As well as the usual cutting-edge research – evident in the theme session and open session programme – this year's event includes an open session and a game aimed at approaching science in a different way.
Taking place on the Tuesday, 'Data's Den' introduces a new open session format. The audience will play a role as participants pitch products designed to make data easier to access or more widely available to a panel from the ICES community. The panel members will then decide whether they want to 'invest' in the idea. This lively session will allow for much discussion and exchange of ideas.
Data's Den is one of five open sessions taking place over the four days, the others on quantifying the effects of human activities on ecosystem, climate change within ICES community, including social and economic analyses in advice, and public-private partnerships.
Also taking place is a game based around the scientific posters presented at the conference. The poster game is similar to a treasure hunt, in which a smartphone app will guide players to various posters where they will need to solve different quests. The game can be played over the course of the whole conference.
Welcome to ICES
There are also two new additions to the line-up of activities for early career scientists. A Monday morning session will introduce the ASC to young scientists, who will have the chance to ask questions to and get to know key ICES people. Also new is the PopUp Scientist programme, where during lunchtime each day a different scientist will be present for a question and answer session. The schedule for this will be announced closer to the start of the conference.
The ASC 2018 takes place at the University of Hamburg, Germany 24-17 September and will see hundreds of scientists, policy makers, organization representatives, and students gather for discussions on science for sustainable seas.