Khalifa University to host talk on robotic exploration of the ocean

Khalifa University announced today that it will be holding a talk on ocean exploration and its implications to science and technology, as part of its Distinguished Speakers Series, at the InterContinental Hotel, Abu Dhabi on November 18th.   The talk, which is open to the public, will be presented by distinguished scientist, educator, policy advisor and business development leader Tony Haymet, Director, Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Vice Chancellor for Marine Science and Professor, University of California at San Diego.  He is also co-founder and Chair of CleanTech San Diego, which promotes and supports clean technology businesses. Mr. Haymet will discuss the robotic exploration of the ocean, which is beginning to explode after a 50 year hiatus.  An example is the ARGO network of 3500 submersible (unpiloted and untethered) robots to measure temperature and salinity (argo.ucsd.edu).  This network will allow global teams of scientists to measure the fundamental physical properties of the ocean.  Mr. Haymet will also discuss the financial problems being experienced by governments which have traditionally funded earth, atmosphere and ocean science, and how new consortia and mechanisms are evolving to spur this new age of exploration. “We are pleased to welcome Mr. Haymet to Abu Dhabi and are delighted that he has chosen to speak at Khalifa University,” said Dr. Tod Laursen, President of Khalifa University. ““This talk, as do the others within the distinguished speaker’s series, will provide a very useful context for our students to complement their academic interests in science and technology, as well as give them ideas for future career pursuits. The Distinguished Speakers Series also helps us achieve our mission to serve the broader community by informing them on highly relevant topics that directly relate to a rapidly transforming economic and technological environment.”