From the 8th to the 16th of July, the enchanting shores of Ubatuba, Brazil, became a hub of intellectual exchange as the COCOBRAZ (Characterization of the evolution of the biogeochemical quality of Brazilian coastal waters over the last two decades based on satellite observations: impact of natural and anthropogenic forcings) Winter School unfolded. In the backdrop of the ANR PRCI FAPESP Franco-Brazilian project, this immersive educational experience brought together over twenty students and budding researchers from all corners of Brazil.

The COCOBRAZ Winter School, a cornerstone of the Franco-Brazilian collaboration under the ANR PRCI FAPESP project, recently concluded a successful session from July 8th to July 16th. Nestled within the serene surroundings of the Clarimundo de Jesus research base in Ubatuba, São Paulo, this thematic school marked a significant milestone in advancing oceanographic knowledge in Brazil.

The initiative, led by V. Vantrepotte of the Laboratoire d’Océanologie and Géosciences (LOG) and M. Kampel of the Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE), aimed to impart both theoretical and practical insights into the realms of marine optics and space-based remote sensing of ocean color. This comprehensive approach seeks to harness the potential of these observation tools for diverse applications in oceanography, with a particular focus on the rich waters of Brazil.

The school gathered a distinguished panel of educators, including experts from LOG (V. Vantrepotte, H. Loisel, C. Jamet, and D. Jorge, ULille Wimereux) and Brazil’s Institute for Space Research (INPE, M. Kampel and J.F. Cardoso dos Santos). These luminaries in their respective fields facilitated a dynamic learning environment, nurturing the next generation of oceanographers and researchers.

This educational venture is part of LOG’s wider involvement in Brazil, exemplified by the LMI IRD TAPIOCA and IRP CNRS VELITROP initiatives. Its significant success has led to the expectation of a second session scheduled for 2025. As the COCOBRAZ Winter School continues to train minds and transcend international boundaries, it promises to unlock the secrets of Brazil’s coastal waters and ever-evolving biogeochemical landscape.

Stay tuned for more developments in the world of oceanography and scientific collaboration, as the COCOBRAZ project paves the way for a brighter, more informed future.