THE UNDERWATER GLIDER USER GROUP (UG2)
Photo: Cassie Wilson
Photo: Cassie Wilson
Photo: Cassie Wilson
Photo: Cassie Wilson
Since its inception, UG2 has experienced significant growth, boasting nearly 500 members now. The group has also achieved several milestones, including launching a bi-monthly webinar series, appointing a full-time coordinator, forming a steering committee, and successfully hosting four glider-focused workshops. Now based at the Center for Ocean Leadership (COL) under the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) and supported by the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), UG2 continues to be a driving force in advancing the glider community. In September of 2024, UG2 hosted its most recent workshop at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, U.S., bringing together 140 glider users from diverse backgrounds – including project managers, data experts, industry experts, pilots, researchers, and students – from across the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. Over three days, participants gathered for dynamic discussions on underwater glider technologies and their practical applications. The Workshop featured engaging presentations, collaborative breakout sessions focused on data management, sustained glider networks, microcredentials, and interactive training opportunities for early career participants to facilitate know ledge sharing and networking within the glider community – the core mission of UG2. A key highlight of the workshop was the strong participation from early career professionals and students, who comprised over 35% of attendees. Recognizing them as the
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next generation of glider users, the workshop provided tailored training sessions on writing proposals and deve loping elevator pitches, along with numerous networking opportunities. For the first time, UG2 leadership also offered constructive feedback on all student and early career posters and presentations, culminating in awards for the highest scoring in each category. This initiative highlighted and encouraged student and early career engagement and fostered the collaborative UG2 spirit! Looking ahead, UG2 leadership is set to publish a comprehensive post-workshop report by the end of the year, detailing the action items and objectives for UG2 and the broader glider community. In exciting news, the next UG2 Workshop will be in 2026, with more details coming soon. To learn more about becoming a UG2 member or about this group, please visit www.underwatergliders.org or email info@underwatergliders.org.
Photo: Cassie Wilson