In 2025 and 2026, the Hakai Institute welcomed a cohort of early-career ocean scientists from around the world as part of the Nippon Foundation–Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (NF-POGO) Centre of Excellence in Observational Oceanography. During a three-week field module on British Columbia's coast, scholars gain practical experience in coastal ecology, ocean observing technologies, biodiversity monitoring, genomics, and eDNA (environmental DNA) while working alongside Hakai researchers.
NF-POGO CoE in Observational Oceanography: Building Global Capacity Through Coastal Science
The Hakai Institute's contribution provides scholars with an immersive field experience that complements the Centre of Excellence's broader curriculum in observational oceanography. By combining classroom learning with hands-on research in remote coastal ecosystems, the program equips participants with the technical skills, scientific networks, and practical experience needed to strengthen ocean observing capacity in their home countries.
Partners
The NF-POGO Centre of Excellence in Observational Oceanography is a collaborative international training program supported by:
The Nippon Foundation
Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO)
Ocean Frontier Institute (OFI)
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Marine Institute of Memorial University
Dalhousie University
International Ocean Institute – Canada
Hakai Institute
Together, these organizations provide an interdisciplinary training program that combines ocean science, technology, data management, policy, and field-based learning to develop the next generation of ocean professionals.
Timeframe
The NF-POGO Centre of Excellence is an annual program delivered over approximately ten months.
The Hakai Institute hosts scholars during the program's west coast field component, providing an intensive three-week experiential learning module at the Quadra Island Ecological Observatory in British Columbia.
Context
Healthy oceans underpin global biodiversity, food security, climate regulation, and coastal livelihoods. As marine ecosystems face increasing pressures from climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and expanding human activities, there is a growing need for scientists with expertise in ocean observation and environmental monitoring.
Recognizing this need, the Nippon Foundation-POGO Centre of Excellence in Observational Oceanography was established to strengthen scientific capacity in developing countries. The program brings together talented early-career scientists from around the world for advanced training in observational oceanography, emphasizing practical skills, international collaboration, and long-term professional networks.
The Hakai Institute contributes a unique component to the program by providing scholars with direct access to one of Canada's most extensively studied coastal ecosystems. During their time in British Columbia, scholars participate in field sampling, biodiversity surveys, oceanographic instrument deployments, environmental DNA (eDNA) and genomics laboratories, geographic information systems (GIS) applications, and long-term ecological monitoring activities.
Working alongside Hakai scientists and technicians, participants experience every stage of the research process—from collecting samples in the field to processing data and interpreting results. The immersive environment encourages interdisciplinary thinking while exposing scholars to the logistical and scientific challenges of conducting research in remote coastal environments.
Beyond technical training, scholars gain experience in collaborative research, science communication, and open science practices, preparing them to apply these approaches in their own regions.
Outcomes
The Hakai Institute's participation in the NF-POGO Centre of Excellence strengthens global ocean science by investing in people.
Scholars leave the program with practical experience using modern ocean observing technologies and ecological monitoring techniques that they can adapt to local challenges in their home countries. Many return to universities, government agencies, and research institutions where they contribute to marine conservation, climate research, fisheries management, and national ocean observing initiatives.
For the Hakai Institute, participation in the Centre of Excellence expands opportunities for international collaboration while showcasing Canada's leadership in coastal research and innovation. The program also strengthens lasting professional networks between researchers across continents, fostering future collaborations that support a more globally connected ocean observing community.
As ocean challenges continue to grow in scale and complexity, building scientific capacity remains essential. Through its partnership in the NF-POGO Centre of Excellence, the Hakai Institute is helping equip the next generation of ocean scientists with the skills, experience, and connections needed to better understand and protect the world's oceans.
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