Media Invitation Secrets of the deep-sea unearthed?
A scientist and a student from the University of Aberdeen are amongst a team of international researchers arriving in the city next week following a month-long expedition along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge between Iceland and the Azores.
Professor Monty Priede, Director of the University's highly-acclaimed Oceanlab, and Nikki King have joined other scientists on board one of the world's most advanced research vessels, the Norwegian RV, G.O. Sars. The vessel will be docking at Aberdeen Harbour and will be there for six hours on Tuesday, 3 August.
The two became part of the international research project, MAR-ECO, and used the latest technology to learn more about what is living in this remote and relatively unexplored deep-sea environment.
Operated by the Institute of Marine Research and the University of Bergen, Norway, the ship is on its way back to its home port of Bergen with a team of 30 scientists from eight countries who have been working together as part of the Census of Marine Life, MAR-ECO (Mid Atlantic Ridge Ecology) project headed by Dr Odd Aksel Bergstad.
Professor Priede and Dr Bergstad will make short presentations on the project and their findings at a press briefing being held in Aberdeen next week and will be available for interview and photograph opportunities afterwards. Video footage taken on the expedition will be shown on the day.
Date Tuesday, August 3, 2004
Time 10.00am
Venue G.O. Sars Research Vessel, Aberdeen Harbour
Representatives of the UK participants in MAR-ECO will also be present for interview and further information.
The Sars will return to Bergen with thousands of samples of rare animals and a vast archive of pictures and videos, which mark the start of a new era in our understanding of the life in the oceans.
Pupils of Ellon Academy, Aberdeenshire, located near Oceanlab, are following the work of the MAR-ECO project. Pupils from the school will be visiting the ship to meet the scientists on board and get a first hand view of research at sea.
The project web site has been updated daily with information about the research and exploration activities. For further information visit: http://mareco.imr.no/Shiptoshore/g._o._sars
It would be appreciated if you could indicate your intention to attend by telephoning the Communications Office, University of Aberdeen, on (01224) 272960 or 272014.