priorities for Southern Ocean biogeochemistry research, with presentations by invited subject experts. An interactive session, moderated by Dr. V.V.S.S. Sarma, focused on strategies and a roadmap for developing an optimal short- and long-term biogeochemistry research programme in the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean. The meeting concluded with a synthesis of key outcomes and the adoption of action plans, including identification of key scientific gaps, future research priorities, and observational requirements.