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Call for Experts: Ocean Observations Physics and Climate Panel

Deadline: 10 November 2025

The Ocean Observations Physics and Climate Panel (OOPC), a scientific expert advisory group to the Global Ocean (GOOS) and Global Climate (GCOS) Observing Systems and the World Climate Research Program (WCRP), is seeking new experts to serve on the panel.          

OOPC is in charge of assessing the capabilities, gaps and deficiencies of current ocean physics/climate observing systems. The panel also helps to improve the observing capabilities by encouraging the development of strategies for the ocean observing system evaluation and evolution. In addition, it contributes to the regular reports to the UNFCCC about the status of global climate-observing capacities.

Panel members are tasked with:

  • Maintaining and periodically reviewing the list of GOOS Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) and GCOS Essential Climate Variables (ECVs).
  • Specifying and reviewing requirements for sustained ocean observations.
  • Reviewing the current state and identify gaps and inadequacies of the global ocean observing system.
  • Working on strategies for developing and improving the sustained ocean observing system, including harnessing new technologies.
  • Helping in promoting the establishment of sustainable observation networks and the use of best practices.

OOPC works in conjunction with complementary panels in GCOS (for the Land and Atmosphere) and GOOS (for Biogeochemistry and Biology/Ecosystems), and hence the panel is an important information broker between the two programmes.

To manage priorities and connections the panel has a work plan that is periodically reviewed. Panel members, engaging with the broader community, champion key activities. Further details of the Terms of References, panel activities and current 13 members can be found here.

The panel interacts through the year by videoconference (one 2h meeting every 2-3 months), by email, and once every 18 months in person. Financial support for attending meetings will be provided. Members are initially appointed for a 3-year term, with the possibility of an extension for a further 3 years.

The next in person meeting of the Panel will take place in Harwell, UK, on the 9-13 February 2026.

Selection will be based on the following criteria:

  • Expertise and interest in ocean climate observations: Internationally recognised in their field, sound experience in taking/working with ocean observations, with a broad systems perspective of the science of observations.
  • Knowledge of applications of sustained observations, including the delivery of products and information.
  • How the applicant complements the existing expertise of the panel members, including familiarity with EOVs/ECVs and involvement in ocean observing initiatives.
  • The need to strengthen panel diversity (expertise, institutional background and gender) as well as geographical balance.

If you are interested in joining the OOPC panel, please submit your CV along with a statement outlining your relevant expertise to the OOPC Scientific Officer, Belén Martín Míguez, at bmartinmiguez@wmo.int. When preparing your statement, please ensure it addresses the selection criteria listed above. 

The deadline for receiving applications is 10 November 2025.

Further details on the parent programmes can be found at:

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