Young scientists from developing countries are to receive an academic boost from the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS).

The local facility received a $500,000 grant to establish the Nippon Foundation and the Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO) Centre of Excellence (CofE).

The five-year programme will focus on observational oceanography, educating "a core of young researchers who will (then) continue to study the marine ecosystems in their own homes (and) train the next generation of scientists in their regions".

"We are delighted and honoured to have been selected for this opportunity among such recognised institutions," said BIOS president and director Tony Knap.

"I sincerely commend the Nippon Foundation's vision in investing in the enhancement of the scientific capabilities in oceanography of developing countries of the southern hemisphere."

A BIOS spokesperson said the programme's goal is to "expand a worldwide capacity to observe the oceans, cultivate human resources in developing countries and to expand international networking in ocean sciences".

The scheme will demand students to spend a considerable amount of time at sea in order to forward their practical understanding of oceanography. To that end, the facility will rely upon its 168-foot vessel, the R/V Bank of Bermuda Atlantic Explorer, which boasts a student lab and berths 22.

The scientists will also undertake eight long-term ocean, atmospheric and near-shore observational programmes including:

l Hydrostation "S" - the longest, year-round database at one point in the open ocean

l The Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study (BATS)

l The Oceanic Flux Program (OFP)

l The Bermuda Microbial Observatory

lThe Global CO2 and Ocean Acidification Programme

lThe Marine Environmental Programme (MEP) - a network of nearshore research

l The Bermuda Environmental Quality Programme, with a focus on local and global water and atmospheric systems.

"I sincerely hope that the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, POGO, and the Nippon Foundation can work together to foster young researchers who will be qualified to become leaders in the field of oceanography, and that the institute will become a focal point for human capacity building in international oceanography," said Yohei Sasakawa, chairman of The Nippon Foundation.

"Despite the efforts of our capacity building project, I understand that not only are human resources in oceanography still necessary, but there is also a shortage of links between these human resources and international oceanographic research networks. In that sense, I believe that the 'Centre of Excellence' will be a new departure in human resource development systems, and will become a very significant project in oceanography."

The activities of the trainees will be monitored by POGO for some years after the completion of the course. The strongest participants will have further opportunities for advanced training and scientific exchange with other POGO member institutions around the world. Courses are scheduled for August.

For further information visit www.bios.edu/education/NF-POGO.