Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: A delegation from Goa University, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. (HAG) Harilal B. Menon, visited the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research (IOW), Warnemünde, Germany, from August 18 to 20, 2025, to expand cooperation in marine and coastal research. The visit follows the signing of an MoU earlier this year, when an IOW team had travelled to Goa University in February.
The team also comprised Prof. Jivan S. Parab from the School of Physical and Applied Sciences, Dr. Siddhi K. Jalmi from the School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, and Dr. Sheryl O. Fernandes from the School of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences.
During the three-day programme, detailed discussions were held with IOW scientists on collaborative projects focusing on climate change, extreme weather events, and estuarine and coastal ecosystem services. Special emphasis was laid on advancing monitoring technologies and developing smart sensor systems powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). These would be applied in fields such as in-situ optics, remote sensing, and autonomous robotics. The role of advanced modelling and modern data science in addressing global marine and climate challenges was also underlined.
The delegation was formally welcomed by IOW Director Prof. Dr. Oliver Zielinski, in the presence of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s Minister for Science, Culture, Federal and European Affairs, Bettina Martin, and University of Rostock Rector Prof. Dr. Elizabeth Prommer. The Goa University team also visited key facilities, including the IOW research vessel Elisabeth Mann Borgese and the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency.
Officials said the partnership with IOW is expected to open new opportunities for joint research, faculty and student exchanges, and shared use of facilities and data. By pooling expertise, Goa University and IOW aim to contribute significantly to global marine and climate science, with a particular focus on estuarine and coastal waters.
