Bids are requested to organize and host the 5th Symposium on the Ocean in a High-CO2 World in 2020. The symposium will maintain its traditional focus on ocean acidification and associated impacts on marine organisms, ecosystems, and biogeochemical cycles. Ocean acidification will be considered in combination with other global changes such as warming and deoxygenation. Contributions are expected to detail advances in observations, modelling, field and laboratory studies. Dedicated sessions will emphasize processes and impacts as well as consequences on humans and their potential responses through policy and management.
The first four symposia (Paris in 2004, Monaco in 2008, Monterey in 2012, and Hobart in 2016) were key events for the international community of researchers studying ocean acidification. For the first three symposia, organization was led by SCOR, IGBP, and IOC-UNESCO. Since then, the organization transitioned to a new model where it is the local organizer that not only hosts the symposium but also leads the scientific organization and the effort to find financial sponsors. The same model is also used to organize other scientific symposia, such as the International Carbon Dioxide Conference, also held every 4 years.
The SOLAS-IMBER Working Group on Ocean Acidification (SIOA) will identify the local host and organizer and help during the organizational process, if requested. Here we ask for proposals from those who wish to host the next Ocean in a High-CO2 World symposium over 4 days in late 2020. Bids should be submitted to the SIOA by October 1, 2018 and should include the following:
- Scientists and organisations who will serve as local hosts, including the expertise of local planning committee members.
- Scientists who will be invited to chair and to be members of the international scientific planning committee.
- Suitability of the location to attract leading scientists, provide outreach opportunities, and link with policymakers.
- The likely cost of air travel for individual participants from various parts of the world and availability of environmentally friendly transport options (such as minimising connections).
- Availability of accommodations in a range of costs, including the number of rooms, distance from the meeting venue, and costs of accommodation for high and low season.
- Distance of meeting and lodging facilities from major airport(s) or rail links and cost of transportation between airport and meeting and lodging facilities.
- Expected cost of meals per day.
- Description of the meeting venue and capacity of the meeting space available for the duration of the meeting. Requirements include reception area, 1 large plenary room and 6 medium-sized rooms for parallel sessions, area to exhibit posters, and additional smaller meeting rooms. Expected participation is between 400 and 1000 people.
- Ability to provide meeting space, audio-visual equipment, and staff support at little or no cost to meeting participants.
- Expected costs for (1) the conference facility, (2) catering (coffee breaks, poster sessions, icebreaker, conference dinner), and (3) the registration fee.
- Expected level of local, national, and international funding for the symposium.
- Dates when the conference facility is available in 2020.
- Local entertainment and tourism possibilities.
- Plans to minimize environmental effects of the symposium.
Enquiries and bids should be sent to James Orr (james.orr(at)lsce.ipsl.fr), the SIOA Chair. Bids must be submitted before 1 October 2018 and limited to 10 pages. Earlier expression of interest by email is desirable.
