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In June at Nice - Special Participatory Science for Ocean

Thu. 12 June 2025

Official UNOC side event off-site. "Nice Step One Participatory Science Hackathon Results: Actions and Scalable Solutions for Ocean."
You may attend at the time that matches your interests (see below)
Amphitheatre 3, Université Nice Côte d’Azur, Campus de Saint Jean d’Angely, Rue du 22ème B.C.A., 06300 Nice

14h00 15h00 : Committing to save the Ocean. Cross-cutting issues of Participatory Science: Review of Hackathon results, communication of the Participatory Position Statement by the NGO Objectif Sciences International and introduction to the presentations of Participatory Science projects.
Moderator: Mr. Thomas EGLI, Representative to United Nations, Founder of the NGO Objectif Sciences International and main Hackathon Facilitator.
Speakers: Hackathon participants

15h00 16h00 : Presentation of Participatory Science projects for the Ocean developed during the Hackathon (first projects, presented in French)
Presenters: Hackathon participants
(Digital citizen engagement platform / Transforming tourism towards regenerative and resilient tourism / Cetaceans & Megafauna / Microplastic and nano-plastic resolution / From glaciers to the ocean / Mass processing of scientific data through video games)

16h00 17h00 : Presentation of Participatory Science projects for the Ocean developed during the Hackathon (remaining projects, presented in English)
Presenters: Hackathon participants
(Digital citizen engagement platform / Transforming tourism towards regenerative and resilient tourism / Cetaceans & Megafauna / Microplastic and nano-plastic resolution / From glaciers to the ocean / Mass processing of scientific data through video games)

Detailed schedule of the 2 weeks modules, venues and list of speakers (click here)

Tue. 3 June 2025

Official UNOC side event off-site. "Nice Step One Participatory Science Hackathon : Definition, dimensioning and management of Participatory Science projects for the Ocean."
The session will start on time - See details below.
Amphitheatre 3, Université Nice Côte d’Azur, Campus de Saint Jean d’Angely, Rue du 22ème B.C.A., 06300 Nice
(for the 2nd Official Side Event, see 12 June further below)

13h00 14h00 : Welcome

14h00 16h00 : Interactive official opening roundtable
“Transdisciplinarity and assertiveness – What solutions to act within the limits imposed by our ecosystems and the planet?”
Speakers:
Ms. Nathalie HILMI, Environmental Economics Researcher at the Scientific Centre of Monaco (CSM) and member of the High Council for Climate of the Nice-Côte d’Azur Metropolis
and
Mr. Robin DEGRON, PhD with accreditation to supervise research in Geography, Law and Finance, Director of Plan Bleu UNEP Mediterranean
Session Chair and Moderator:
Mr. Thomas EGLI, Founder of the NGO Objectif Sciences International, main hackathon facilitator

16h00 16h30 : Break

16h30 17h30 : Hackathon Warm-Up

17h30 19h00 : Mutual presentations of participants and partners of the hackathon,
with representatives of partner NGOs and Institutions and hackathon speakers present that day

Wed. 4 June 2025

Inside the UNOC green zone
La Baleine, Palais des Expositions de Nice Acropolis, 1 Esplanade Kennedy, 06000 Nice

11h30 12h15 : Dive into Participatory Science! Projects to experience the ocean differently, presentations of Participatory Research Programs for the Ocean.
Room MANTA: The session will start on time, please register for Wednesday 4 June at the 10:00 time slot on the La Baleine page https://we-are-the-ocean.com/register
Discover the projects of NGOs and Institutions involved in Participatory Science for the Ocean: among others, marine biology trips by the NGO Objectif Sciences International (since 1992), video games serving Ocean Research with McGill University of Montreal, and dolphin monitoring with Splendeur Nature.

13h30 15h00 : Participatory Science Project Creation Contest. Components of Participatory Science serving sustainable development.
At the Participatory Science Citizen Fresco area: The session will start on time. If you have exited La Baleine previously, please register again for the 13:00 time slot on the La Baleine page https://we-are-the-ocean.com/register

15h00 16h00 : Hackathon Project Sub-Groups
At the Participatory Science Citizen Fresco area.

