This event will showcase the intermediate results of the Cinea Standards and Best Practices – EC-OBPSS project. Together with our project partners, we are developing a prototype system to manage and disseminate standards and best practices in ocean observation.
During the event, we will present the key findings from our ongoing analysis, including insights into the landscape of existing standards and best practices. Additionally, we will demonstrate the IT platform developed, highlighting how it enables the structured organization and accessibility of this information.
This event will provide a valuable opportunity to explore the progress made so far and gather feedback on the system under development.
CTN, IEEE, ETT, Geomar, HCMR, Maris, EMBRC, SHOM
Welcome
The event “Standards and Best Practices in Ocean Observation”, held on 28 May 2025 at the Brussels Office of the Region of Murcia, was opened by key representatives from policy, industry, and research.
The welcome session featured:
Antonio Novellino, Smart Cities BU Manager at ETT
Zoi Konstantinou, Policy Officer at the European Commission
Noelia Ortega, CEO of CTN
Together, they highlighted the importance of collaboration between institutions and stakeholders to strengthen the adoption and harmonisation of ocean observation standards at European level. This introduction set the tone for a productive exchange of knowledge and perspectives throughout the rest of the event.
Session 1: State-of-the-Art Project Showcase and Standards and best practices selected to be adopted by EU
The first session focused on the identification and classification of existing ocean observation standards and best practices.
The session featured:
Jay Pearlman, Ph.D., Fellow at IEEE
Cristian Muñoz Mas, AI & Analysis Section Lead at IMR
They introduced the distinction between standards and best practices, presented the main results of the classification work, and highlighted a selection of standards considered suitable for EU-level adoption. Their insights laid the groundwork for the platform’s future integration within European ocean observation initiatives.
Session 2 : Introduction to the EC-OBPSS Platform
The second session introduced the EC-OBPSS digital platform, developed to manage and share ocean observation standards and best practices.
The session featured:
Antonio Novellino, Smart Cities BU Manager at ETT
Pablo Ruiz, Digital Technologies Director at CTN
The speakers presented the platform’s key functionalities, including a NoSQL database, advanced search tools, cybersecurity features, and a visual dashboard. This session demonstrated how the platform facilitates collaboration and ensures long-term accessibility to curated standards and best practices across the ocean observation community.
Session 3: Quiz - Collection of feedback from stakeholders
The third session of the event, focused on collecting feedback from the ocean observation community through an interactive quiz session.
The session featured:
Pablo Ruiz, Digital Technologies Director at CTN (Moderator)
Participants had the opportunity to evaluate the EC-OBPSS platform, providing direct input on its usability, strengths, and areas for improvement. This interactive format encouraged dialogue and ensured that stakeholder needs and perspectives would guide future platform development
Session 4. Closing Roundtable: Next steps in the European Standards and Best Practices
The final session of the event brought together key experts to discuss the way forward for European coordination on ocean observation standards and best practices.
The roundtable featured:
Abed El Rahman Hassoun, Scientific Researcher at GEOMAR
Adeline Souf, Head of European Relations and Forecasting at Shom
Antonio Guarnieri, Policy Officer at the European Commission
Cristian Muñoz Mas, AI & Analysis Section Lead at IMR
Jay Pearlman, Ph.D. Fellow at IEEE
Peter Thijsse, Project Manager at MARIS BV
Together, they reflected on the outcomes of the day and emphasised the need for continued collaboration across institutions, disciplines, and Member States to ensure consistent implementation and evolution of ocean observation standards at European and international levels.
