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

Latest news

The 2025 AURA Symposium takes place 19–21 March

9.1.2025

The AURA (Aboa Universities Research Advances) Symposium is a biennially organized two-and-a-half day research and learning event for PhD and Master’s students from biology, geography and geology. The Symposium is organized jointly by PhD students from the University of Turku (UTU) and Åbo Akademi University (ÅAU). The next AURA Symposium takes place on 19– 21 March, 2025, at Arken (Tehtaankatu 2) Armfelt, Turku.

ÅAU and Meyer Turku collaborating to mitigate biodiversity effects

9.1.2025

In an effort to mitigate their impacts on biodiversity, Meyer Turku is working together with a multidisciplinary team of Åbo Akademi University and SOS researchers. The project started in August 2024 and is set to conclude at the end of 2025.

SOS funds four innovative projects through the 2024 Project Booster Call 

18.12.2024

In an open call for projects focusing on biodiversity-related marine research, the Centre for Sustainable Ocean Science SOS awarded a total sum of 45 800 euros for four projects to be carried out during 2025. Through the targeted Project Booster funding, SOS aims to foster collaboration and to support the exploration of innovative ideas and preliminary research questions related to the Centre’s mission.

Open Call for Projects – Apply by Nov. 15!

1.10.2024

SOS announces an open call for projects in biodiversity-related marine research that explore its potential for a societal transition to sustainability. The aim is to foster collaboration, explore innovative ideas, and to test preliminary research questions in the context of SOS.  The available funding amounts to 45 000 € in total, and each project can apply for between 5 000 and 20 000 €.