Researchers from the University of Bergen (Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Deep Sea Research, and the University Museum), the Institute of Marine Research, and NORCE will jointly organize the conference, supported by a local professional network for deep sea research, Bergen Bathysphere.
– We look forward to welcoming 400 researchers from around the world to the ocean city of Bergen in 2028. I am very pleased that our academic communities and researchers have taken the initiative to host the next Deep Sea Biology Symposium here in Bergen. This event will showcase our city and our strong academic environments. Being part of One Ocean Week that year also allows us to strengthen the ties between the marine communities and industries in Bergen and international research networks, says UiB Rector Margareth Hagen.
The director of the Institute of Marine Research in Norway, highlights the importance of knowledge in the field of deep sea biology.
– Deep sea biology is a significant and vital research field, especially relevant now due to plans for deep-sea mining. I can't imagine a better setting than Bergen and the surrounding region for such a symposium – and I'm pleased that the international research community agrees, says Nils Gunnar Kvamstø, Director of the Institute of Marine Research.
– Knowledge-based management has never been more critical, but first, we need to acquire that knowledge. We know that we know too little about the deep sea, and in Bergen, excellent research groups are working with different approaches that collectively provide a better understanding of this crucial part of marine ecosystems, he adds.
From Hong Kong to Bergen
The Deep Sea Biology Symposium is held every three years, and the 17th edition took place earlier this year in Hong Kong. Researchers from Bergen presented their proposal to host the 18th edition at the annual meeting of the Deep Sea Biology Society, where members accepted the invitation to come to Bergen next time.
– We are very excited about the local committee's plans for the 2028 Deep Sea Biology Symposium and look forward to coming to Bergen!, says Michelle Taylor, President of the Deep Sea Biology Society.
400 Researchers from 40 Nations
The conference is scheduled to become a part of One Ocean Week in Bergen from 23-28 April, 2028, and is expected to attract approximately 400 researchers from 40 countries. This will be beneficial for the city of Bergen and provide an opportunity to showcase Norwegian deep-sea research and industry to the international scientific community.
The collaboration with One Ocean Week will also give Norwegian authorities and industries access to world-leading international expertise relevant to the management of deep Norwegian marine areas.
Major Opportunity for the Community in Bergen
– This is incredibly exciting! It is a great opportunity for the deep-sea biology community in Bergen and Norway to expand our international networks and showcase our research and facilities. It has been fantastic to work together across research institutions in Bergen, and we are confident that there will be great teamwork leading up to 2028 to ensure this conference is a success!, says Mari Heggernes Eilertsen, researcher at the Department of Biological Sciences and the Centre for Deep Sea Research at the University of Bergen.
– We know very little about the deep sea. Nine out of ten species are undescribed, we don’t understand how marine life adapts to changes in environmental conditions, or how they will change seasonally or over the years. We also know little about the consequences for ecosystems if deep-sea species go extinct. Hosting this symposium in Bergen is an outstanding opportunity for us at NORCE to focus on deep-sea biology. It has never been more important to explore the deep sea. Since plans for deep-sea mining are on hold for now, we should use this pause to gain as much knowledge about the deep sea as possible, says Camilla Stoltenberg, CEO of NORCE.
Special Exhibition
– We are excited to present a special exhibition at the University Museum in connection with the conference. The exhibition will provide a unique opportunity for conference researchers, the city’s residents, and visiting tourists to experience the deep ocean through a blend of art and science. This is a tradition of communication we have maintained since the museum's inception, and we are excited to continue it, says Anne Helene S. Tandberg, researcher at the University Museum.