18/09/2026
AQUASERV connects with the ICES community at the 2026 Annual Science Conference
Representing AQUASERV, Stella Alexandroff took the opportunity to connect directly with researchers whose work aligns with the programme’s research areas and introduce them to the opportunities available through Transnational Access.
From 15 to 18 September 2026, the ICES Annual Science Conference (ASC) brought the marine research community together at Le Quartz – National Stage in Brest, France. Among the researchers moving between sessions, discussions and coffee breaks was AQUASERV represented by Stella Alexandroff, Access Officer at the European Marine Biological Resource Centre (EMBRC) and Transnational Access Manager at AQUASERV, looking for opportunities to introduce the project’s programme to researchers working in fields closely connected to AQUASERV.
Rather than simply presenting AQUASERV, Stella focused on conversations with researchers involved in natural science and experiment-based research, particularly around fisheries science and restoration — areas closely aligned with the programme’s research scope.
“It quickly became evident that AQUASERV, and Transnational Access programmes in general, are still largely unknown among researchers. Science conferences are a perfect venue to inform research communities about these opportunities.” - Stella Alexandroff
The conference also offered a chance to connect with the wider marine research infrastructure community. Stella was joined for a photo by Jan Vanaverbeke, Research Scientist at Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS), one of the partners in AQUASERV.
For AQUASERV, the experience highlighted something that is easy to overlook in a busy conference programme: often, the most useful introduction to a research opportunity happens not on a poster or a presentation slide, but in a conversation with the right researcher.
photo credits: Didier Olivré