ENLIGHT - H2OPE Network

H₂OPE: Advancing ocean-human health interactions through transdisciplinary research

Coastal environments provide unique physical, psychological, nutritional, and social benefits. This European Training Network (ETN) fosters transdisciplinary research and capacity building at the nexus of oceans and human health. We connect researchers, students, stakeholders and policymakers to explore the vital link between ocean health and human well-being.

Background

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that living near blue spaces is associated with enhanced well-being, with marine and coastal environments offering a unique combination of physical, psychological, nutritional and social advantages to human health. Moreover, oceans play a crucial role in addressing global challenges: they contribute to food security through fisheries and aquaculture, regulate climate and serve as a source of novel pharmaceuticals and therapeutic applications. Despite the growing evidence of their importance, the complex interactions between oceans and human health remain understudied. Furthermore, these ecosystems are under significant stress due to climate change, population growth, environmental degradation, economic inequality, supply chain disruptions, food waste, water scarcity and technological challenges. The complexity of these challenges demands a more holistic approach. Transdisciplinary collaboration can yield deeper insights and deliver more impactful solutions by transcending the classical boundaries between disciplines.

That is why the H₂OPE initiative brings together partners from Ghent University (BE), University of Groningen (NL), University of Galway (IE) and University of Basque Country (ES), each mobilizing regional stakeholder hubs to collaboratively address challenges related to oceans and human health. By integrating humanities, biological sciences, food sciences, nutritional sciences and social sciences, H₂OPE will explore the complex interactions between ocean and human health. Through innovative research methodologies and educational tools, such as thematic workshops, a summer school and collaborative engagement with stakeholders, the H₂OPE thematic network offers researchers and students a platform for transdisciplinary learning, while creating accessible content for the general public, policymakers and healthcare professionals. By empowering individuals and communities to take action in protecting ocean health, H₂OPE seeks to drive evidence-based policies that simultaneously safeguard ocean ecosystems and enhance human well-being.

Objectives

Transdisciplinary education: Develop workshops, summer schools and online platforms to equip researchers and other stakeholders with integrated skills in marine science, public health and social sciences.
Public engagement: Establish regional stakeholder hubs and conduct outreach campaigns to raise awareness of ocean-health links and empower citizens.
Transdisciplinary research: Harmonize data collection across disciplines to study complex ocean-human health interactions and develop predictive frameworks.
Pan-European collaboration: Foster a robust network of researchers and stakeholders to accelerate knowledge exchange and joint projects.
Global impact: Align with the One Health approach and UN Sustainable Development Goals by translating research into actionable policies to combat global challenges like food insecurity, non-communicable diseases and climate risks.