Since the start of Edinburgh Ocean Leaders (EOL), the Annual Meeting in Edinburgh has been a cornerstone of the programme. Not only is it the first opportunity for the year’s new cohort to meet in person, but also for the wider network of Fellows, Advisory Panel members and the wider ocean community to come together. Our Ocean Leaders (OLs) consistently report that in-person meet-ups are amongst the most valuable and productive parts of the year, and the Annual Meeting is a professional highlight for many individuals.
2026 Cohort Induction
Immediately prior to the main Annual Meeting event, eight new OLs – the 2026 Cohort – had a two-day induction to the programme. Activities included plenty of ice-breakers, sessions on the EOL leadership model, and a deep-dive into individual communication styles with our new Leadership Coach – and 2020 OL Fellow – Adam Miller. Crucially, these days build a foundation of familiarity and trust among the group, and a baseline understanding of each OL’s leadership style and goals for the programme.
Annual Meeting 2026
From the 1st to 3rd April, the main Annual Meeting sessions were held. Fellows from all cohorts participated in topical meetings, workshops and discussion groups, as well as sharing professional and personal updates and reflections from 2025.
This year’s sessions – which were led by various OLs – were particularly diverse, and stimulated thought provoking discussions and ideas. Topics included:
🌍 Navigating ocean work in a world ‘in the midst of rupture’
💰 Ocean finance and investment
📄 The future of the High Seas Treaty
🌊 Decolonising ocean conservation
🧭 Navigating life and career transitions
⚡ Approaches to energy security and policy
With the EOL community bringing huge diversity of experience and expertise across geographies, sectors and topics, face-to-face gatherings really facilitate knowledge sharing and problem solving on challenging subjects such as these.
Sustaining the EOL Network
This year the Annual Meeting programme included several sessions on the EOL programme itself, particularly in relation to sustaining the growing wider network of OL Fellows. A unique and special element of the programme is that beyond the initial year of core leadership training, all OLs become ‘Fellows’ and remain a part of lifelong network and community. With the programme now in its seventh cycle, this community continues to grow both in size and in geographic spread. As such, exploring approaches to sustaining connections and a sense of community across this network is increasingly important! The 2026 Annual Meeting was a key opportunity for members from all cohorts to develop ideas on this.
A Special Annual Dinner
This year, we were delighted to be joined by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Chancellor of The University of Edinburgh, for a formal dinner at the Playfair Library. This special occasion provided an opportunity to acknowledge, celebrate and showcase the incredible work and impact of Ocean Leaders to a wider audience. The Chancellor met with each of the attending OLs, and also addressed the guests with a speech.
A particularly special element of the 2026 Annual Meeting was the inaugural Kristina Gjerde Ocean Leaders Award, which was presented to 2025 OL Beth Tupara-Katene. This award was created in honor of the late Kristina Gjerde, and will now be awarded annually. Stay tuned for more information about the meaning and inspiration behind this new award, and about this year’s winner!
