Human Life & Health
Researchers are working at the intersection of marine science and biomedicine to advance our understanding of biological processes within the ocean that might have implications beyond its shores.
The Oceans and Human Health Laboratory is developing a variety of research proposals aimed at answering fundamental questions in life science that carry profound implications for human health.
Researchers working with BIOS's Environmental Quality Program measure the sources and concentrations of pollutants that may negatively impact the health and well-being of Bermuda’s residents.
The atmosphere strongly influences the ocean, not only in terms of wind and weather, but also with respect to its chemical composition and particles that are carried by the winds. Given its remote location in the western North Atlantic Ocean, Bermuda is an ideal spot to study the effects of atmospheric chemistry on the ocean, both from the open ocean and from the continental United States.
The Tudor Hill Marine Atmospheric Observatory is one of only a few of its kind worldwide. Since 1988, continuous measurements at Tudor Hill have facilitated many international collaborations aimed at understanding the effects of atmospheric chemistry (both “natural” and man-made) on the ocean.
Natural Hazards & Risk Prediction
As the dominant scientific organization on the island of Bermuda, BIOS utilizes its connections with the scientific community to bring valuable unbiased information to Bermuda-based decision-makers in both the governmental and corporate sectors.
With its robust insurance and reinsurance market, Bermuda has earned the title of “world’s risk capital.” To help inform this industry’s assessment of catastrophe risk, BIOS formed Risk Prediction Initiative (RPI) in 1993. As one of the first programs to facilitate communication between the scientific and business community, RPI supported and promoted the research of world-class scientists from numerous academic organizations who conducted research on natural hazards. RPI also undertook research focused on hurricane risk specific to Bermuda, in addition to its traditional focus on global catastrophic risk.
Currently, activities at RPI are suspended; however, planning is underway for a new phase of operations in collaboration with our partner, the Arizona State University (ASU) Global Futures Laboratory. Together with ASU, we are developing an “RPI 2.0” that will be focused on climate and finance risk, as well as mitigation strategies for reducing the impacts of rising CO2 on Earth systems, both ecological and human.