New methods, systems, and devices are transforming human
interactions with the sea and our capacity to collect, quality assure, and
analyse the data needed to assess and understand ecosystems and the effects of
human activities and pressures.
Expert groups that explore, develop, assess, and apply new
technologies as well as those that are advancing data science, systems
management, quality assurance, and data governance are increasing in number
within ICES. The newly created Data Science and Technology Steering Group
(DSTSG) will guide and support these groups working on topics related to
technology and data science.
DSTSG will comprise established groups such as our Working Group
on Fisheries Acoustics, Science and Technology (WGFAST), alongside
newer groups, such as the Working Group on Machine Learning in Marine Science (WGMLEARN) and
the Working Group on SmartDots Governance (WGSMART) that
are promoting the use of relevant machine learning technologies and improving
the quality assurance of biological parameters input for stock assessments.
As Chair, you will have the
opportunity to influence the direction and impact of ICES science in this area,
develop an international science network, and contribute to the work of ICES
Science Committee.
The chair position for the DSTSG is a four-year term from
1 January 2021. The new chair of the
Data Science and Technology Steering Group will be elected in
September 2020 to
allow time to interact with existing steering group chairs and the current
chair of the Ecosystem Observation Steering Group to support the handover of
responsibilities for this group.
Advice from the SCICOM Chair
As DSTSG is a new group, there is no current chair to give
their advice on what to expect in the role. So we have asked SCICOM Chair Jörn
Schmidt to describe the new position and the expectations from ICES and SCICOM.
“Emerging techniques and technologies is one of ICES science
priority areas. This area is as diverse as science itself as it includes
observational technologies (e.g. imaging and acoustic technologies as well as
new methods, e.g. in Citizen Science) as well as new ways of analyzing (eDNA,
machine learning) and data sciences (Big Data, FAIR principles). All this is
often being developed in relation to its application, either within survey
groups or topical groups like zooplankton ecology.
However, there may also be emerging technologies on the
horizon, which have not yet been considered or are just being considered for
application in marine sciences (machine learning being a recent example).
Beyond this, there are increasing applications in relation to social sciences
and humanities, requiring totally different ways of data collection and data
handling.
Thus, this position is well suited for someone with a broad
interest in innovation and the passion to look outside the box, but at the same
time being attentive to the practical needs of a broad range of needs, both in
science as well as in providing advice.”
Interested?
If you are thinking about applying, Schmidt adds that, “this position is
important for the organization and you will have the opportunity as the first
chair of this new group to actively shape it to become a cornerstone of ICES science. And rest assured that you will join a very welcoming and open
community".
The term for the DSTSG Chair is four years which begins on 1
January 2021. If you have any questions regarding the role, please contact EOSG
Chair Sven Kupchus or
SCICOM Chair Jörn
Schmidt.
The deadline
for nominations is Friday 21 August 2020.
Expert groups that will be part of DSTSG
Working Group on DATRAS Governance
Working Group on Technology Integration for Fishery-Dependent Data
Working Group on Fisheries Acoustics, Science and Technology
Working Group on Spatial Fisheries Data Governance
Steering Committee of Regional Fisheries Data Base
Working Group on Atlantic Fish Larvae and Eggs Surveys
Working Group on Recreational Fisheries Surveys
Working Group on Acoustic Data Governance
Working Group on Machine Learning in Marine Science
Working Group on SmartDots Governance
Working Group on Biological Parameters
Working Group on Commercial Catches