Collaborative Approach to Science and Mentorship

BIOS-SCOPE project fosters collaborative research network that allows early-career scientists to thrive

Every year, the BIOS-SCOPE (Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences – Simons Collaboration on Ocean Processes and Ecology) cruise brings together a multidisciplinary team of scientists aboard R/V Atlantic Explorer to investigate the vital role microbial processes play in shaping the ocean’s chemistry and ecosystems. 

While this year's cruise happened in May, months of preparation went into making it a success – from cleaning bottles and preparing reagents to coordinating gear and designing the field and experimental programs. This year’s team, comprising mostly graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, exemplifies the collaborative spirit of the project. 

The May 2025 cruise marked a major milestone, BIOS-SCOPE research continues year-round. Collaborative fieldwork aboard Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study (BATS) cruises remained uninterrupted, and in June alone, 1,500+ DNA samples were prepared for 16S and 18S rRNA gene sequencing. These samples build on a growing time-series dataset now spanning from the 1990s to 2024 – the world’s longest open-ocean microbial rRNA amplicon dataset.

This past year has been busy, with researchers publishing 33 peer-reviewed papers, completing six Ph.D. dissertations, and training dozens of early-career scientists through hands-on, collaborative research and reflecting our commitment to fostering the next generation of ocean scientists and advancing ocean science through collaboration, innovation, and mentorship.
 
Visit the link bios.asu.edu/scope to learn more about the project.