The keynote speaker will present his talk at the plenary session on April 16.
Madeira Island biologist and marine science specialist João Canning Clode - founder and coordinator of MARE-Madeira and Principal Investigator at the Regional Agency for the Development of Research, Technology and Innovation (ARDITI) - is the keynote speaker at the annual meeting of the FCCN community.
The deputy director of MARE - Centro de Ciências do Mar e Ambiente, one of the largest R&D, research and development units in Portugal, is a speaker at the plenary session of the Jornadas FCCN, which will take place on April 16, starting at 9 a.m., in the Auditorium of the Madeira Congress Center. The presentation is entitled Beyond Blue: Convergence of Science and Society in Ocean Conservation for Future Generations.
João Canning Clode answered a few questions about his participation in the Jornadas FCCN 2024, revealing more details about what will be highlighted in his session.
"The days will highlight the region as a potential center of excellence in research and innovation, but also promote integration and collaboration between the local scientific community and national and international experts," says João Canning Clode.
What motivated you to accept the invitation to be a keynote speaker at the Jornadas FCCN 2024?
The invitation to be a keynote speaker at the Jornadas FCCN 2024 represents a unique opportunity for me to share advances in ocean conservation research, a topic that is at the heart of our work at MARE-Madeira.
The possibility of dialoguing and exchanging experiences with various players linked to science, technology and society is a way of multiplying our efforts and having a positive impact on marine conservation. FCCN is a reference in promoting knowledge and innovation in Portugal and offers the ideal stage for this debate.
How will the work carried out at MARE - Center for Marine and Environmental Sciences be reflected in your presentation?
In my presentation, I will reflect on how the research and projects developed at MARE-Madeira are contributing to the advancement of knowledge about marine ecosystems. I will address the main threats to biodiversity loss, namely climate change, invasive species, but also marine litter. Not least, I will highlight how interdisciplinary and international collaboration and community participation are essential to the success of our mission.
Do you think an event like this is important for the Madeira Region?
Without a doubt, events such as the Jornadas FCCN are of immense value to Madeira. The Days will highlight the region as a potential center of excellence in research and innovation, but also promote integration and collaboration between the local scientific community and national and international experts. This is an opportunity to showcase Madeira's unique potential in marine and environmental research.
What impact do you expect the presence of so many professionals and entities from the technological and scientific fields to have in Funchal?
I think this presence could serve as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration. I hope that this meeting will broaden the dialog on the global challenges we all face, especially on such critical issues as climate change, ocean conservation and sustainability.
To what extent do the services of FCCN help MARE to develop its activities?
The services of FCCN are fundamental to increasing our access to advanced digital resources, allowing us to carry out quality research and collaborate effectively with national and international partners. I would highlight the b-on and Colibri platforms.
The main trends and technological innovations will be highlighted. Do you think these will also have an impact on the maritime and environmental ecosystem?
Certainly, technological innovations play a transformative role in marine and environmental research. Advanced monitoring and data analysis tools, for example, support our ability to understand complex ocean systems and respond to environmental challenges.
João Canning Clode is also the Coordinator of SEDES-Madeira's Observatory of the Sea and is currently Chairman of one of the Expert Groups of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). In 2023, he was distinguished by the Edinburgh Ocean Leaders program. He is the author of more than 120 scientific publications and his research has received media coverage in several countries.
Find out more about the Jornadas program FCCN 2024 and register at https://indico.fccn.pt/event/29/registrations/37/