16h30 17h30 : Custom engaging adventure creation and project definition centered on the participating public. Interactive module
15-minute walk - Amphitheatre 3, Université Nice Côte d’Azur, Campus de Saint Jean d’Angely, Rue du 22ème B.C.A., 06300 Nice
Speaker: Mr. YANNICK VIALETTE, PhD candidate at PACTE, Social Justice Laboratory, Université Grenoble Alpes
Moderator: Mr. Thomas EGLI, Founder of the NGO Objectif Sciences International, main hackathon facilitator

17h30 18h30 : Debriefing of the first 2 days of the hackathon
Open Space, Université Nice Côte d’Azur, Campus de Saint Jean d’Angely, Rue du 22ème B.C.A., 06300 Nice
Speaker: Mr. David CROOKALL, PhD, Advisor at Université Internationale de la Mer. Université Côte d’Azur.

Thu. 5 June 2025

Amphitheatre 3, Université Nice Côte d’Azur, Campus de Saint Jean d’Angely, Rue du 22ème B.C.A., 06300 Nice

14h00 15h00 : What type of science education and public engagement for participants and audiences – Why and How?
Speakers:
Ms. Camille POURSAC, Coordinator of the Dual Skills Center at the Rectorate of the Swiss Romande Network of Engineering Schools (HES-SO)
and
Mr. David CROOKALL, PhD, Advisor at Université Internationale de la Mer. Université Côte d’Azur.
Moderator:
Mr. Thomas EGLI, Founder of the NGO Objectif Sciences International, main hackathon facilitator

15h30 16h30 : Long-term organization of a Participatory Research project
Speakers and moderators:
Ms. Chloé LAROSE, PhD in Evolutionary Biology, Project Manager at the NGO Objectif Sciences International
and
Mr. Tristan LESCURE, Scientific Project Manager at the Human and Social Sciences Department of the French National Research Agency (ANR)

16h30 17h30 : Hackathon Project Sub-Groups

17h30 18h30 : Organization of a specific Participatory Science Operation within the long-term Participatory Research project
With bonus story, “Retrospective on the DELPHIS Project for participatory monitoring of cetaceans in the Mediterranean during 1995–2005” presented by Mr. Jean-Eric AUBERT, President of the Université Internationale de la Mer,
Speakers:
Ms. Isabelle MILHOMME, Deputy Director of Operations and Partnership Manager, NGO Objectif Sciences International
and
Ms. Chloé LAROSE, PhD in Evolutionary Biology, Project Manager at the NGO Objectif Sciences International

18h30 19h00 : Project Sub-Groups

Fri. 6 June 2026

Université Nice Côte d’Azur, Campus de Saint Jean d’Angely, Rue du 22ème B.C.A., 06300 Nice

09h00 10h00 : Intelligences and Emotions for successful Personal Learning Strategies
Amphitheatre 3
Facilitator: Ms. Michèle WACHS, Training Manager at Step and Go

10h30 11h30 : Project-Based Learning
2 rooms for English and French speakers
Speaker: Mr. Joffy CONOLLY, Partner at The Learning Project Foundation

12h00 13h00 : Pedagogical Progression of Project-Based Learning applied to Participatory Research
Amphitheatre 3
Facilitator and trainer: Mr. Thomas EGLI, Founder of the NGO Objectif Sciences International, main hackathon facilitator

14h00 15h00 : Participatory Science and Ecological Transition – models of ecological economy.
Amphitheatre 3
Speakers:
Ms. Maria Mercedes SANCHEZ, Former coordinator of the UN Program Harmony with Nature
and
Mr. Damien BAZIN, PhD in Economics, Associate Professor with Accreditation to Supervise Research in Economics at the University of Nice Côte d’Azur.
Moderator: Mr. Thomas EGLI, Founder of the NGO Objectif Sciences International, main hackathon facilitator

15h30 16h30 : Hackathon Project Sub-Groups

17h00 18h00 : Resilient and Regenerative Tourism, and Citizen Mobilization
Amphitheatre 3
Speakers: Ms. Tyleen Mc DONALD, BA International Business and BS International Business, Innovation Officer at UN Tourism
and
Mohammad DIALLO, Coordinator at the Federation of Scouts of Lebanon
Moderator: Mr. Thomas EGLI, Founder of the NGO Objectif Sciences International, main hackathon facilitator

18h00 20h00 : Debate Films (in French and English): International Solidarity with and through Participatory Science.
Amphitheatre 3 – The debate will be followed by a friendly drink.
Short films:
"Scientific Voyages on the Ocean"
With Mr. Thomas EGLI, Founder of the NGO Objectif Sciences International.
"Experience of Participatory Mapping on the Solomon Islands"
With Mr. Giacomo RAMBALDI, PhD in Agricultural Sciences, Senior Consultant D4Ag ecosystem support, Creator of 3D Participatory Mapping.
"The Science we Need for the Ocean we Want"
With Mr. Frank SCHWEIKERT, founder of the German Ocean Foundation.

Sat. 7 June 2025

Université Nice Côte d’Azur, Campus de Saint Jean d’Angely, Rue du 22ème B.C.A., 06300 Nice

09h00 10h00 : Popular Education and Socio-Cultural Animation Practices in Support of Participatory Science Projects – World Café (Idea Hold-Up).
Open space

10h30 11h30 : Pitching a Participatory Science project in an understandable way: Clarifying the message.
Small room: Theater and expression workshop for hackathon participants, in preparation for their presentations of Participatory Science projects on Thursday 12 June (see below).

12h00 13h00 : Pitching a Participatory Science project in an understandable way: Speaking clearly and Engaging audience reaction
Small room: Theater and expression workshop for hackathon participants, in preparation for their presentations of Participatory Science projects on Thursday 12 June (see below).

14h00 15h00 : Sports and Science in support of a Participatory Research project
Amphitheatre 3

15h00 16h00 : Networking by Hackathon participants
UNOC Green Zone

16h30 17h30 : NLP and Transactional Analysis to facilitate Participatory Science activities.
Promenade du Paillon (Outdoors)
Trainer: Michèle WACHS, NLP practitioner, conflict mediator, coach, trainer of trainers, Training Manager at Step and Go.

18h30 19h30 : Better than a scientific poster or promotional banner – layout and scenography of your Project Poster – Module reserved for hackathon participants
Promenade du Paillon (Outdoors)

20h00 21h00 : Official Hackathon Reception (by invitation)
Café de l’Alliance Française Nice Côte d’Azur, 22 rue Lépante, 06000 Nice

Mon. 9 June 2025

Université Nice Côte d’Azur, Campus de Saint Jean d’Angely, Rue du 22ème B.C.A., 06300 Nice

14h00 15h00 : Funding Impact Projects
Amphitheatre 3
The speakers for this module will be announced starting 1 June.

15h30 16h30 : Development and Partnerships for Impact Projects
Amphitheatre 3
Speakers:
Mr. Patrick ÉMERIAU, Vice President of the Université Internationale de la Mer and Founder of Blue Economy Africa,
Mr. Robin DEGRON, PhD with accreditation to supervise research in Geography, Law and Finance, Director of Plan Bleu UNEP Mediterranean
and
Ms. Cat HAAS, M.A. in Global Studies from the University of North Carolina, Focal-point of the Eco Jurisprudence Monitor
Moderator: Mr. Thomas EGLI, Founder of the NGO Objectif Sciences International, main hackathon facilitator

17h00 18h00 : Module reserved for hackathon participants
Open Space

18h00 19h00 : Module reserved for hackathon participants
Open Space

Tue. 10 June 2025

Université Nice Côte d’Azur, Campus de Saint Jean d’Angely, Rue du 22ème B.C.A., 06300 Nice

14h00 15h00 : Cooperation, Non-Violent Education and Education for Non-Violence within participatory projects
Open Space
Trainer: Michèle WACHS, NLP practitioner, conflict mediator, coach, trainer of trainers, Training Manager at Step and Go.

15h30 16h30 : Module reserved for hackathon participants
Open space

17h00 18h00 : Module reserved for hackathon participants
Open space

18h00 19h00 : Module reserved for hackathon participants
Open space

Wed. 11 June 2025

Université Nice Côte d’Azur, Campus de Saint Jean d’Angely, Rue du 22ème B.C.A., 06300 Nice

14h00 15h00 : Teaching the School Curriculum with Participatory Science
Amphitheatre 3
The speakers for this module will be announced starting 1 June.

15h30 16h30 : Module reserved for hackathon participants
Amphitheatre 3

16h00 17h00 : Module reserved for hackathon participants
Amphitheatre 3

17h00 19h00 : Project poster, Presentation preparation (General rehearsal for the official debrief)
Amphitheatre 3
Facilitated by Mr. Thomas EGLI, Founder of the NGO Objectif Sciences International and main Hackathon Facilitator.
With the participation in a structured debate of Mr. Denis LACROIX, Agronomist, who also holds a Master’s degree in Economics (U. of Rennes) and a PhD in Animal Sciences, former Foresight Delegate at the IFREMER General Directorate (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea), and member of the Scientific Council of the Université Internationale de la Mer,
and all partners and observers interested in attending the rehearsals or unable to attend the Official Debrief on Thursday 12 June (see below).

20h00 22h00 : Afterwork networking
Café de l’Alliance Française Nice Côte d’Azur, 22 rue de Lepante, 06000 Nice
Surprises await you, come in great numbers!

Thu. 12 June 2025

14h00 15h00 : Committing to save the Ocean. Cross-cutting issues of Participatory Science: Review of Hackathon results, communication of the Participatory Position Statement by the NGO Objectif Sciences International and introduction to the presentations of Participatory Science projects.
Moderator: Mr. Thomas EGLI, Founder of the NGO Objectif Sciences International and main Hackathon Facilitator.
Speakers: Hackathon participants

17h30 19h30 : Hackathon Summary and Evaluations, Final Speaking Circle

20h00 22h00 : Closing festive evening
Café de l’Alliance Française Nice Côte d’Azur, 22 rue de Lepante, 06000 Nice
Surprises await you, come in great numbers!

To take part in the full Hackathon, read on below.

🌊 Hackathon "Participatory Science for Ocean" conducted especially in English and French – Join the scientific and environmental adventure of the year!

🚀 You are passionate about the ocean, science, innovation, or the environment. You want to work on a concrete project, collaborate with experts from around the world, and present your ideas at a UN conference. Don’t miss the Hackathon "Participatory Science for Ocean," which will take place from June 3 to 12, 2025, in Nice, alongside and inside the 3rd UN World Ocean Conference (UNOC)!

Experience an exceptional hackathon as part of the UN World Ocean Conference.

Take all the tools home with you. Give life to a real Participatory Science project and present it to the stakeholders present at the UN Conference.

By coming alone or with others, you will be able to:

Form a team on site on the first day and:
- Give birth to a project from scratch,
- Design a project in response to "requests" made by NGOs or International Organizations that will be present,
- Define the scope of projects proposed by partners involved in the Hackathon.

The best projects from the Hackathon may benefit from real and immediate implementation by the Hackathon’s operational partners. On site, a networking team will connect you with the co-operators you need to bring your ambitions to life.

Once back home, you will be able to:

Carry out the projects born during the Hackathon and develop your activity,
Create and define the scope of other Participatory Science projects.

During 10 intense and inspiring days, every afternoon, you will work in teams to develop innovative solutions for ocean conservation and sustainable management in the technical field of your choice (transport, remote sensing, corals, algae, ecosystems, oceanography, economics, law, finance...). This interdisciplinary and international event will allow you to actively contribute to global challenges while developing your skills and expanding your professional network.

In the mornings, take part in other events at Nice sur l’Océan or in your French courses at the Alliance française of Nice Côte d’Azur, depending on your career plans.

🌎 A unique opportunity: Present your project at the UN!

One of the highlights of this event will be the official presentation of projects at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC).

🎤 Your work will be showcased before experts, decision-makers, and key players in ocean protection. You will have the chance to propose concrete and innovative solutions that could influence environmental policies and initiatives on a global scale. You will also have the opportunity to bring them to life with the partners present.

🌍 Who can apply?

