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The Ocean Science Centre Mindelo (OSCM)

The OSCM is a joint activity of GEOMAR and the Instituto do Mar (IMar) in Mindelo, Cabo Verde. After two and a half years of construction, the OCSM opened its doors to the international scientific community in November 2017. Together with the Cape Verde Ocean Observatory (CVOO), the Cape Verde Atmosphere Observatory (CVAO), and the research vessel Islândia, the OSCM, with a usable area of more than 1,700 square meters and its modern infrastructure, serves as a long-term and multifunctional base for long-term scientific observations and field research in the tropical Northeast Atlantic. At the same time, the OSCM also contributes to scientific exchange, university education and networking with West Africa across the Atlantic.

 

The OSCM serves with its modern infrastructure as a multifunctional base for marine research in the tropical northeast Atlantic and for knowledge transfer in West Africa.
The OSCM serves with its modern infrastructure as a multifunctional base for marine research in the tropical northeast Atlantic and for knowledge transfer in West Africa. Photo: Edson Silva Delgado
A central component of the OSCM is a drive-trough hall in which large marine scientific equipment can be serviced.
A central component of the OSCM is a drive-trough hall in which large marine scientific equipment can be serviced. Photo: Cordula Zenk/GEOMAR
The OSCM has a conference room with a capacity of approximately 60 people, including air-conditioning system and internet connection as well as WLAN access.
The OSCM has a conference room with a capacity of approximately 60 people, including air-conditioning system and internet connection as well as WLAN access. Source: OSCM
The OSCM offers guest offices with capacities for up to 15 people. The offices are equipped with tables, chairs and shelves and have a good internet connection.
The OSCM offers guest offices with capacities for up to 15 people. The offices are equipped with tables, chairs and shelves and have a good internet connection. Photo: Edson Silva Delgado
The OSCM has two universal laboratories with a floor space of 51 Square meter each. Upon request, all laboratories can be made available for larger field campaigns.
The OSCM has two universal laboratories with a floor space of 51 Square meter each. Upon request, all laboratories can be made available for larger field campaigns. Photo: Edson Silva Delgado
The Wet Lab is mainly for handling of wet samples and has direct access to the outdoor area towards the sea.
The Wet Lab is mainly for handling of wet samples and has direct access to the outdoor area towards the sea. Photo: Edson Silva Delgado
In addition to general purpose storage, the OSCM has dedicated rooms for organic and inorganic chemicals, a sample storage facility with ultra-low temperature refrigeration equipment, and a marine storage facility.
In addition to general purpose storage, the OSCM has dedicated rooms for organic and inorganic chemicals, a sample storage facility with ultra-low temperature refrigeration equipment, and a marine storage facility. Photo: Arne Körtzinger/GEOMAR
A lounge with a kitchenette is available for meetings in smaller groups or simply for relaxation.
A lounge with a kitchenette is available for meetings in smaller groups or simply for relaxation. Photo: Edson Silva Delgado
RV Islândia is a small fishing vessel that serves as an platform for field campaigns and the monthly sampling at the Cape Verde Ocean Observatory.
RV Islândia is a small fishing vessel that serves as an platform for field campaigns and the monthly sampling at the Cape Verde Ocean Observatory. Photo: Björn Fiedler/GEOMAR
The Science Support & Logistics Team at OSCM is in charge of the monthly sampling cruises and shore-based analysis of the samples and subsequent data processing.
The Science Support & Logistics Team at OSCM is in charge of the monthly sampling cruises and shore-based analysis of the samples and subsequent data processing. Source: OSCM

OSCM Infrastructure

A central element of the OSCM is a drive-through hall where large scientific equipment can also be serviced. Connected to the two-story-high hall are workshops, multipurpose laboratories, and storage rooms for chemicals, samples, and equipment. Another wing of the building houses guest offices as well as conference rooms and a lounge with an adjoining kitchen. A spacious entrance hall provides room for exhibitions or receptions. Container parking is available both outside and inside the building. There is also the possibility to produce liquid nitrogen. Wi-Fi and access to the "Eduroam" network are available throughout the building. The motivated Cape Verdean-German scientific support and logistics team at OSCM assists visiting scientists in planning and conducting research campaigns.

 

Meeting place OSCM

In addition to providing technical support for field research, the OSCM also sees itself as a meeting place that hosts local, regional and international stakeholders and scientists. In the recent past, for example, an international symposium on atmospheric and ocean research was held (2017), political decision-makers from the European Union and other Atlantic littoral states were brought together (2018), and a large number of international marine research institutes were brought together within the framework of the Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO) in West Africa (2019).

In 2023, both a political summit in the framework of the Ocean Race regatta and an international summer school in the framework of the Surface Ocean - Lower Atmosphere Study (SOLAS) will take place at OSCM.

 

Brochure: Ocean Science Centre Mindelo
Ocean Science Centre Mindelo: Brochure on the importance of the Cape Verde Islands in the tropical Atlantic, the diversity of current research topics and the research infrastructure that has been created (PDF, as of 2018)

  • Cordula Zenk
    Cape Verde Coordinator at GEOMAR
    Tel: +49 431 600-4209
    E-mail: czenk@geomar.de