Plenary 3

Ocean optics is the study of the interactions between light and seawater and the propagation of radiant energy in the ocean, processes that have vital implications to life and climate on Earth. By the late 1970s the fundamentals of modern optical oceanography were essentially identified. However, the field of ocean optics still holds great unrealized potential which could be unleashed by further advances in fundamental understanding of intricate interactions between light and the numerous constituents which comprise seawater as well as radiative transfer within this optically complex medium. Major discoveries and novel applications contributing to societal development have often emerged from fundamental basic research, also referred to as “blue-skies” research. Such research is typically associated with scientific activities that are driven by curiosity for exploration of the unknown and to acquire new knowledge and advance understanding of the underlying phenomena and observable facts without any particular application in view or no immediately obvious benefits to society. A key trademark of “blue-skies” research is a freedom to carry out flexible, curiosity-driven research that often challenges accepted thinking and leads to unforeseen and unpredictable outcomes. This approach has served as a major source of scientific discovery providing fertile grounds for generating new fields of study and advancing objective-driven applied research and production-driven development and innovation research. Throughout the history of science there are countless examples of unexpected applications and innovations which stem from recombination or translations of knowledge acquired through basic research. In this presentation I will reflect on my research experience in the field of ocean optics and review examples of inquiry-driven studies whose primary original intention was to advance fundamental knowledge and understanding of optical phenomena in the ocean. I will give emphasis to results that were unforeseen at the time of study design and how these results identified new fields of investigation, advanced applied research, or led to development of innovative technologies. I will also share my thoughts on the importance of promoting greater support for “blue-skies” research in ocean optics which is our most fundamental means to expand the foundations of this field and advance its role in applications for confronting novel, unanticipated environmental challenges now and in the future.