Latest news with #OceanQuest
Arabian Business
21 hours ago
- Science
- Arabian Business
OceanQuest: Saudi-backed initiative aims to revolutionise deep-ocean discovery
In a bold step underscoring Saudi Arabia's growing commitment to global science and sustainability, OceanQuest has emerged as a not-for-profit foundation with an ambitious mission: to accelerate the discovery of the deep ocean and illuminate one of Earth's final frontiers — the ocean depths beyond 200 meters. In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business Dr. Martin Visbeck, CEO of OceanQuest outlined the foundation's vision for inclusive, technologically driven exploration and its unique role in shaping the future of ocean science through global partnerships and local empowerment. A new era of ocean discovery 'OceanQuest was created to explore the unknown — not just for science, but for humanity,' said Dr. Visbeck. 'We focus on deep-sea environments like seamounts — underwater volcanoes that are biodiversity hotspots, influence ocean mixing, and may even serve as natural carbon sinks.' With a particular focus on underexplored regions such as the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Tropical and South Atlantic, OceanQuest is using robotics, digital twins, and AI to unveil the secrets of the deep. The goal: to drive innovation, spark public excitement, and make deep-ocean science more accessible and impactful. The Red Sea: A natural laboratory As a Saudi-based organisation, OceanQuest considers the Red Sea a critical part of its geographical and scientific focus. 'The Red Sea is geologically young, warm, and saline — a truly unique marine ecosystem. Its deep zones remain largely unexplored,' Dr. Visbeck noted. By comparing the Red Sea's deep-sea features with seamount systems in other regions, OceanQuest hopes to uncover global patterns in biodiversity and resilience — all while elevating the Red Sea's role in the global ocean narrative. Collaboration across the global south At the heart of OceanQuest's model is a commitment to equitable global collaboration, with a particular focus on the Global South. The foundation has prioritized early partnerships in: Brazil, working with local institutions to study the Vitória-Trindade Seamount Chain and engage early-career researchers across Latin America. South Africa, building on the success of the Around Africa Expedition by expanding cooperation to neighbouring countries including Mozambique, Tanzania, and Madagascar. Cape Verde, where OceanQuest continues to explore regional seamount ecosystems and strengthen local scientific capabilities. 'These are not one-off engagements,' said Dr. Visbeck. 'We're building long-term partnerships designed to empower local leadership and create shared access to deep-ocean science.' Investing in the next generation OceanQuest places early-career ocean professionals (ECOPs) at the centre of its mission. From hands-on expedition training to global mentorship opportunities, the foundation sees ECOPs as future leaders in ocean governance, science, and technology. 'Supporting ECOPs isn't just capacity-building — it's an investment in the global ocean leadership we need tomorrow,' said Dr. Visbeck. The approach aligns with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, which highlights the importance of youth engagement in creating long-term impact. Technology as a force multiplier OceanQuest's commitment to cutting-edge technology is central to its strategy. The foundation is building capabilities to deploy fleets of robotic systems that can collect real-time imagery and environmental data from seamounts. This data feeds into digital repositories and digital twins — AI-powered simulations that model ocean ecosystems with precision and scale. These technologies enable low-impact exploration and continuous data collection, revolutionising how scientists interact with the ocean. 'Storytelling is the bridge between science and society,' Dr. Visbeck emphasised. Whether it's a young researcher on their first expedition or a robotic system discovering a new coral species, OceanQuest believes in the power of human narratives to make science relatable and impactful. By turning data into stories, the foundation hopes to engage a global audience, raise awareness about the ocean's importance, and foster a sense of collective responsibility. Lessons from the around Africa expedition OceanQuest's first major initiative, the Around Africa Expedition with OceanX, provided valuable insights. Highlights included: African scientific leadership, with regional scientists serving as chief scientists aboard the OceanXplorer vessel. Collaborative research, producing high-quality data and discovering previously undocumented marine life. Training over 30 ECOPs through floating labs — with more than 150 applicants underscoring growing demand for inclusive deep-sea training. The expedition validated OceanQuest's model of collaborative, capacity-focused ocean science. Looking ahead to the 2025 UN ocean conference OceanQuest will make its international debut at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, spotlighting the deep ocean's role in climate stability, biodiversity, and sustainability. Dr. Visbeck confirmed that the foundation will advocate for greater attention to seamounts and deep-ocean ecosystems in global marine science agendas. With global attention increasingly focused on SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and the ratification of new ocean governance frameworks like BBNJ, Dr. Visbeck believes now is the perfect moment for a deep-ocean foundation like OceanQuest. 'Deep-ocean discovery offers unprecedented opportunities — from understanding climate processes to unlocking innovation in biotechnology,' he said. 'With Saudi support and global partnerships, we're turning exploration into impact for all of humanity.'
