On 16 December, Nha Trang, Vietnam “We have received registrations from more than 500 scientists with around 450 abstracts submitted. Even the deadline for abstract submission has passed yesterday, we still keep receiving a number of requests for abstract submission.” said Dr. Vo Si Tuan, Chair of the National Organizing Committee of Vietnam, also Chair of the International Scientific Steering Committee.
The Committee, comprised of 12 outstanding scientists in the region, met again on 16-17 December 2013 in Nha Trang, Vietnam, the host city for the WESTPAC 9th International Scientific Symposium, 22-25 April 2014. In addition to reviewing the preparatory status, the Committee worked very hard, exploring any possibility to tackle all challenges ahead for a successful scientific gathering, including financial constraints for WESTPAC Young Scientist Travel Support, WESTPAC Best Young Scientist Award 2014, and WESTPAC Outstanding Scientists 2014.
“Many a little makes a mickle, we shall extend our appreciation to the Government of Vietnam, Republic of Korea, China for their financial support provided for more than 20 young scientists within the region.” Mr. Wenxi Zhu, Chief of WESTPAC Office emphasized, “we must assist our countries in the region to address various problems by developing the capacity of young generations for marine science, observations and services underpinning the sustainability of marine and coastal resources.”
The WESTPAC 9th International Scientific Symposium entitled “A Healthy Ocean for Prosperity in the Western Pacific: Scientific Challenges and Possible Solutions” aims to examine the achievements in marine sciences over the last 25 years, advance marine scientific knowledge, and catalyze multi- and cross-disciplinary collaboration towards the improvement in management practices and decision-making processes for sharing the wealth of the ocean to benefit all.
The Symposium features around 16 sessions focusing on three main themes: (1) Understanding Ocean Processes in the Indo- Pacific Region; (2) Ensuring Marine Biodiversity, Food Safety and Security; and (3) Maintenance of Ocean Health. This Symposium is hosted by the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), and organized by the Institute of Oceanography, VAST; National IOC Committee for Vietnam and IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC).