The African Network of Deep-water Researchers (ANDR) is an initiative under the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development endorsed Challenger 150 Programme, focused on building on Africa's deep-water research capacity to address global research disparities for sustainable development.

The ANDR is open to African nationals and individuals based in African institutes across disciplines and sectors who are interested in deep-sea and offshore research (jointly termed deep-water research). Deep-water research is defined in this context as research conducted from vessels deeper than 30m (excluding scuba diving), recognising that capacity in this realm is a precursor to working in the deep sea proper (>200m).  

The network aims to: 

1. Engage marine scientists, including Early Career Researchers (ECRs), in deep-water research.
2. Expand the coverage and frequency of multidisciplinary deep-water research.
3. Build understanding of deep-water ecosystems, including ecosystem services.
4. Increase the use of deep-water knowledge in decision-making.

We invite all researchers within this scope to register your interest below. Terms of Reference are found here. Minutes and a recording from our first online meeting are available here and here.

For more on our activities, visit: https://challenger150.world/african-network-of-deep-water-researchers/. 

For additional information or to report any issues, please contact k.mcquaid@sanbi.org.za.

Let's jump in the deep end together!

Kirsty McQuaid, Agnes Muthumbi & Isa Elegbede