Arab News
08-05-2025
- Science
- Arab News
KAUST researchers join Africa marine research expedition
RIYADH: Researchers from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology joined the Saudi non-profit foundation OceanQuest on its first marine expedition around Africa aboard the research vessel OceanXplorer. The mission began in Moroni, Comoros, with the team sailing south through the Indian Ocean to Cape Town, South Africa. Researchers focused on assessing biodiversity at several seamounts — underwater mountain formations. A second phase, designed for early-career oceanographers, proceeded north to Walvis Bay in Namibia before concluding scientific operations in Mindelo, Cabo Verde. The KAUST research team, comprising two PhD candidates from the Marine Microbiome Lab and one from Earth Science and Engineering, conducted research in biodiversity assessment, seamount studies and chemical analysis. The team compared seamount formation in the Indian Ocean with similar geological phenomena in Saudi waters.
Leaders
08-05-2025
- Science
- Leaders
KAUST Researchers Embark on Groundbreaking OceanQuest Expedition Around Africa
A team of researchers from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) participated in the inaugural OceanQuest expedition — a major scientific journey led by the Saudi non-profit foundation aboard the cutting-edge research vessel RV OceanXplorer . This landmark mission highlights Saudi Arabia's commitment to building national scientific capacity and strengthening global research partnerships, in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Launching from Moroni in the Comoros, the expedition traveled south through the Indian Ocean to Cape Town, South Africa, focusing on the study of marine biodiversity across key seamounts. A second leg of the journey — tailored for early-career oceanographers — continued northward to Walvis Bay, Namibia, and concluded in Mindelo, Cabo Verde. KAUST's team included three PhD students: two from the Marine Microbiome Lab and one from the Earth Science and Engineering program. Additionally, their work centered on biodiversity assessments, seamount research, and chemical analyses — offering valuable, hands-on field experience. The researchers also investigated seamount formation in the Indian Ocean, aiming to draw parallels with geological features in Saudi Arabian waters. Finally, through ocean depth mapping and sample collection, the team gained practical insights with direct relevance to marine research within the Kingdom. Related Topics: KAUST Coral Restoration Initiative Prepares for Groundbreaking 2025 U.S. Secretary of Energy Visits KAUST to Strengthen Energy Collaboration Special Zone Brings African Spirit at Boulevard World Riyadh Season to Host African Super Cup between Al-Ahly, Zamalek in Sept. Short link : Post Views: 14
Leaders
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Jusoor Exhibition's VR Pavilion in Kosovo Offers Immersive Journey to Makkah, Madinah
At the sixth edition of the Jusoor Exhibition in Pristina, Kosovo, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance introduced a cutting-edge virtual reality pavilion that offered visitors a powerful, immersive experience. Through this interactive VR experience, attendees were virtually transported to the Grand Mosque in Makkah, where they explored sweeping panoramic views of the Holy Kaaba and its surrounding courtyards. The journey continued to the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, culminating in a visit to Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifa. Combining modern technology with deep spiritual significance, the pavilion left a lasting impression on visitors by fostering a profound sense of connection to Islam's holiest sites. Related Topics: Jusoor Exhibition in Morocco Attracts Over 50,000 Visitors Saudi Arabia Showcases Islamic Mosques at Jakarta's Jusoor Exhibition VR Technology Attracts Visitors to Tabuk Pavilion at 'Security Oasis' Expo KAUST Researchers Embark on Groundbreaking OceanQuest Expedition Around Africa Short link : Post Views: 2 Related Stories
Asharq Al-Awsat
08-05-2025
- Science
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi KAUST Researchers Join OceanQuest Inaugural Expedition Around Africa
Researchers from Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) joined the Saudi non-profit foundation OceanQuest on its first marine expedition around Africa aboard the advanced research vessel RV OceanXplorer, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Thursday. The expedition represents a major milestone in marine and ocean exploration, underscoring Saudi Arabia's dedication to advancing national scientific expertise and boosting global research cooperation — key goals under Saudi Vision 2030. The mission began in Moroni, Comoros, with the team sailing south through the Indian Ocean to Cape Town, South Africa. Its focus was on assessing biodiversity across several seamounts. A second phase, designed for early-career oceanographers, proceeded north to Walvis Bay in Namibia before concluding scientific operations in Mindelo, Cabo Verde. The KAUST research team, comprising two PhD candidates from the Marine Microbiome Lab and one from Earth Science and Engineering, conducted crucial research in biodiversity assessment, seamount studies, and chemical analyses. The experience provided the students with significant hands-on experience. The team researched seamount formation in the Indian Ocean, seeking insights into similar geological phenomena in Saudi waters. The work involved ocean depth mapping and sample collection, providing the researchers with practical field experience applicable to research within the Kingdom.
