Floating new cross-cultural geoscience practice and impact
Aerial photo of the 143 m research vessel, the JOIDES Resolution. Credit: Siem Offshore
Via new research infrastructure delivery partner ANZIC, AuScope is proud to support eight Indigenous geoscience professionals and undergraduate students in joining the JOIDES Resolution (JR) Academy, a two-week ‘science at sea’ experience on board the JR vessel from Naples to Amsterdam this month. Participants can generate cross-cultural thinking towards a new paradigm in geoscience practice and impact globally. Jump on board from online for commentary between 10-24 April!
About the JR Academy
Commencing on April 8th, the research vessel JOIDES Resolution will embark on its third IODP JR Academy, a transformative voyage offering undergraduate students and mentors (geoscience academics and professionals) the rare opportunity to live and work aboard the renowned vessel. IODP is the International Ocean Discovery Program, an international marine research collaboration that explores Earth's history and dynamics using ocean-going research platforms to recover kilometres of drill core data recorded in seafloor sediments,rocks, fluid and living organisms to monitor subseafloor environments.
This expedition stands as a milestone for the 46-year-old research vessel, as it prepares to retire from IODP drilling on September 30th of this year. After decades of service, we aim to build on the JR’s legacy to propel scientific ocean drilling into a new era — one characterised by accelerated change, inclusivity, and increasing opportunities.
Experience a glimpse into the cutting-edge research and exploration of the JOIDES Resolution in this collaborative video by the 2nd JR Academy, class of 2023, and NASA. Throughout the 2nd JR Academy, students delved into highlighting the infrastructure of scientific ocean drilling and the captivating realm of microbiological science within IODP, offering an intriguing insight into their findings and discoveries. Video: NASA
As participants journey from Naples, Italy to Amsterdam, Netherlands, they immerse themselves in a dynamic curriculum of workshops, lectures, and land-based field trips. This immersive experience transcends mere scientific ocean drilling. It exposes students and mentors alike to the vast spectrum of geoscience careers, while delving into the realms of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) and science communication, Indigenous knowledges, while exploring the intersection between Indigenous and western science to benefit First Nations Peoples.
From exploring the ruins of Pompeii to scaling the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius, participants will seize every opportunity to enrich their perspectives before boarding the vessel. Upon reaching Amsterdam, they embark on an illuminating urban hydrogeology tour, navigating the city's waterways and polders, poised to carry their newfound experiences and insights into the future.
In collaboration with partners from Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S., this JR Academy serves as a nexus for cross-cultural scientific exchange. Supported in part by NCRIS (via AuScope), GeoDiscoveryNZ and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) project, Ambassadors for STEM Training to Enhance Participation (A-STEP), the expedition aims to dismantle barriers to inclusion and reach the “Missing Millions” within the scientific community.
The International Ocean Discovery Program acknowledges and honours the profound contributions of First Nations Peoples to our understanding of the seas and deep-time geology. As participants embark on this transformative journey, they pay homage to Elders, past and present, recognising their pivotal role in protecting their respective lands, waters and skies and shaping our global society. Together, we set sail towards a more inclusive and collaborative future.
Participants
Joining the JR Academy in Italy are eight remarkable First Nations participants from Australia and Aotearoa: Madison Anders from the University of Tasmania, Nicole Cloutier from the University of Queensland, Alana Dooley from Curtin University, Pianina Kahui-McConnell from NIWA, and Rawinia Wikaira from the University of Otago. Adding to the enriching experience are three exceptional mentors:
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Associate Professor Bradley Moggridge is a Kamilaroi water scientist from the University of Canberra, serving as the lead ANZIC mentor, bringing his career experiences in science, policy, regulation along with extensive collaboration with Indigenous groups across Australia and New Zealand to the forefront.
"I draw strength and have my spirits lifted through engaging and collaborating with other amazing Indigenous scientists and professionals. This experience on the JOIDES Resolution will be no different and look forward to growing and thriving through this expedition”.
Dr Bradley Moggridge, JR Academy and ANZIC Mentor
Academic profile | LinkedIn profile -
Ann-Maree Long, with connections to Badjala Country, Woppaburra Country, and Zenadth Kes (Badu Island), plays a pivotal role as the Program Manager for the CareerTrackers High School Program and the National Coordinator of the Young Indigenous Women in STEM Academy in collaboration with CSIRO. Her expertise in supporting Indigenous students in academia will ensure the JR Academy's legacy extends far beyond the industry's confines.
