May 12-14 2026
University of Rhode Island, Graduate School of Oceanography
Narragansett, RI
Motivated by the 2025 Decadal Survey recommendations, the Ocean Observatories Initiative Facility Board (OOIFB) is convening a [public] roundtable to discuss how the experience gained through the development and operation of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) and other sustained observing efforts can inform the evolution of ocean observing programs that satisfy science community needs and U.S. national priorities. The overriding goal of this roundtable discussion is to articulate a vision for ocean observing needs that align with the NSF’s mission over the coming decade. In addition to other deliverables, results from this forum will produce a framework for a subsequent, larger community meeting on ocean observing.
An agenda outline for the roundtable event can be found here.
Participants of the 2026 roundtable will include members of the OOIFB and the OOIFB’s Data Systems Committee (DSC), representatives from U.S. federal agencies (e.g. NOAA, NASA, ONR, etc.), and select members of the scientific community. An in-person and virtual participant list can be found here.
Members of the broader ocean science and observing communities, as well as other stakeholders and members of the public are invited to listen to the event as virtual attendees (via Zoom). Virtual attendees will be able to connect and listen to overview presentations and group discussions, but will not participate in breakout sessions. Virtual attendees will remain muted during the event, but will be able to ask questions/add comments in the Q&A and/or chat feature on Zoom (which will be monitored by on-site staff). *Please note, virtual attendees are distinct from virtual participants.
Zoom connection details will only be available to those virtual attendees who RSVP for the event. Please RSVP to confirm your virtual attendance here.