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

New Survey Explores How Finns Relate to Baltic Sea Species

29.8.2025

A new nationwide survey invites people living in Finland, aged 18 and up, to participate in a study focused on marine species in the Baltic Sea. The survey is part of doctoral researcher Jolanda Linsén’s PhD project, which aims to deepen our understanding of human relationships with marine organisms, an area of research that is not only rare in the Baltic Sea region, but worldwide. The survey takes approximately 20–30 minutes to complete and can be accessed in Finnish, Swedish, and English. It will remain open until Baltic Sea Day 2026 or until the necessary number of responses has been reached.

Call for Abstracts: 2026 Ocean Sciences Meeting

4.8.2025

SOS invites abstract submissions to the session “Navigating Boundaries and Power in Transdisciplinary Ocean Research: Towards ‘the Science We Need for the Ocean We Want'” that we are co-organising at the 2026 Ocean Sciences Meeting in Glasgow, Scotland on 22–27 February 2026. The deadline for abstract submissions is August 20.

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.