The TwinDEEPS Winter School took place from 1 to 11 February 2026, hosted by our partner Institute of Marine Research (IMR) at the Austevoll Research Station, in Norway.
The Winter School brought together Early Career Researchers and research technicians from CIIMAR and for an intensive, hands-on training experience focused on deep-sea ecosystems, tutored by researchers and technicians from IMR.
Over ten days, participants explored the Norwegian fjords in search of iconic deep-sea benthic habitats, combining fieldwork, laboratory activities, and data analysis. Onboard the research vessel RV Prinsesse Ingrid Alexandra, the team conducted ROV surveys in the Hardangerfjord, live-annotating Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems, and its associated biodiversity. The expedition also included the collection of deep-sea corals and sponges for laboratory-based respiration rate assays, in order to analyse species-specific metabolic rates. In addition, trainees annotated imagery from ROV surveys previously conducted in the are using BIIGLE , an image annotation software widely used in deep-sea research.
By combining practical field experience with advanced analytical skills, the Winter School provided a unique opportunity to strengthen ECRs technical and scientific expertise while promoting collaboration across the consortium. The Winter School culminated with a visit to IMR’s headquarters in Bergen where participants toured key laboratories and the Instrument Department facilities. The visit provided first-hand insight into advanced marine technologies, including autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), sample processing workflows and data management systems that support large-scale ecosystem research. The Winter School marked another important step in building CIIMAR’s capacity for deep-sea exploration and observation.
