The Balearic Islands Coastal Observing and Forecasting System (SOCIB) is a public marine research infrastructure, a Unique Scientific and Technical Infrastructure (ICTS). It was created in 2007 by the Ministry of Education and Science and the Autonomous Community of the Balearic Islands (CAIB), through the subscription of an agreement for the creation of the Consortium for the design, construction, equipment and operation of the Balearic Islands Coastal Observing System (SOCIB). Since October 2014, it has been part of the ICTS Map and is currently the only one in the Balearic Islands.
In 2020, the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) joined as a new member of the Consortium, co-financing, together with the Balearic Islands Government and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), within the framework of the ERDF 2021-2027 Programme of the Balearic Islands, the construction of a new headquarters for the institution in the R&D&I Marine Hub of the Port of Palma. Currently, the ICTS SOCIB, awaiting the completion of the construction of its new headquarters by 2025, is located in the Balearic Innovation Technology Park of Palma, Parc Bit (Mallorca), where it has its main offices and Data Center. In addition, it makes use of the laboratories and workshops of the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies, IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB).
Mission
To operate an observing and forecasting system in the Western Mediterranean and provide data, facilities, services and digital tools to advance understanding of the ocean and transfer knowledge to society.
Vision
To be a reference research infrastructure in the field of marine R&D&I and contribute to the development of a digital twin in the Mediterranean to support decision-making in the context of climate change.
Goals
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Operate an observing and forecasting system in the Western Mediterranean: we operate a multi-platform observing system, collecting metocean data from the coast to the open ocean, as well as an ocean, wave and meteotsunami forecasting system.
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Providing access to facilities and data: we provide open access to our near-real-time metocean data, in addition to historical data, and offer access to our state-of-the-art facilities, such as gliders and the oceanographic vessel.
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Contribute to scientific research: we support research, and also lead and collaborate in research work, contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge on key ocean issues in response to international priorities and societal needs.
- Transfer knowledge: we transfer knowledge through the development of applications, training, scientific communication and the promotion of ocean literacy, establishing bidirectional links and continuous cooperation between science, public administration, the business sector and the educational community.
Main areas of activity, where our added value lies
1. Access
We offer open and competitive access to scientific facilities to promote marine R&D&I: Glider Fleet, Oceanographic Vessel, and Metocean Data Repository.
2. Observation
We permanently monitor the Mediterranean through a multi-platform system composed of a network of oceanographic facilities and platforms.
3. Forecasting
We develop 3 forecasting models: Western Mediterranean OPerational forecasting system (WMOP), Autonomous Wave Forecast System (SAPO), and Balearic RIssaga Forecasting System (BRIFS).
4. Metocean data
We obtain, preserve and distribute meteorological and other oceanographic data of the Mediterranean in real time and in open access.
5. Research
We research the Mediterranean to address key global ocean issues: Ocean Health, Climate Change and Real-Time Services.
6. Transfer
We transfer knowledge by developing applications to support decision-making and providing services and resources to boost the Blue Economy and promote marine Innovation.
7. Training
We train future generations of marine scientists and technicians, and attract talent to the Balearic Islands.
8. Dissemination
We carry out transparent and rigorous communication and promote ocean literacy, highlighting the role of marine research infrastructures.
Values
- We believe that the ocean and coastal areas are our most valuable common heritage and should be researched, respected and preserved for future generations.
- We strive for excellence in our work, promoting continuous learning and creative and innovative thinking.
- We foster a trusting, transparent, respectful and egalitarian work environment and value people, embracing diversity of experience and opinion and providing a safe and inclusive environment.
- AWe aspire to create a highly collaborative environment that allows us to promote the integration of the SOCIB team from each of the areas, services and facilities.
- We do research for and with society; we are united by our passion for the sea and our vocation for public service.
How is the ICTS SOCIB organized and managed?
In order to guarantee the fulfillment of its commitments, the ICTS SOCIB is organized around different internal governing, administrative and management bodies and an external advisory committee, which guarantee the excellence of its activity. In addition, it has a broad set of organizational, legal and economic management and research support policies.
«Researching the sea, sharing the future»
«We are increasingly aware of how much we depend on the ocean to sustain life and our economic, cultural, social and environmental well-being. Therefore, from the ICTS SOCIB we use our capabilities in marine R&D&I to advance in the knowledge of the ocean and the coast and promote its sustainable use, thus contributing to the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development».
Dr. Joaquín Tintoré
Director of the ICTS SOCIB and CSIC research
professor at the IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB)
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