Odón de Buen and marine research in the Basque Country

The life of a key figure in the history of oceanography, and in the past, present and future of marine research in the Basque Country – this will be the main focus of a days of talks organised by the San Sebastian Aquarium, the Chair of Scientific Culture at the UPV/EHU, the Spanish Institute of Oceanography and Azti Tecnalia. The talks will take place on 12 November at 7 pm at the Aquarium in San Sebastian. Free entry subject to available seating.

Scientist Odón de Buen (1863-1945) is considered to be the founder of oceanography in Spain. Although his name is unknown to the vast majority, he was a key figure in the research, education and politics of his time and had close ties with the Oceanography Society of Gipuzkoa and the San Sebastian Aquarium. The talks will also cover different aspects of the Basque contribution to fisheries and oceanographic research.

The 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Spanish Institute of Oceanography by Odón de Buen will also be celebrated throughout December in San Sebastian and Pasaia. We will give more information on this event soon.

PROGRAMME

Introduction:

Eduardo Balguerías, Director General of the Spanish Institute of Oceanography.

Vicente Zaragüeta, President of the Gipuzkoa Oceanography Society and of the San Sebastian Aquarium.

Talks:

‘Odón de Buen, Science and Politics between Two Republics’. Antonio Calvo Roy, Journalist and President of the Spanish Association of Science Communication.

‘The First Oceanographic Research in the Basque Country’. Alejandro Larrode, Coordinator of the museum area of the San Sebastian Aquarium.

‘Basis of knowledge for fisheries management: the Basque Country’s contribution over the past 30 years’. Josu Santiago, Coordinator of AZTI Tecnalia’s Fisheries Management Area and Chair of the ICCAT’s Scientific Committee.

‘Towards a Basque Strategy in Oceanographic Research’. Ionan Marigómez, Professor of Cell Biology at the UPV/EHU and Director of the Plentzia Marine Station.