Gulf of Guinea Ocean Sciences Summer School

August 25-29, 2025 | Faculty of Sciences, University of Dschang (Cameroon)

Applications for 2025 GGOSSS are now closed.

The first edition of the GGOSSS

The inaugural summer school will take place at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Dschang in Cameroon from August 25-29, 2025. Situated in a highland region, this unique setting reflects GGOSSS’s commitment to expanding ocean science education beyond traditional coastal and urban areas. Hosting the event in Dschang reflects an effort to foster broader interest in ocean sciences and raise awareness of the oceans' critical role in climate dynamics—a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of understanding and addressing climate change. Applications for 2025 GGOSSS are now closed..

The summer school aims to achieve the following objectives:

Enhance Oceanographic Knowledge and Skills
Build Local Expertise and Capacity in Ocean Sciences
Promote collaboration and knowledge exchange
Promote the Translation of Science into Policy and Action
Support Sustainable Development

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Course Content

The summer school program will provide a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in oceanography, with a focus on the Gulf of Guinea region. The course content is structured as follows:

Module 1: Introduction to Oceanography

Module 2: Data Acquisition and Oceanographic Platforms

Module 3: Oceanographic Data Analysis Techniques

Module 4: Ocean Modeling and Numerical Simulations

Module 5: Coastal and Marine Ecosystems

Module 6: Advanced Technologies in Ocean Sciences

Module 7: Policy and Sustainable Development

Module 8: Fieldwork and Practical Sessions

Module 9: Scientific Communication and Networking

Target Audience

The summer school is designed for the following groups from the french speaking countries of the Gulf of Guinea:

Graduate and Postgraduate Students
- Master's and Ph.D. students from French-speaking countries in the Gulf of Guinea who are studying oceanography, environmental science, marine biology, or related fields.
Early-Career Researchers
- Young professionals and researchers working in ocean sciences, environmental monitoring, or coastal management who seek to enhance their technical skills and broaden their knowledge base.
Government and NGO Professionals
- Individuals working with governmental agencies, NGOs, or international organizations focused on marine conservation, climate change, and sustainable development who wish to gain deeper insights into oceanographic research and data analysis.
Educators and University Faculty
- Professors, lecturers, and educators from universities and training institutions in the region who aim to integrate modern oceanographic techniques and knowledge into their curricula.
Local Community Leaders and Policy Makers
- Decision-makers and community leaders interested in understanding the scientific basis for policies related to coastal and marine management, climate adaptation, and sustainable use of marine resources.

Scientific and Organizing Committees

The Scientific Committee for the Gulf of Guinea Ocean Sciences Summer School (GGOSSS) is made up of a diverse group of oceanographic experts, researchers, and educators dedicated to ensuring the program’s scientific rigor, relevance, and impact. This committee will oversee the curriculum development, coordinate with lecturers and trainers, and evaluate the program’s success. Committee members will bring specialized knowledge in oceanography, climate science, data analysis, and marine conservation, as well as experience working in the Gulf of Guinea region.

Workshop Chair of GGOSSS:

Dr. Babette C. Tchonang (NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, USA)

Scientific Committes of GGOSSS:

Prof. Christian Kenfack Sadem (University of Dschang, Cameroon)
Prof. Crepin Mama (Université d’Ebolowa, Cameroon)
Dr. Babette C. Tchonang (NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory , USA)
Dr. Odilon Joël Houndegnonto (NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, USA)
Dr. Victor Okpeitcha (Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Bénin)
Dr. Franck Ghomsi (University of Manitoba, Canada)
Dr. Alina Nathanaël Dossa (University of Miami, USA)
Dr Fernand Assene (Université d’Ebolowa, Cameroon)
Dr. Sandrine Djakoure (Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Côte d'Ivoire)

Organizing Committee of GGOSSS:

Prof. Christian Kenfack Sadem (University of Dschang, Cameroon)
Prof. Clautilde Teugwa Epouse Mofor (University of Dschang, Cameroon)
Prof. Fidèle Koumetio (University of Dschang, Cameroon)
Prof. Crepin Mama (Université d’Ebolowa, Cameroon)
Dr Fernand Assene (Université d’Ebolowa, Cameroon)
Dr. Babette C. Tchonang (NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory , USA)
Mr. Serge Ghomsi Konga (IBM-LGS, Canada)