This training course is aimed at researchers at the post-graduate level and provides a comprehensive introduction to a variety of marine datasets and formats and the use of software for synthesis and analysis of marine data. The importance of good research data management practices and the role of researchers will also be highlighted. Personal projects are presented by the students at the end of the course.

Aims and Objectives

• Provide an introduction to the use of software for synthesis and analysis of marine data
• Introduction to the FAIR Guiding Principles for scientific data management and stewardship
• Understand best practice for management and analysis of marine data

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes of this course include:

• Knowledge and understanding of the importance of management of ocean data
• Experience in use of data analysis and visualization tools
• Recognize the importance of good research data management practice
• Awareness of European based marine research projects and data repositories

Target Audience

The target audience includes, but  not limited to, the following:

• Researchers engaged in oceanographic studies
• Ocean and coastal data managers
• Staff of marine research institutes and universities

NOTE: Priority will be given to participants originating from Europe and North African countries. UNESCO is committed to promote gender equality. Therefore, applications from women are strongly encouraged.

Course Pre-requisites:

• Candidates should be preferably working in institutions responsible for the collection and management of oceanographic data;
• Good working knowledge of English
• Participants should bring their own laptop

A Certificate of Participation will be issued to all successful students.

The UNESCO/IOC Project Office for IODE is certified as a Learning Services Provider (ISO 29990:2010).

The OceanTeacher Global Academy is a Project of IOC/IODE supported by the Flanders-UNESCO Trust Fund (FUST) of the Government of Flanders, Belgium.

Application process:  

Please read the information on how to apply available on the OceanTeacher Global Academy website (http://bit.ly/2ACZY9r) and fill the online application form on  

https://otga.wufoo.com/forms/rnhcm6a1d8bhan/ or https://bit.ly/2Oh1uUy no later than 15 October 2018.

Before starting filling the online application form, please make sure to have available the following:
- a motivation statement (text file) of maximum 300 words;
- your passport number or, in case you are a national of the host country a valid identification/citizen card can be used instead of the passport;
- scan of the endorsement letter (in case you are asking for funding)
- link to your profile on OceanExpert (www.oceanexpert.net); if you don't have one make sure you create one in advance.

The deadline to submit the application closes 15 October 2018. Do not leave for the last minute since the system will close automatically. In case you have any questions please contact the organisers well in advance.

No tuition fee applies. Both full- and co-sponsoring are available for a limited number of participants. For detailed information check the OceanTeacher website (www.oceanteacher.org).

In case of questions please contact:

OTGA Secretariat on training@iode.org always indicating as subject 'OTGA Training Course: Ocean Data Management for Researchers, 3 – 7 December, 2018, Oostende, Belgium'