From 2008 to 2012, the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) hosted Phase I of the Nippon Foundation-POGO Centre of Excellence in Observational Oceanography annually for four years. The Centre offered a 10-month programme of study to 10 students every year. Information on past cohorts of scholars who attended the Centre of Excellence can be accessed by following the links in the left-hand menu.

Idyllic location of the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS)	The BIOS research vessel RV Atlantic Explorer	Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS)

Training aimed to promote excellence in integrated, multidisciplinary oceanography on a global scale and included:

• Ship-board training on the R/V Atlantic Explorer, with the goal to provide numerous days at sea for each participant;
• A program that emphasizes Core Skills required by scientists (e.g. communication skills, both written and oral, numeracy, information technology, and science management);
• Observational Oceanography training using state-of-the art instrumentation from BIOS faculty and staff involved in the eight BIOS time-series/ observatory programs;
• Observational Oceanography workshops delivered by previous NF-POGO Visiting Professors including Drs. Trevor Platt, Robert Frouin, and others; and
• Guest lectures/workshops by the numerous research scientists who visit BIOS each year for work on the R/V Atlantic Explorer.

From 2013, Phase II of the Nippon Foundation-POGO Centre of Excellence in Observational Oceanography will be hosted by a new institutution.