The 18th DSBS will be held in 2028 in Bergen, Norway! More info soon. Below, the initial documentation about Bergen and its institutional hosts.
The Proposed Dates – From the 23rd of April to the 28th of April 2028 (during One Ocean Week, see below, and a week after Easter offering an excuse for a Norwegian holiday beforehand!)
The Destination – Bergen, Norway – video
Bergen and Norway have played a strong role in deep-sea history: describing well known species such as the deep-sea coral Primnoa resedaeformis (Gunnerus, 1763), disproving the azoic theory in 1860s (Michael Sars), discovering cold water coral reefs (Statoil, 1982), funding a national seabed mapping program (MAREANO, IMR since 2005), exploring the Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridge and discovering 7 Norwegian hydrothermal vent fields (UiB, Centre for Deep Sea Research). Now, with Norway in the global spotlight due to the Norwegian government’s push for deep-sea mining, it would be timely for the international deep-sea biology community to come to Bergen to share knowledge, provide advice, and contribute to science-based decision making.
Bergen international airport is connected with 61 destinations across europe, and has a light rail that will take you directly to the city centre in 45 mins. Nestled between seven mountains and anchored in the North Atlantic Ocean, Bergen’s location in the Heart of the Fjords also makes it uniquely attractive as a gateway to stunning natural wonders. A World Heritage City, European City of Culture, and leader in sustainable tourism, Bergen accommodates numerous festivals and conferences annually, offering excellent facilities, diverse accommodation (45 hotels and over 15,000 beds, most within 10 mins walk from the venue) and activities, and all in a compact and accessible city.
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC)
This proposal is a collaboration between the University of Bergen (UiB), the Institute of Marine Research (IMR), and the Norwegian Research Center (NORCE), all local key institutions in deep-sea biology research, collectively focussing on biodiversity, ecology, and conservation through large-scale projects. The Bergen deep-sea community recently started the Bergen Bathysphere, a local network also including associates across Norway (including Universities in Oslo, Tromsø ++), focusing on collaboration between organizations. The Bergen Bathysphere includes a mix of early-career and established deep-sea scientists and professionals who are all keen to help make this conference a success.
The Venue – Grieghallen (Conference Center & Concert Hall) – video
Named after the renowned composer Edvard Grieg, Grieghallen is a cultural and event landmark in the centre of Bergen. We would have exclusive use of the conference facilities (e.g. main conference hall and parallel session room) while the other side of the building could be used for our gala dinner (the Spissen foyer). Grieghallen is committed to sustainability and will ask us to facilitate making this a green conference. It is also well prepared for accessibility with ramps, lifts, hearing loops and helpful staff. The University “Learning Arena” NG5 situated directly across the road from Grieghallen could also be used for side meetings during or pre/post conference.
Art and Science Exhibit at the University Museum of Bergen
We plan to use the Demo-rooms at the University Museum of Bergen (100 m2) to host a temporary exhibition combining deep-sea art and science, opening during the conference and lasting for several months afterwards. The exhibition could display contributions from the artists in the DSBSoc and/or local artists in Bergen or Norway working on topics relating to the deep sea.
Link with One Ocean Week (OOW)
OOW is a significant annual event in Bergen that unites researchers, innovators, policymakers, and the public to discuss sustainable ocean practices and the future of our oceans. Linking DSBS 2028 with OOW offers a unique chance to integrate deep-sea research into broader ocean sustainability discussions with politicians, industry, marine managers and the public and creating opportunities for international collaboration and networking.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA)
The city (use google translate), the venue, and the LOC institutions (e.g. UiB, IMR (use google translate), NORCE) all have a strong commitment to DEIA. The LOC will work together with the DSBSoc to minimise exclusivity and maximise openness. This will include hybrid offerings, minimal costs for all but especially for students and LMIC participants, gender equality and LGBTQ+ inclusivity, parental support, religious inclusivity, dietary inclusivity, and accessibility for disabilities disclosed or otherwise.
Please contact us if you have particular concerns.
