As a core IGBP project addressing the interface between two components of the Earth system, SOLAS depends on research that is not only interdisciplinary, but also involves field studies where different research components are combined to produce comprehensive data sets. Achieving understanding of processes that occur in the ocean-atmosphere interface requires an enhanced level of cooperation in research, planning, and execution across many different disciplines in the environmental sciences.

These challenges demand educational and capacity-building efforts between developed and developing countries to bring together young and senior researchers for the mutual exchange of ideas and experience. SOLAS Science 2004 will present an important opportunity for building these inter-disciplinary linkages and broadening overall participation.

For more information, contact:
Mitsuo Uematsu, Associate Professor
Center for International Cooperation,
Ocean Research Institute,
University of Tokyo
1-15-1 Minamidai, Nakano-ku,
Tokyo, 164-8639
Japan
Tel. 81-3-5351-6533
Fax. 81-3-5351-6533
Email: uematsu@ori.u-tokyo.ac.jp