Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)

Observing marine ecosystem structure and function: from microbial communities to fisheries and human health
during 27 - 31 October, 2026

Organized by
International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography (ITCOocean), ESSO-INCOIS,
MoES, Govt. of India, Hyderabad, India

Application Process Course Dates

Course Overview:


In connection with the second TREVOR (Trends, Reflections, Evolution and Visions in Ocean Research) and third SAFARI (Societal Application in Fisheries and Aquaculture using Remote Sensing Imagery) symposium being held at Kochi (India) from 4-6 Nov, 2026, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)is organizing a training course on “Observing marine ecosystem structure and function: from microbial communities to fisheries and human health” , jointly with the Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO), the Trevor Platt Science Foundation (TPSF), Chemical Oceanography Division (COD) of Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Internation Ocean Color Coordination Group (IOCCG) and other partners.

Who can Participate :


The course will be open to national and international participation and is intended for early career researchers.

Course structure:


The course consists of three components:

  • An online component, consisting ten lectures with a live interactive session, which will focus on setting the stage for the in-person component at INCOIS.
  • The in-person component will be held in India, and include formal lectures, and computer-based practical sessions at INCOIS in Hyderabad, and a field component in Vembanad Lake, with Kochi as the base.
  • Participation in the international TREVOR-SAFARI Symposia in Kochi, hosted by COD, CUSAT, with Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute of Indian Agricultural Council (ICAR-CMFRI) as the venue.

Trainees are expected to participate in all three components of the course.

Course Content:


The training provides a comprehensive overview of key concepts in biogeochemistry, ocean optics, and ocean colour data processing, with a strong emphasis on their applications in ocean colour remote sensing and biogeochemical monitoring. By integrating theory with practical experience, the course aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to apply satellite oceanography and marine biogeochemistry in oceanographic research, fostering a new generation of oceanographers capable of addressing emerging challenges in ocean science and its societal applications. This training is designed specifically for early career researchers who are at the beginning of their research journey.

Course Objectives:


  • Introduce the fundamental concepts of satellite oceanography and their applications in ocean biogeochemistry and ecosystem health.
  • Offer practical training on the use of instruments and techniques for biogeochemical analysis, and remote sensing data processing.
  • Familiarize participants with major satellite sensors, data products, and retrieval techniques relevant to biogeochemical and ocean colour studies.
  • Train students in processing, analysing, and visualizing ocean biogeochemical datasets using appropriate tools and methodologies for societal applications.
  • Introduce the participants to protocols of bio-optical field observations and data analyses.

Learning Outcome:


By the end of this course, participants will have advanced knowledge on how to:

  • Analyse the role of key oceanic biogeochemical processes (e.g., the biological carbon pump) in the global climate system and their response to climate change.
  • Operate advanced bio-optical and biogeochemical instruments to analyse in-situ data for validating satellite measurements.
  • Identify and acquire major satellite datasets for critical oceanographic properties, including ocean colour, sea surface temperature, biogeochemical and carbon cycle products.
  • Process and apply satellite data to monitor spatial and temporal variations in primary productivity, harmful algal blooms, and carbon cycling.
  • Evaluate satellite-derived indicators to assess the health and dynamics of marine ecosystems in a changing climate.
  • Design and execute a research project that utilizes satellite remote sensing to address a novel problem in ocean biogeochemistry.

Target Audience:


  • The course will be open to national and international students, early-career researchers, and professionals in oceanography, environmental science, climate science, and marine resource management who wish to strengthen their knowledge of satellite remote sensing and biogeochemistry. The course is suitable for individuals aiming to contribute to academia, research organizations, industry, and government agencies dealing with marine and climate-related challenges.
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Application Process:


Fill out the online application form:
Link: TREVOR26 - Training Application - Google Forms

In addition to this application form, applicants must provide:
1) a letter of support (from supervisor or Head or manager) signed, and on institutional letterhead
2) a short form CV (not exceeding 1 page).

Both should be sent in a single email to itcoocean@incois.gov.in by 30 March 2026 (23:59 UTC) with a subject line “TREVOR26-INCOIS Training”
Last Date to receive application: 30th March 2026

Course Duration:


Phase-I: 27 – 31st Oct 2026 – In-person training at INCOIS.
Phase-II: 01 – 03 Nov 2026 – Field work at Kochi in Vembanad Lake.
Phase-III: 04 – 06 Nov 2026 – TREVOR-SAFARI Symposium at Kochi.

Financial Support:


There will be limited available funding for selected trainees from developing countries. Priority will be given to those requesting partial support.
Requirements/eligibility for in person training: participation in the online component and submission of abstract to the symposia.

Faculty Members:


  • Prof. Heather Bouman (Oxford University, UK)
  • Dr. Robert Brewin (University of Exeter, UK)
  • Dr. Aneesh Lotliker (INCOIS, MoES)
  • Mr. Alakes Samanta (INCOIS, MoES)
  • Dr. Sanjiba Kumar Baliarsingh (INCOIS, MoES)
  • Dr. Dhanya M. Lal (INCOIS, MoES)
  • Dr. Meenakshi
  • Dr. P. Minu (INCOIS, MoES)
  • Dr. Premkumar R. (INCOIS, MoES)
  • Dr. Souda V.P (INCOIS, MoES)
  • Dr. Princy M John (INCOIS, MoES)
  • Mr. Nandakumar K (INCOIS, MoES)
  • Ms. Susmita Raulo (INCOIS, MoES)
  • Mr. D. Narasimha Rao (INCOIS, MoES)
  • Mr. Harsa Bardhan Dalabehera (INCOIS, MoES)
  • Mr. R. Chandrasekhar Naik (INCOIS, MoES)
  • Dr. Shaju S S (CUSAT, Kochi)
  • Dr. Nandini Menon (NCER, Kochi)

The venue for physical participation (27th – 31st Oct 2026) is:


International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography (ITCOocean)
Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)
(Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India)
"Ocean Valley", Pragathi Nagar (B.O.), Nizampet (S.O.), HYDERABAD - 500 090
TELANGANA, INDIA

For Any Questions Please Contact:


For Phase I:
 Dr. T V S Udaya Bhaskar
Head, ITCOocean and Division Head, Ocean Data Management (ODM), & PPC (Addl Charge)
E-mail: itcoocean@incois.gov.in / uday@incois.gov.in

For Phase II:
 Dr. Shaju S S,
Assistant Professor, Dept of Chemical Oceanography, CUSAT, Kochi.
E-mail: shaju@cusat.ac.in

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Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)