Lucie is a researcher interested in the ocean carbon cycle, ocean acidification, carbonate chemistry and science communication. Currently located in Kiel, Germany, Lucie joined GEOMAR Helmholtz-Zentrum für Ozeanforschung to work on the TRICUSO project in August, 2025.
Now that you have been on the project for a couple of months, what is the biggest question that has emerged for you about TRICUSO's ambition?
I’m involved in the governance and citizen science work within TRICUSO. In both of these aspects, the main question that is emerging for me is: how can we sustain high-quality measurements of ocean CO2 in the long run? To assess how the ocean changes over time, it is necessary to have consistent data over years, which requires all kinds of resources, coordination and collaboration. As political priorities change and funding cycles turn over, how do we make sure that ocean carbon research becomes and remains a priority?
What is your greatest hope for the project, and for the wider marine research community as it addresses the current challenges?
I really hope that we will contribute to our collective ability to make more and better measurements of carbon in the Southern Ocean through our project. Also, I think researchers sometimes have a tendency to try to reinvent the wheel, especially when it comes to working with NGOs or citizen scientists. I hope that we will be able to build long-lasting partnerships that have a meaningful impact on our understanding of the ocean, and also help empower and educate people.
What has been the biggest surprise for you joining this pan-European project?
It’s my first time working on a project this large, and my first time working in the Southern Ocean, so everything is new territory!
What are some of the highlights that you have learned so far?
I learn something new every day, that is what I like the most about being a scientist. In the last few weeks, I have spent some time getting familiar with the SubCtech OceanPack RACE®, and setting up all we need to install it inside a ship. This includes learning more about different types of pipes and connectors, and the way that power supply works on a ship. It turns out that a lot of the things you need to deploy this top-notch equipment you can find in the hardware store – the water intake, for example, can come through a regular garden hose!
What are the challenges in trying to engage operators of ships of opportunity to carry scientific instruments?
Right now, we are especially trying to engage operators of cruise vessels. We have found some really great partners who are very dedicated and responsive, although they are extremely busy! They often only have a few days of turnaround time in port for their season, and they sail out of remote areas, so a lot of logistics have to come together to make a deployment work. For TRICUSO, we have an instrument available to deploy through the project, but I would say overall the biggest challenge is to come up with funding schemes to sustain observations on these vessels beyond project lifecycles. We are working with IAATO to explore what that could look like for Southern Ocean CO2 in the future.
For more information about Lucie, visit her profile on the TRICUSO team page here.
