Information

Welcome to the scientific conference accompanying the art exhibition Down Deep: Living Seas, Living Bodies (State Art Gallery, Sopot, Poland).
The conference is entitled: Humans and the European Marine Environment – Adaptation to Climate and Biodiversity Change.
It will take place at the Institute of Oceanology PAN on November 6th, 2025, in Sopot, Poland.

The conference is interdisciplinary and open to all fields of science and the humanities — from atmospheric physics to psychology, economics, and art criticism. The aim is to discuss the challenges and opportunities of adaptation to a changing marine environment.

There are three main fields of discussion with proposed subjects:
    Sea in public mind: Perception of the sea, expectations from the stakeholders and general public, contemporary sea myths, narratives about the sea.
    Sea in art: The art of communication; harnessing art for global ocean communication — art as a universal language.
    Sea as the opportunity and new uses of the sea: Goods and services of the marine ecosystem, valuation of the sea.

Each panel will feature invited speakers presenting perspectives from the Arctic, Baltic Sea, Atlantic, and Mediterranean.

Note: An immersive full-day photo session exploring the marine ecosystem will accompany the conference.

Format: The event will be held in a hybrid format (on-site and online participation possible).

Organisers: Institute of Oceanology PAN, University of Gdańsk, State Art Gallery Sopot.

Attention: Participation is free of charge, but registration is required due to a limited number of seats.

Important dates:

• October 17th, 2025 – Registration deadline
• November 6th, 2025 – Conference day