Sonia Batten, PICES
My scientific background is as a biological oceanographer, studying plankton in particular, their dynamics and their role at the base of the marine food chain. I started my career in the North Atlantic but moved to Canada in 2000 and in April 2020 took up a new position with the North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES) as its Executive Secretary.
PICES is an intergovernmental science organization that seeks to advance knowledge and understanding of the ecosystems of the North Pacific Ocean through collaboration and cooperation. PICES collaborates frequently with ICES, especially in hosting international conferences, as each organization looks to broaden the impacts of our activities and include more diverse perspectives on marine science issues. I have not been fortunate enough to attend any of the earlier ECS Conferences but I have had excellent mentors and developed long-lasting friendships through both ICES and PICES during my career and am excited about being able to provide that opportunity to others through this event.
This conference comes at an exciting time for early career ocean professionals with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development drawing attention to the importance of your role in the ocean's future. The sessions and activities here will offer you the chance to contribute your expertise in the early days of the UN Decade and help guide its evolution.
Wojciech Wawrzynski, ICES
I am a science diplomat and a research manager with a PhD in political economics. Since 2008, I have been working at the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), Copenhagen and in 2016, I took over as the Head of Science Support. In 2017, I was ICES Convener for the Third ICES/PICES Early Career Scientist Congress in South Korea.
My experience includes sustainable development, macroeconomics, maritime economics, ecosystem services, and project management. I have published on ocean governance, research funding, cooperation, and programming.
Andrea (Andi) White, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
As a Senior Science Advisor in the Office of Partnership and Collaboration at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), I play a leadership and coordination role for Canadian engagement in the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, as well as other international commitments related to ocean science. I have a Masters of Science in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry and nearly 20 years of federal government experience that includes conducting scientific research, providing science advice, and bridging the science-policy interface.
Through my work at DFO, I am passionate about championing domestic and international efforts to promote gender equity in ocean science and creating opportunities to inspire youth and early career professionals to become the next generation of ocean leaders.
I am honoured to represent Canada in hosting the fourth Early Career Scientist Conference in 2022 and I am excited to be working with colleagues from the ICES and PICES community to convene a conference that will not only showcase excellent science, but also provide a fun venue for participants to experience a unique part of Canada while expanding their professional networks.
Conference organizer
Ena Briesemeister
