Institutional Plenary Session of the International Symposium on Transformative Ocean Sciences

The Institutional Plenary Session will take place on 27 March 2026 in Venice, as the fourth and final day of the International Symposium on Transformative Ocean Sciences, hosted by the National Research Council of Italy (CNR) through its Institute of Marine Sciences (CNR–ISMAR).

The Symposium brings together leading scientists and institutional leaders to reflect on how ocean science can most effectively contribute to Europe’s strategic priorities, including the European Ocean Pact, the emerging Ocean Research and Innovation Strategy, and the broader framework of EU missions and policies.

While the first three days of the Symposium will focus on scientific exchange and interdisciplinary Working Group activities, Day IV will be dedicated to a high-level institutional plenary session. The programme will feature keynote contributions and a series of roundtable discussions involving Directors and Presidents of major European and international institutions and agencies.

The roundtables will include contributions from senior representatives of European institutions, including Mr James Morrison, Deputy Director-General, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (European Commission), and Ms Delilah Al Khudhairy, Director for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE), European Commission.

The Institutional Plenary Session is conceived as a space for strategic dialogue on the role of ocean science in shaping future research and innovation priorities, as well as in supporting the transition from policy vision to implementation at European and international levels.

Further details, including the objectives of the Symposium and the preliminary programme of the plenary session, are available in the accompanying concept note and programme overview.

For any additional information or questions, please contact venicesymposium@cnr.it