This hackathon is open to all enthusiasts, students, and professionals from multiple disciplines:

🧑‍🔬 Environmental sciences and marine biology
📡 Oceanography, space sciences, and marine robotics
⚖ Marine environmental law and ocean governance
💡 Technological innovation and ecological engineering
📊 Blue economy, sustainable finance, and responsible tourism
🎓 Education and awareness of environmental issues
🌱 Coastal zone management and biodiversity protection

Whether you are a student, researcher, engineer, teacher, NGO member, policy-maker, or entrepreneur, you are welcome to contribute your ideas and build an impactful project in a participatory science format!

👉 Look at the detailled description
of the Hackathon 🎯🎓

🪙👥 To subscribe 📍🏛

Organisation in time and space

The hackathon will run from July 3 to 12, every afternoon except Friday, July 6 and Saturday, July 7, when it will be all day long. Sunday is off. Plan to be available on the evenings of Wednesday June 4, Saturday June 7, Wednesday June 11 and Thursday June 12, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

The One Ocean Science Congress requires payment for admission, but access is possible by registering on their website, and you’ll have the mornings available (unless you’re taking French classes in the morning at the Alliance Française).

The blue zone will be reserved for government representatives, and panels will be used for international negotiations only. On the other hand, several Hackathon modules, including the project restitution on Thursday afternoon June 12, will attract numerous government representatives, scientists and NGO representatives, who have already confirmed their attendance.

Several networking and business networking events are also planned during the Hackathon, including some evenings (networking evenings or official receptions).

💼 A rich and stimulating program

💡 Teamwork on a participatory science project
🔍 Mentorship with international experts
🌎 Thematic sessions on global ocean issues
🎤 Official presentation of your projects at the UN Conference
🎉 Cultural activities and discoveries on the French Riviera

📍 Location: Nice, Campus of Université Côte d’Azur + partner sites + UN Ocean Conference (Green Zone et Blue Zone)
📆 Dates: June 3 to 12, 2025
👥 Number of participants: 50 to 150 people from around the world

👉 Look at the detailled description
of the Hackathon 🎯🎓

🪙👥 To subscribe 📍🏛

📌 Nice and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region: An exceptional setting!

✨ Between Mediterranean Sea and mountains, Nice and its region offer an ideal environment to combine work and leisure. You will have the opportunity to discover:

🏝 The turquoise waters of the French Riviera, perfect for a boat trip
🏛 The cultural heritage of Nice, from the picturesque old town to exceptional museums
🥗 Delicious Mediterranean cuisine, featuring the famous Niçoise salad
🌄 Varied landscapes, from beaches to alpine peaks, accessible within a few hours

🗣 Learn French with the Alliance Française of Nice Côte d’Azur

Want to improve your French while participating in the Hackathon? It’s possible! The hackathon takes place in the afternoons, so every morning you can attend other events and conferences or choose to take intensive French courses with the Alliance Française of Nice Côte d’Azur, a world-renowned institution for learning the French language, on the French Riviera.

🎓 Program: Interactive courses tailored to all levels
🗣 Oral and written practice for full immersion
🌍 A unique opportunity to improve your French while working on an international project
👉 Specific registration for French morning classes: https://af-nice.fr/en/hackathon#/

🔥 Why register?

✔ A unique international and interdisciplinary event
✔ In French or in english, with participants from all around the world!
✔ Meetings with experts and key players in ocean protection
✔ Full immersion in participatory science challenges
✔ An official certification validating your participation
✔ Leave with a business project, a job opportunity, or a viable and impactful initiative
✔ A dream setting between sea and mountains

📢 Registrations are open! Join us for an unforgettable experience, actively contribute to the preservation of our oceans and be part of the change! 🌊💙

Session Project Design + Facilitation

Special edition #ParticipatoryScience for the #Ocean
🗣️ Language:
in French and translated into English for non-French speakers (projects subgroups in french or in English).
📍 Location:
Nice, in a non-residential format, in an immersive setting ideal for exchanges and experimentation at the UN World Ocean Conference (UNOC3) and at Université de Nice 12 minutes walk betwenn Green Zone and Blue Zone of the UNOC.

📆 Dates:
June 3 to 12, 2025, during the UN World Ocean Conference, the One Ocean Science Congress, the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco, and the World Congress For Climatic Resilience of Coastal Cities and Regions.

👥 Registration and costs :