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Exploring the power of ocean science: How does the European Marine Commission promote collaboration and innovation among its member organizations?
Against the backdrop of global climate change and environmental threats, the European Marine Board (EMB) plays an increasingly important role. As a pan-European marine science and policy think tank, EMB aims to provide a platform for member organizations to collaborate, promote the development of marine research and bridge the gap between science and policy.
“The goal of the EMB is to provide a platform for member organizations to collaborate on shared priorities and advance ocean research.”
Background
EMB was founded in 1995 as an expert committee of the European Science Foundation. In 1995, EMB began to help promote cooperation among European organizations and in 2016 became an independent international non-profit organization (EMB-IVZW) established under Belgian law, gaining full independence. Its headquarters are located in Oosten, Belgium, where it has office facilities and is supported by the Flemish Marine Institute.
Objectives and Activities
Goal
The mission of the European Marine Commission is to foster collaboration among member organisations, develop shared priorities and integrate scientific insights into policy development to address future marine science challenges. EMB hopes to shape a unified vision for ocean research by strengthening collaboration in research and funding.
Events
To help promote marine science and research, EMB participates in and hosts a variety of activities, including publishing strategic publications such as policy briefs and position papers, organizing major conferences on marine science and policy, and participating in strategic EU projects.
“Our activities extend beyond meetings to include continuous provision of information and advice to members on developments in marine science in Europe.”
Membership
EMB membership is divided into three categories based on the type of organisation: national research performing organisations (such as the major national oceanographic research agencies), national research funding organisations (such as the national research councils and departments funding oceanographic research), and consortia of third level institutions. Membership is open to organisations from Council of Europe member states, with a maximum of four organisations from each country.
Governance structure
EMB's governance structure consists of three levels: Council, Executive Committee and Secretariat.
Committee
The Committee, which is composed of representatives from member organizations and meets twice a year, is responsible for developing activities, strategic direction and operating principles.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee consists of the EMB Chairman, six Vice-Chairmen and the Executive Director. The committee's mission is to provide oversight and guidance to implement the EMB's activities and to form future strategic direction.
Secretariat
The Secretariat is responsible for overall coordination and management and ensures that activities approved by the Commission and the Executive Committee are implemented. Secretariat members are required to maintain a dynamic monitoring of ocean research and policy in support of the objectives of the EMB.
“The work of the Secretariat involves not only internal management, but also relations with the EU and other institutions.”
Challenges for the future
As a leader in ocean science policy, EMB works to ensure that ocean science continues to innovate and respond to challenges for the future. In this era of rapid change, how to effectively promote cooperation among member organizations to deal with increasingly complex marine issues may be a question we should think about together?
