Call for Participants: Workshop on Deep-sea Ecology & Sustainability

PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES

Global Subseafloor Ecosystem and Sustainability (GSES), the newly-endorsed Ocean Decade Program, has partnered with Ocean Negative Carbon Emissions (ONCE), Digital Depth, Deep Ocean Steward Initiative (DOSI), ISME-China, and BGI Group, to launch a Deep-sea Ecology and Sustainability Workshop held at Hangzhou, China. The workshop is delivered through a combination of lectures, practical exercises, site visits and international conference, aiming to enhance comprehensive understanding of deep-sea ecosystem and sustainable practices among professionals from developing countries.

The program includes lectures given by leading experts in the field, covering topics such as Introduction of UN Ocean Decade and Program, Marine Life and Sustainability, deep-sea seamount ecosystems, deep-sea cold seep ecosystems, and deep-sea hydrothermal vent ecosystems. It integrates analytical courses tailored for participants, such as environmental DNA (eDNA) isolation and processing, bioinformatics, and ecological data analysis. The training also incorporates site visits to provide participants with a deeper understanding of marine science and technology development in China. Finally, participants will be invited to attend the ISME-Asia Conference and GSES roundtable discussion. We hope this workshop will promote knowledge gaining and sharing on deep-sea science and technology, the spread of Sustainability concept worldwide, especially in developing countries.

SITE

Hangzhou, China

DURATION

2 weeks–October 14 to 28, 2025

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To be considered for this workshop, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Nationality: applicants must be from developing countries.
• Education: applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
• Language: proficiency in English is required. 
• Work Experience: applicants with relevant working experience are preferred. Student is not applicable.
• Age limit: below 45.
• Health: applicants must be in good health and free from communicable diseases.
• Applicant who is working or studying in China is not applicable.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

The workshop is free of charge. Accommodation and meals during the workshop will be provided. Round airfare will be reimbursed on a case-by-case basis, up to USD 800. Visa and other related expenses will be the responsibility of the participants.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants are invited to submit their applications along with the following supporting documents:

• A recent passport-sized photo.
• A copy of the passport biographical page or national identification card.
• A copy of the highest degree or certificate.
• A Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé.
• Proof of English proficiency.
• A health certificate
• Application form

Applications should be submitted to GSES via email at [icdli-mailing@sjtu.edu.cn] with the subject line: “Application for Deep-sea Ecosystem and Sustainability Workshop 2025.” A maximum of 20 trainees will be enrolled.

Application Deadline: June 30, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be processed.

Application Form for Deep-sea Ecosystem and Sustainability Workshop 2025-250423.docx