All participants on IODP Expedition 336 to North Pond / Mid-Atlantic Ridge (photo credit: William Crawford, IODP).

How to Get Deep Biosphere Samples

Two primary organizations support ocean research expeditions for US-affiliated participants: the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) and the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS). Here we point out some resources to get you started.

IODP is an international marine research collaboration dedicated to advancing scientific understanding of the Earth through drilling, coring, and monitoring the subseafloor. C-DEBI science has taken place on a variety and growing number of their deep-sea drilling platforms, with samples retrieved from sediments and basement of diverse composition.

  • Find out what IODP expeditions are scheduled, and apply to sail. The US Science Support Program (USSSP) sponsors participation on IODP expeditions by scientists and engineers affiliated with US institutions. Non-U.S.-affiliated scientists should apply through their IODP Program Member Offices.
  • Access Existing Samples and Data. Access data and request physical samples from IODP expeditions. Subseafloor samples collected particularly for microbiology are available from some expeditions.
  • Stay Updated. Join the IODP mailing list for the biweekly IODP Community Update on current expeditions, opportunities, and news.

UNOLS is an organization of 58 academic institutions and National Laboratories involved in oceanographic research and joined for the purpose of coordinating oceanographic ships’ schedules and research facilities.  C-DEBI researchers have coupled DSV Alvin and ROV JASON with UNOLS research vessels to obtain deep biosphere relevant samples.

  • Request ship time aboard the fleet of 18 research vessels.
  • Early Career Training. In the Chief Scientist Training Cruise program, early career marine scientists learn how to effectively plan and execute oceanographic research aboard a UNOLS vessel in a series of cruises and short courses. In the Deep Submergence Science Committee (DeSSC) New Users Workshop, new users of deep submergence science facilities are trained in the process of developing research programs that use NDSF vehicles, HOV Alvin and ROV JASON.
  • Stay Updated. Join the UNOLS mailing list and indicate if you’d also like to be notified of Early Career- and DESSC-specific news

Of course, don’t forget that you have a wealth of resources with the many experienced individuals in the C-DEBI community, so don’t be afraid to reach out!


Subseafloor Cultures Database

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