OTGA-INOS/UMT Training Course: Integrated Data Analysis for Upwelling Studies will be held on 12 - 16 November, 2017, at Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia.

The period for applications for the training course is open between 1 August – 5 September 2017.

All information, including a course flyer, can be found following the link http://www.ioc-unesco.org/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewEventRecord&eventID=2017 

and also details on how to apply:
http://classroom.oceanteacher.org/mod/page/view.php?id=5771

See its flyer here

Course Overview
Upwelling is an oceanographic feature that is very important to the ocean ecosystem. It brings high nutrient water to the surface and the impact is noteworthy to the ocean productivity. This nutrient-rich water will encourage a phytoplankton bloom that is ultimate base for large animal population in the food chains, including fish, mammals and sea birds. Although this coastal upwelling region covers relatively small area of the ocean surface, they contribute roughly 50 percent of the world’s fisheries landings. We believe it is important for us to put special attention in providing specific tools and skills in understanding upwelling dynamics. Upwelling dynamics holds a very important value that require special skills, but the nature of the study is rather straightforward and can be done using many available data such as satellite, world ocean database and re-analysis wind data. Thus, the training will hopefully can become very important initiatives to allow exploration at any particular upwelling site.

Aims and Objectives
• To explore existing upwelling site using available datasets and increase understanding of the physical-biological interaction dynamics of upwelling region.
• To construct integrated data gathering which involve field data, satellite data and wind-data at any particular upwelling site.
• To conduct simple analysis from the integrated data in determining special characteristics of any particular upwelling site.

Target Audience
The targeted audiences include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Marine and coastal scientists
• Oceanographic data managers
• Academic professors
• Government officers
• Environmental scientists with knowledge of essential marine parameters
• Students in the oceanographic or meteorological sciences

NOTE: priority will be given to participants originating from South Eastern Asia and the Pacific Islands.
UNESCO is committed to promote gender equality. Therefore, applications from women are strongly encouraged.

Course Pre-requisites:
Participants should have:
• Educational background in oceanographic sciences;
• Proficiency in using personal computers;
• The working knowledge of English;
• Preferably user with skills of Matlab or ArcGIS.
A Certificate of Participation will be issued to all successful students.

Application process: please fill the online application form on https://otga.wufoo.eu/forms/otga-application-form-integrated-data-analysis/
no later than 5 September 2017.

Before starting filling the online application form, please make sure to have available the following:
- a motivation statement (text file) of maximum 300 words;
- scan of the bio page of your passport; in case you are a national of the host country a valid identification/citizen card can be used instead of the passport;
- scan of the endorsement letter (in case you are asking for funding)
- link to your profile on OceanExpert (www.oceanexpert.net); if you don't have one yet make sure to create one in advance.

The deadline to submit the application closes 5 September 2017. Do not leave for the last minute since the system will close automatically. In case you have any questions please contact the organisers well in advance: given time differences you may not get a reply to your questions immediately.

Both full- and co-sponsoring are available for a limited number of participants.
The selection of participants who will be sponsored will take into consideration:
- Applicant country’s development status (preference will be given to LIFDCs)
- Endorsement of the candidate’s application by his/her employer and any co-sponsoring
- Expected impact of the training for the applicants’ institution
- Possibility of any co-sponsorship (co-sponsorship is an asset for selection)

In case of questions contact:
• OTGA Malaysia Regional Training Centre Coordinator: Aidy M Muslim (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )
• OTGA Coordinator: Claudia Delgado (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)