17DSBS Travel Award

As an as early-career deep-sea scientist, attending the 17th Deep-Sea Biology Symposium at HKUST was an invaluable opportunity. This event not only broadened my scientific horizons but also provided me with the chance to share my research and engage with colleagues in person!

One of the most memorable aspects of the conference was the range of scientific topics, particularly those focused on deep sea ecology, conservation, and pelagic biology. I was especially interested in talks that highlighted the use and integration of cutting-edge tools such as acoustics, camera systems, stable isotopes, and various 'omics techniques. These innovations showcased how researchers are tackling ecological questions in this vast ecosystem where deep waters present significant barriers. I also attended talks outside my immediate field, such as those on Sensory Biology, which deepened my appreciation for life in the deep sea and its remarkable adaptations.

I was fortunate to present my current research during the Deep Pelagic Ocean session. My work applies multi-marker eDNA metabarcoding approaches to characterize water column biodiversity and community structure, spanning from the surface to the base of the mesopelagic zone. Taking an ecological network perspective, I presented on multi-trophic interactions spanning microbes to top predators and discussed their implications for ecosystem stability and resilience. I am grateful to the session organizers for this opportunity. Sharing this work with the community was an exciting opportunity to foster conversations about new approaches for deep sea research.

Networking was another highlight of the conference. During the poster session, lunch hour, and tea breaks, I had the chance to meet collaborators I had only worked with virtually over Zoom. Meeting in person provided a unique opportunity to strengthen these relationships and advance our shared goals. These interactions reaffirmed my belief in the importance of collaboration and interdisciplinary dialogue in advancing deep-sea research.

Attending 17DSBS was an inspiring experience that will undoubtedly shape my research and professional growth in the years to come. I am deeply grateful to the organizers and sponsors of the travel award for making this opportunity possible. I look forward to continuing the conversations started at the symposium and contributing to the exciting future of deep-sea science.