Mohn Millions to the Centre for Deep Sea Research
The Trond Mohn Foundation has awarded 16 million NOK to the Centre for Deep Sea Research at the University of Bergen (UiB).
The deep oceans conceal Earth’s most dynamic geological processes and contain our largest and least known ecosystem. The University of Bergen allocates approximately 88 million NOK for the interdisciplinary research centre.
– The support from the Trond Mohn Foundation makes it possible, among other things, to carry out cruises and use the best available technology for planned expeditions in the Arctic Ocean, says head of the centre, Professor Rolf Birger Pedersen according to a news article at UiB.
Researching New Marine Resources
The centre has discovered several hydrothermal vents and new species. These discoveries have led to optimism for a marine mineral industry securing access to critical material for the energy transition as well as possibilities within bioprospecting. The unique environment around hydrothermal vents has also raised the question to protect these unique environments.
– We congratulate with this new funding, which will strengthen this world-class Centre and we look forward to collaborating further on new joint projects and opportunities says Jon O. Hellevang R&D Manager of GCE Ocean Technology.
– Marine minerals is currently high on GCE Ocean Technology's agenda and we have recently submitted joint applications for grants to strengthen the knowledge concerning environmental aspects. Norway has a unique position with huge deep sea areas within our exclusive economic zone, world leading ocean technology and strong framework for management of marine resources, he says. – We believe a stronger collaboration can close the knowledge gaps and establish the basis for new sustainable ocean industries based on deep sea resources, Hellevang concludes.
If you are interested in the latest status concerning legal framework, resource potential, environmental aspect and technology related to marine minerals, please register for the Marine Minerals – One Day Seminar 3 June.
Contact Information
Centre for Deep Sea Research
The centre aims at being a leading international institution and pioneer of deep ocean research.
The centre study the coupling between geological and biological processes in volcanic, hydrothermal and sedimentary environments in the deep sea.
The Centre had status as Norwegian Centre of Excellence (SFF) from 2007-2017 with funding from The Research Council of Norway.
This was followed by funding from The K.G. Jebsen foundation and now the Trond Mohn Foundation.
