Building Global Partnerships at the AGU Ocean Sciences Meeting in Glasgow

This February, members of UCAR’s Cooperative Programs for the Advancement of Earth System Science (CPAESS) joined thousands of scientists, researchers, and policymakers from around the world at the AGU Ocean Sciences Meeting (OSM) in Glasgow, Scotland. Hosted by the American Geophysical Union, the Ocean Sciences Meeting is one of the premier international gatherings for ocean science, bringing together experts across disciplines to share research, foster collaboration, and address pressing global challenges facing our oceans.

A CPAESS contingent—including Hanne Mauriello, Cindy Bruyère, Tracey Baldwin, and Dawn Mullally—attended the meeting from February 22–27, 2026. As in previous years, the team hosted an exhibit booth to engage with sponsors, staff, and the broader scientific community. This year, CPAESS shared booth space with UCAR Community Programs’ Center for Ocean Leadership, creating a collaborative hub to showcase a wide range of ocean science initiatives and services.

Throughout the week, CPAESS staff were proud to support and attend presentations from colleagues contributing to the advancement of ocean science. Among those sharing their work were Liza Wright-Fairbanks (NOAA Ocean Acidification Program), Kathy Tedesco and Ann-Christine Zinkann (NOAA Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing), Brooklyn Poutra (U.S. Carbon Cycle Science Program), Ashley Marranzino (NOAA Ocean Exploration), and Alyse Larkin (NOAA GOMO). Their research reflects the depth and diversity of scientific efforts supported through CPAESS partnerships.

In addition to booth activities and scientific engagement, CPAESS and UCAR Community Programs hosted a workshop titled “Building Global Partnerships in Ocean and Earth System Sciences.” Designed to highlight the breadth of UCAR Community Programs (UCP) services, the workshop emphasized workforce development, data services, and education and outreach—key areas that support scientific advancement worldwide.

Beginning the session, CPAESS leadership framed the importance of international collaboration with Hanne’s opening comments. “We represent UCAR Community Programs, a collective of scientific programs supported by a consortium of more than 130 North American universities. Since 1959, our organization has served the Earth system science community by advancing research, strengthening scientific capacity, and connecting expertise across institutions and disciplines. We are here today because we believe strongly in expanding international partnerships and working together to address shared scientific challenges… Science has always been a global endeavor, and we are honored to be part of that community with you.”

The workshop featured theme-based presentations to communicate UCP’s capabilities clearly. UCAR | CPAESS Deputy Director Cindy Bruyère spoke on workforce development, UCAR | Unidata Director Mohan Ramamurthy presented on data and software services, and UCAR | COMET Deputy Director Wendy Gram highlighted scientific solutions and services. Following the presentations, attendees participated in small-group discussions organized by topic, including ocean research, where UCAR’s Center for Ocean Leadership—represented by Acting Director Nick Rome—engaged directly with participants.

This thematic approach allowed attendees to easily connect their needs with UCP’s services and opened the door for meaningful dialogue about future collaboration. The workshop, along with the broader OSM experience, reflects an ongoing commitment by CPAESS and UCAR Community Programs to expand international partnerships and support a more connected global scientific community.

The week in Glasgow was both productive and inspiring—a valuable opportunity to engage with colleagues, share expertise, and explore new pathways for collaboration in ocean and Earth system science.