While the KOSMOS 2014 GC 2.0 experiment on the effects of ocean acidification goes for its final spurt, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN) and the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) agreed to intensify their cooperation. The three partners aim to develop new scientific activities in the field of marine research, technology development as well as training and to promote an understanding of the oceans and their socio-economic importance. The agreement was signed by the Executive Director of GEOMAR, Prof. Peter M. Herzig, the Vice Chancellor for Research at ULPGC, Antonio Falc\u00f3n, and the Director of PLOCAN, Octavio Llin\u00e1s, at the Presidency of the Government of the Canary Islands in the presence of the Head of the Canary Government, Paulino Rivero Baute.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe marine research infrastructure and expertise available at the University of Las Palmas and PLOCAN make Gran Canary a prime location for open ocean research and marine development in Europe\u201d, Prof. Peter M. Herzig states. \u201cBy teaming up with these two esteemed institutions, GEOMAR expects to foster new scientific activities addressing burning questions regarding the changing ocean and its economic and social importance.\u201d<\/p>\n
For PLOCAN, the agreement is part of a strategy to support networking between internationally leading research groups and local teams with the aim of developing highly valued socio-economic projects in the Canary Islands. \u201cIn this globalized world, the Canary Islands must play their role of fully developing the marine potential, spreading the knowledge and promoting employment and economic activity that will also entail global repercussions\u201d, PLOCAN\u2019s director Octavio Llin\u00e1s explains. The Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Antonio Falc\u00f3n, welcomed the agreement as a sign of advancement. “The Horizon 2020 programme and the Atlantic Strategy provide an excellent framework for the partners to prepare proposals of high scientific and economic value.\u201d<\/p>\n
A detailed press release can be found at www.geomar.de\/n2160-e<\/a><\/p>\n