The European Glider Community (EGC) and the OceanGlider programme are pleased to acknowledge the successful completion of the 15th Glider School 2025, hosted by the Plataforma Oceánica de Canarias (PLOCAN) in collaboration with AQUARIUS-RI. This year’s edition once again demonstrated the growing momentum of the global glider community, bringing together participants from research organisations, industry partners, and international observing networks.
A key highlight of the week was the extensive hands-on training during Day 5, where participants conducted at-sea exercises including deployment, recovery, piloting, and troubleshooting of SeaExplorer, Slocum, SeaGlider, Sailbuoy USV, and AutoNaut USV systems. These operations reinforced the theoretical knowledge covered throughout the week and showcased the operational diversity within the OceanGlider community.
As Technical Coordinator of OceanGlider and coordinator of the EGC, Mariarita Caracciolo had the opportunity to participate directly in the programme and deliver a presentation on the role of GOOS and OceanGlider within the broader ocean observing system, underlining the importance of standardisation, data quality, and coordinated global efforts to expand autonomous observations.
Thanks and partnerships
OceanGlider extends sincere appreciation to the many PLOCAN partner institutions whose expertise and commitment enabled this successful training event, including Teledyne Marine, OceanOPS (WMO–IOC/UNESCO), OGS, Pro-Oceanus, Cyprus Subsea Consulting and Services, CLS Group, Ocean Sonics, RBR, Nortek, AutoNaut, Seiche, ALSEAMAR, Offshore Sensing, Rockland Scientific, the Marine Technology Society, Ocean News & Technology, Ocean Robotics Planet, Oceanology International, and Ocean Business. We also acknowledge the essential support from EuroGOOS, the Ministry of Science and Innovation of Spain, ACIISI, and the Cabildo de Gran Canaria.
Looking ahead, PLOCAN and AQUARIUS-RI, will be soon preparing for Glider School 2026, continuing the shared commitment to capacity building, knowledge exchange, and the advancement of autonomous ocean observations. Those interested in participating next October are invited to follow updates at www.gliderschool.eu and https://aquarius-ri.eu/.