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

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 €.

Press release: New research centre at ÅAU tackles marine wicked biodiversity problems

1.9.2024

The recently established Centre for Sustainable Ocean Science (SOS) organizes its kick-off event on Sept. 10-11 in Turku. The program addresses questions related to transdisciplinary research and sustainability transitions, bringing together viewpoints from various societal, scholarly and artistic fields.

The wicked problem of eutrophication

19.8.2024

BSR Policy Briefing series 8/2023. The wicked problem of eutrophication – next steps in the process towards sustainable agriculture in Finland. By Anna Törnroos-Remes.

We are hiring!

5.6.2024

Åbo Akademi University and SOS invite applications for a fixed-term Project Researcher position at the Faculty of Science and Engineering for 30 months, starting on September 1st, or according to agreement. The location of work is Turku, Finland.