Vision & gOALS
Our Mission
The International Ocean Society (IOS) is an independent, international, non-profit academic organization committed to advancing interdisciplinary research and technological innovation in response to critical ocean-related challenges. IOS fosters collaboration across diverse domains—including marine science, ocean engineering, advanced technologies, resource management, and renewable energy—to drive the development of sustainable, science-based solutions that support both marine ecosystem integrity and responsible human use of ocean resources.IOS’s core areas of focus include, but are not limited to the following three divisions, ocean science & exploration, ocean engineering & technology, ocean sustainability & governance, ensuring a comprehensive and integrative approach to addressing the complexities of ocean sustainability. Click here to get to know the Code of Ethics and Conduct and bylaws for the IOS.
What We Do
We promote rigorous scientific and engineering research in areas related to ocean sustainability, including but not limited to oceanographic science, marine engineering and technologies, ocean energy systems, and marine governance.
We support cross-sectoral collaboration by engaging academia, industry, and government stakeholders in joint initiatives that bridge fundamental research and applied technological solutions to address pressing ocean related challenges.
We disseminate scholarly knowledge and technical advances through peer-reviewed publications, monographs, open-access data platforms, and curated knowledge hubs that serve both academic and practitioner communities.
We convene international conferences, thematic symposia, and expert workshops that provide venues for critical dialogue, methodological advancement, and the presentation of frontier research across disciplines.
We establish working groups and task forces to synthesize the current state of knowledge on emerging topics such as intelligent marine observation systems, offshore infrastructure sustainability, ocean-based climate mitigation, and ecosystem restoration technologies.
We offer advanced training and capacity development programs including specialized workshops, fellowships, and summer schools, aimed at cultivating the next generation of ocean scientists, engineers, and innovation leaders.
We recognize academic and professional excellence through a range of competitive awards, research grants, and honors that promote diversity, innovation, and global engagement in the ocean sustainability sciences.
Board of Directors
Leading with Purpose, Inspiring with Action.

Vice President | Professor Zaili Yang
Liverpool John Moores University
Advisory Council
Senior scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders from international bodies

Professor Jeom-Kee Paik
University College London

Professor Zhenmin Bao
Ocean University of China

Professor Linsheng Song
Dalian Ocean University

Professor Xiaojun Yan
Zhejiang Ocean University

Professor Sandra E. Shumway
University of Connecticut

Professor Jae-Seong Lee
Sungkyunkwan University

Professor Jianguang Qin
Flinders University

Professor Francois Galgani
French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea, Plouzané, France

Professor Atilla Incecik
University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom

Professor Hongsheng Yang
Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Professor Qiang Li
South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Professor Naihao Ye
Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences

Professor Feng Zhao
East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences

Professor Qinghui Ai
Ocean University of China

Professor Yun-Wei Dong
Ocean University of China

Professor Chenghua Li
Ningbo University

Professor Peng Xu
Shanghai Ocean University
Scientific Chairs
Advancing Knowledge, Powering Innovation

Professor Pentti Kujala
Estonian Maritime Academy

Professor Rainer Helmig
University of Stuttgart

Professor Youji Wang
Shanghai Ocean University
Administrative Team
Driving Excellence Behind the Scenes

Dr. Lan Song
Executive Director & Secretary-General