"I look forward to the conversations and the night sky navigation out at sea - learning about the intersections as a handful of Indigenous communities from across the world, in regards to our ways of observing Country and caring for Country. My nan could only ever have dreamed of opportunities like these - she will be walking with me in spirit as I embark on this endeavour".
Ann-Maree Long, JR Academy Mentor from CareerTrackers
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Jesse-James Pickery is a science Communicator, Kaiuku (Māori ceramicist) and engagement expert with a background in Government and GNS Science, hails from Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Whātua tribes of Aotearoa New Zealand. Jesse brings a pluralist perspective to the table and holds space for cross-cultural understanding and knowledge exchange.
“Nāku te rourou nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi. With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive. On this voyage we have 3 essential things to pull something new from te pō (the unknown); Time, Space, and Energy. If knowledge were food, this voyage would be a picnic, and It looks like we’re almost ready to eat.”
Jesse-James Pickery
These eight talented individuals will be accompanied at the start of their journey by Jo Condon from AuScope and Torres Webb (remotely), a Far North Queenslander and Indigenous man from the Torres Strait (Erub, Darnley Island) representing CSIRO, enhancing the Academy's support and depth of experience.
Cover slide to Torres and Jo’s presentation on collaborating across cultures towards a paradigm shift in Australian Earth science practice and impact. Image: provided
Torres Webb and Jo Condon, both part of the Geoscience Indigenous Collaboration and Engagement (GICE) specialist group of the Geological Society of Australia are excited to share their ideas with the JR Academy cohort on their experiences in STEM, STEAM and reconciliation in the Australian context. Torres and Jo are equally excited to share key messages from this presentation with the public after the voyage. Stay tuned!
To witness the unfolding of these initiatives, we encourage readers to keep a close watch on JOIDES Resolution's digital platforms, to gain an insider's perspective into the transformative JR Academy journey:
Afterwards: Anticipated outcomes from the JR Academy experience
The JR Academy holds the promise of yielding impactful outcomes that transcend the confines of the voyage itself. These outcomes encompass compelling science communication initiatives, wherein participants will eloquently translate their newfound knowledge and experiences into engaging narratives for broader dissemination. Although the specifics of these outcomes are yet to be revealed, readers are urged to stay updated by following JOIDES Resolution's blogs and social media channels.
Additionally, ANZIC and AuScope's sponsorship of a cinematographer aims to educate participants in filmmaking while documenting the Academy's journey. Furthermore, a forthcoming research paper, focusing on fostering reconciliation and advancing the intersection of science and society, adds another layer of significance to the Academy's endeavours. The individual student projects further enrich the breadth of anticipated outcomes from this immersive experience.
AuScope backing IODP in a new era
The International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) stands as a global initiative, conducting drilling expeditions worldwide to unravel the mysteries beneath the ocean floor. These expeditions yield invaluable samples of sediment, rock, fluids, and microbes that aid in understanding climate change, natural hazards, and the deep biosphere.
The Australian & New Zealand International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Consortium (ANZIC) serves as a vital component of this collaborative effort, offering researchers diverse opportunities to immerse themselves in groundbreaking marine research. Through tailored education resources and community engagement initiatives, ANZIC, now funded by AuScope and GeoDiscoveryNZ, ensures that the excitement and significance of scientific discovery reach students, policymakers and the general public.
“As the 56-year-old scientific ocean drilling programs enters a new era, our aim is to explore not only the depths of the ocean but also the depths of our collective knowledge and understanding.
Let us navigate a trajectory towards a more inclusive future where every voice is heard, and every perspective valued as integral to the advancement of science and society.”
Sarah Kachovich, ANZIC-IODP Program Manager
Follow along the JR blog and social media accounts between 10 - 26 April 2024 to see the team’s commentary unfold:
Blog | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Facebook
WRITTEN BY
Sarah Kachovich (ANZIC)
Jo Condon (AuScope)
Ann-Maree Long (CSIRO)
Dr Bradley Moggridge (Canberra Uni)
EDITED BY
Tim Rawling (AuScope)
Ron Hackney (ANZIC)
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THIS STORY
Please email Jo Condon, thank you!