What we do

Our mission is to provide transdisciplinary knowledge on wicked problems linked to marine biodiversity and its role in the societal transition to sustainability. Focusing on the Archipelago Sea and Åland Island area in Finland, we study how human actions interact with marine biodiversity in creating wicked problems, and what can be done to solve such challenges. We are an Åbo Akademi University Centre of Excellence funded by the Åbo Akademi University Foundation during 2024–2028.

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Why SOS?

Sustainable Ocean Science is needed as we are grappling with the triple planetary crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution. On a global and planetary scale, we are beyond safe operating spaces for biosphere integrity – that is biodiversity and all its dimensions. On a regional level – EU recognises that 79 % of its coastal seabed is destroyed due to our ways of fishing, key groups of animals are in critical decline and 46 % or the coastal waters suffers from eutrophication. Bringing us to our own wicked problem in the Baltic Sea – here in Turku in the Archipelago Sea, we unfortunately still struggle with the last Eutrophication Hot Spot in Finland.

Upcoming events

SOS Annual Meeting

16.9.2025 – 17.9.2025

Latest news

Internship open at SOS for ÅAU students!

13.6.2025

SOS is hiring an intern for autumn 2025 to assist with day-to-day tasks and activities at the centre. This internship offers a great opportunity to follow the work of a transdisciplinary research team, to learn more about interdisciplinary marine research, and to acquire and develop useful skills for the future. The duration of the internship is either three months full time or four months part-time, and the salary is 1500 €/month.

SOS endorsed as a UN Ocean Decade Action

8.6.2025

The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030)—known as the Ocean Decade—is a global initiative to advance ocean science and ensure the sustainable use of ocean resources. SOS has been officially endorsed as an Ocean Decade Action, making the Centre an official part of this worldwide movement.

A new citizen science project in the Archipelago Sea – Help us measure seawater temperatures!

6.6.2025

A new citizen science project is kicking off, funded by SOS. Residents across the Archipelago Sea are invited to take part in the effort and help measure seawater temperatures to spot thermal microclimates and marine heatwaves.

Photo exhibit: Meanings of archipelago forests

21.5.2025

The SOS-funded project “Meanings of archipelago forests” organised two forest workshops with schools in Nagu and Velkua in April. The pupils (from grades 7-9) took photographs with their mobile phones, thinking about what meanings of archipelago forests these photographs reflect – e.g., ecological, recreational, economic, cultural, or a mix of these. The photos taken by the pupils will be exhibited during the summer in both Velkua and Nagu.