The Next Generation of in situ Biological and Chemical Sensors in the Ocean
A workshop co-sponsored by the WHOI Ocean Life Institute and Deep Ocean Exploration Institute, the National Science Foundation, and the Office of Naval Research
Purpose
This workshop sought to bring together oceanographers and specialists
in new and emerging technologies which could be used for the in
situ oceanographic biological and chemical measurements of the future.
Examples of technologies explored included, but were not limited
to, nanotechnology, sensor arrays, miniaturized complex instrumentation
(e.g. mass spectrometers), automated complex chemical analyses (e.g.
DNA analyzers), biosensor arrays, and new high resolution optical
visualization tools. The major questions addressed were: What
are new technologies and innovations emerging in the fields of engineering,
analytical chemistry, biosensors, and molecular biology which would
be useful in addressing major outstanding scientific problems in
oceanography? What are the technological barriers to applying these
technologies and how can these be overcome? The workshop sought to
maximize interactions between oceanographers and specialists in
other technical fields which might lead to conceptualization, development,
testing, and deployment of new and innovative technological approaches
in ocean sensor technology.
We held a 3.5 day workshop for scientists and engineers in ocean
sciences, relevant industries, and government or military research
laboratories to share information and explore new possibilities
for the development of sensors to detect, identify and/or quantify
important chemical and biological properties and processes in the
ocean. A workshop goal was to write concise documents charting
future technology developments and ocean science applications.
The format included invited plenary talks, contributed research
presentations, posters, discussions and preparation of summary documents
by working groups.
The workshop was held at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Woods Hole, MA with attendance of about 100 people.
Workshop sessions were held in the Redfield Auditorium, located at 85 Water Street in Woods Hole, with receptions and dinner in the Clark Laboratory on the Quissett Campus, between Woods Hole and Falmouth. Detailed directions for these locations and parking were sent to all registrants prior to the Workshop.