Overview
Join us for our official virtual side event of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference and discover how the Responsible and Sustainable Research Reflection Tool empowers ocean and water projects to reflect more deeply on their purpose, practices, and impact.
Developed by Fraunhofer IRB through the BlueMissionAA project, this valuable tool supports researchers and innovators in aligning their work with societal and environmental needs — helping to make ocean and water research more responsible, relevant, and transformative.
A project partner will share practical insights and experiences using the tool, highlighting how it fosters more sustainable innovation in the ocean and water domains.
This is a unique opportunity to explore how reflective research practices can enhance the value and impact of your work.
Let’s shape the future of ocean research together. Get inspired. Get involved.
Programme
02:00 – Welcome to BlueMissionAA
An introduction by Ana Faria (AIR Centre) to the coordination hub supporting Mission implementation in the Atlantic and Arctic basins.
02:10 – Exploring the “Responsible and Sustainable Research Reflection Tool for Ocean and Waters”
Presentation by Dr. Hannah Keding and Barbara Klobucaric, Fraunhofer IRB.
02:25 – In Conversation: A User’s Perspective
An interactive dialogue with a user of the reflection tool, sharing practical insights and experiences.
02:40 – Q&A and Open Discussion
Speakers
Dr. Hannah Keding is a Research Associate at the Transformation Innovation Center of Fraunhofer IRB, which is part of Europe’s largest organization dedicated to applied research.
She leads the development and dissemination of the Responsible and Sustainable Research Reflection Tool within the EU project BlueMissionAA. She holds a PhD in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Political and Administrative Sciences. Her research and its applications focus on social justice and inequalities, sustainable development, urban governance, public administration and intersectoral cooperation.
Barbara Klobucaric is a Research Associate at the Transformation Innovation Center of Fraunhofer IRB, where she co-developed the Responsible and Sustainable Research Reflection Tool. With an international and interdisciplinary background, she focuses on transformative change at the intersection of ecological sustainability, social justice, and organizational strategy. Her current work centers on shaping ESG (environmental, social, and governance) initiatives designed to catalyze meaningful, long-term transformation across sectors.
Oliver Wilson is BlueMissionAA Programmes Manager at the Marine Institute, Ireland. Oliver primarily works on BlueMissionAA WP 1 – Mission governance and implementation in the Atlantic & Artic. Additionally he is involved in working on the implementation of the Atlantic Strategy through his role with Pillar IV: Healthy ocean and resilient coasts.
His work focuses on:
- promoting effective policy and governance frameworks, supported by realistic implementation practices;
- fostering collaboration amongst stakeholders;
- providing pragmatic advice addressing current challenges and embracing opportunities including the development of and associated management of strategic projects supporting the development of resilient future focussed solutions.
- establishing business and research opportunities to achieve pragmatic end-user focussed outcomes.
Ana Faria is a Researcher at the Atlantic International Research Centre (AIR Centre), where she contributes to several projects in the Atlantic and Arctic basins. She holds a PhD in Marine Ecology. Her research focus on ecology, physiology and behaviour of marine organisms and how the effects of climate and anthropogenic related changes act to shape organisms’ responses to these stressors.
Resources
June 11th, 2025 BlueMissionAA - Aligning Ocean Research with societal and planetary needs
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