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is an Associate Professor at the Environmental Policy Group, Wageningen University & Research. Machiel’s research focuses on the governance of tourism mobility, marine resource use and environmental change, particularly in remote marine destinations. In his presentation he will discuss the diversification and intensification of touristic marine experiences and the potential of tourists and tourism operators as care-takers of the ocean environment.  

Suzette Bousema is an interdisciplinary artist who visualizes ecological ‘hyperobjects’ in collaboration with scientists. Through art she aims to gain a better understanding of planetary conditions and our place in them. She will focus on her water-related projects and how we can use art to relate to global phenomena on an individual level.

René van Westen has a background in physical oceanography, non-linear dynamics and the role of ocean eddies in the global climate. His latest research focusses on tipping events in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). Such an event causes a disruptive shift of ocean currents and the global climate.

is an expert in marine microbiology, specializing in microbial roles in carbon and nitrogen cycles, also in anoxic environments. She studies microbial membrane lipids to understand adaptation, evolution, and climate history. She is professor of marine microbiology in Utrecht University, and research leader and department head at NIOZ. The future of marine microbes is shaped by climate change and human impact. Marine microbes influence global ecosystems, carbon cycles, and biotechnology. Pollution, warming, and more acidic and increasingly anoxic oceans will reshape microbial communities. How will they fight back; will they thrive, disappear or further contribute to climate change?

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is an Assistant Professor of Public International Law at Leiden University. Her research focuses on the role of science in public international law and the law of the sea. Hilde previously worked at the Norwegian Centre for the Law of the Sea (NCLOS) in Tromsø, Norway, where she also undertook her PhD research on the law-science interface within the law of the sea. Hilde is currently co-leading the multi-year research project ‘H2OLAW Law-Science Interfaces within the Law of the Sea and Fresh Water Law’ at Leiden University.

Danick Trouwloon is a PhD candidate at Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University. Her research focuses on how science and art can contribute appropriately to sustainable development on Curaçao and the wider Caribbean. She is a member of the 6 ISLANDS zine and the Island and Ocean Imaginaries Collectives.

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When early in your career, it might be challenging to get heard. That’s why ECOP Netherlands is providing Early Career Ocean Professionals with the tools to speak up through policy, communications and art. After a short symposium with talks by ECOPs Maarten Heijnen (Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management) and (interdisciplinary artist and researcher), participants will apply gained knowledge at during three short workshops. Great news: by attending the session, you will already speak up! During the breakout session, attendees will be asked on their views of the future of the ocean, which will be taken to the UN Ocean Conference in Nice. Based on these views, a live artpiece will be made together, and afterwards brought to Nice as well!

In this interactive session, we will discuss the renewal of the Dutch research fleet and explore opportunities for future research cruises and collaborations. We will provide insights into the already operational coastal research vessel Wim Wolff and the ocean-going Anna Weber-van Bosse, which will be in service by 2026. Through examples of their capabilities and the new advanced robotics equipment available, we will highlight how these vessels will enable more detailed observations and in situ experiments. Additionally, we welcome contributions from participants to showcase other marine research facilities available to the community, fostering a broader discussion on common use of the marine research facilities.

This breakout session explores how to integrate more ocean education into secondary school curricula. Experts will discuss key knowledge areas, ways to influence curriculum development, and how to shift the narrative about the ocean from a threat to a vital resource. The session will bring together educators, policymakers, and NGOs to develop concrete action points.