The 2026 Ocean Sciences Meeting: Charting the Future of Ocean Science in Glasgow
The global ocean science community is gearing up for one of the most significant gatherings in the field—the 2026 Ocean Sciences Meeting (OSM26), scheduled to take place from February 22 to 27, 2026, at the Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow, Scotland. This landmark biennial event, co-sponsored by the American Geophysical Union (AGU), the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO), and The Oceanography Society (TOS), represents a pivotal platform where over 6,000 scientists, policymakers, educators, and students converge to discuss cutting-edge research and the urgent challenges facing the oceans. The upcoming edition is poised to not only foster scientific exchange but also emphasize the critical connection between ocean science and sustainable development.
As one of the largest and most influential oceanographic conferences globally, OSM26 will draw a diverse cohort of experts whose research spans multiple disciplines. Ocean sciences encompass complex and interrelated fields including physical oceanography, marine geology, ocean chemistry, paleoceanography, and marine ecology. The intersection of these disciplines enables comprehensive understanding of ocean systems, their influence on global climate, and the health of marine ecosystems. This approach will be reflected in the conference sessions, which are designed to facilitate interdisciplinary dialogue addressing climate change, sea-level rise, and the anthropogenic pressures on marine environments.
The scientific programming for OSM26 will be unveiled in late October 2025, promising a robust lineup of plenary talks, oral presentations, Town Halls, and agency forums. Despite the primary format being in-person, the meeting will embrace digital accessibility with on-demand content featuring recorded sessions and a virtual poster gallery to extend the conference’s reach. This hybrid approach ensures that participants across the globe—including those unable to attend physically—can engage with the latest discoveries and policy discussions shaping ocean science.
In recognition of the essential role of media in translating ocean science to the public and policymakers, the OSM26’s Media Relations Office has opened press registrations. Eligible press include staff, freelance, and student journalists, as well as institutional writers and communications officers. Complimentary media registration will grant access to nearly all scientific sessions, barring a few invitation-only events. The press will benefit from facilities such as a dedicated on-site press room equipped with working spaces, interview zones, and high-speed Wi-Fi, fostering an efficient environment for reporting and analysis.
Glasgow, with its dynamic maritime history and growing reputation as a hub for climate and environmental innovation, provides an ideal backdrop for OSM26. The Scottish Event Campus offers state-of-the-art conference amenities, while local infrastructure supports a wide selection of accommodations for attendees. Press registrants are encouraged to secure housing through the dedicated press registration portal to avoid conflicts with regular attendee bookings. This rigorous organization reflects the conference’s commitment to providing a seamless experience for all participants.
Beyond scientific presentations, OSM26 will emphasize the integration of ocean science into global sustainability efforts. The conference is closely aligned with the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, recognizing the ocean as both a vital resource and a dynamic component of Earth’s system. Discussions will delve into the complexities of ocean-climate interactions, the impacts of human activities on ocean chemistry and biology, and innovative approaches to marine conservation and restoration.
Health and safety remain a priority for organizers, particularly in light of ongoing global public health challenges. Attendees are strongly encouraged to stay current with vaccinations, including COVID-19 protocols, and to follow evolving guidelines issued by the UK Health Security Agency. Mask-wearing will be voluntary but supported, reflecting a commitment to creating a safe environment that enables broad participation and inclusivity.
OSM26 also serves as a vital networking forum, bringing together not only the scientific community but also educators and policymakers. This convergence facilitates the translation of research findings into actionable policies and educational initiatives designed to foster public understanding of ocean-related challenges. The conference thus plays an indispensable role in bridging scientific inquiry with societal needs.
As the 2026 edition approaches, attention is already turning to the climate and environmental themes anticipated to dominate discourse. Given recent trends in ocean warming, acidification, and deoxygenation, researchers are expected to present new data on ecosystem responses and feedback mechanisms within the Earth system. This knowledge is critical to informing adaptive management strategies that ensure resilience of ocean-dependent communities and ecosystems.
From a technological standpoint, OSM26 will highlight advancements in observational platforms, data analytics, and modeling techniques that have revolutionized oceanographic research. Remote sensing, autonomous underwater vehicles, and high-resolution simulations are increasingly integral to unraveling ocean processes at unprecedented scales and resolutions. These innovations not only deepen scientific understanding but also empower stakeholders to make informed decisions in the face of global change.
The OSM26 gathering also underscores the vitality of fostering early-career scientists, providing them with opportunities to showcase research, build collaborations, and engage with leaders in the field. Student-focused sessions and awards nurture the next generation of oceanographers, ensuring sustained advancement in ocean science.
Looking beyond OSM26, the upcoming years feature other notable scientific assemblies including the AGU Annual Meeting in New Orleans in December 2025, the Astrobiology Science Conference in Madison in May 2026, and the JpGU-AGU Joint Meeting in Japan later that month. These events, together with OSM, represent a constellation of scholarly forums where multidisciplinary science continues to evolve.
Ultimately, the Ocean Sciences Meeting of 2026 stands as a beacon for collaborative inquiry and innovation at a time when the ocean’s health is inextricably linked to the planet’s future. The event will not only celebrate scientific achievements but also galvanize collective action toward sustainable stewardship of the ocean’s vast and dynamic systems.
Subject of Research: Ocean sciences encompassing physical oceanography, marine ecology, ocean chemistry, paleoceanography, and marine geology; climate change and ocean sustainability.
Article Title: The 2026 Ocean Sciences Meeting: Charting the Future of Ocean Science in Glasgow
News Publication Date: Not explicitly provided; assumed early registration opening announcement near 2025.
Web References:
– https://www.agu.org/ocean-sciences-meeting
– https://www.agu.org/Stay-Informed/Stay-Informed/Cover-Meeting
– https://www.agu.org/ocean-sciences-meeting/press#presscenter
– https://en.unesco.org/ocean-decade
Image Credits: American Geophysical Union
Keywords: Oceanography, Climatology, Science policy, Marine ecology, Marine geology, Ocean chemistry, Ocean physics, Oceans, Sea level, Paleoceanography
