Institutional technical reserve use plan

• Grant number: 24/21270-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Technical Reserve for Institutional Research Infrastructure
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Oceanography - Biological Oceanography
• Principal Investigator: Paulo Yukio Gomes Sumida
• Grantee: Paulo Yukio Gomes Sumida
• Host Institution: Instituto Oceanográfico (IO). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The Oceanographic Institute of the University of São Paulo (IO-USP) is a center of excellence in oceanographic education and research in Brazil, integrating biology, physics, chemistry, and geology in a marine context, taking into account the social implications of human-ocean interaction. With a robust infrastructure, IO-USP has a headquarters in São Paulo, divided into two departments - the Department of Biological Oceanography and the Department of Physical, Chemical, and Geological Oceanography - as well as two research bases located in Ubatuba and Cananéia, and a hangar at the Port of Santos, where the Oceanographic Ship Alpha Crucis is maintained. These facilities serve 213 undergraduate students, 123 graduate students, 35 postdoctoral researchers, 113 technical-administrative staff, and 39 faculty members.IO-USP's mission is to teach, research, and disseminate scientific knowledge about the oceans for the benefit of society. Since its inception, IO-USP has played a fundamental role in overcoming national challenges, such as defining Brazil's exclusive economic zone in international forums, understanding the dynamics of important fishery resources, and deepening the study of oceanographic processes essential for the sustainable management of the oceans. The continuous training of students and professors in the undergraduate and graduate programs in Oceanography, both from the University of São Paulo and from other partner institutions, is a core activity of IO-USP. Additionally, the institute aims to promote scientific advancement through the execution of scientific cruises in research projects relevant both to the institution and to the country.CURRENT SITUATION ASSESSMENT One of IO-USP's major strengths, both for advanced oceanographic research and teaching, is the Oceanographic Ship Alpha Crucis, acquired with resources from FAPESP. At 65 meters in length, the Alpha Crucis has the capacity to operate in the open ocean, conduct research in ultra-deep waters, and reach international areas, covering the entire coast and offshore ocean of the state of São Paulo and Brazil. For years, this vessel has been fundamental to the study of oceanographic processes and the training of professionals at all levels.The operationality of the NOc Alpha Crucis vessel is of utmost importance, as it is also aimed at meeting the item concerning the national curricular guideline for undergraduate Oceanography courses, which has as a mandatory complementary activity the fulfillment of at least 100 hours of on-board training, as designated by Ordinance No. 146 of the Secretariat of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education - SESu/MEC, dated 10.03.99. Maintaining the continuous operation of this vessel is one of the institution's greatest logistical challenges. The nature of work in the marine environment demands constant maintenance of the vessel to ensure the safety of its crew and researchers/students. Often, issues arise that require immediate decisions, including purchasing materials and performing emergency services. Achieving this agility of response is difficult within the state's bureaucratic structure. Added to this is the need to maintain a crew whose category of workers is subject to specific labor legislation, which is not covered by the legal scope of the University of São Paulo. Another important aspect is port and maritime support, including the necessary documentation and permits for port entry and exit.Despite its importance, the NOc Alpha Crucis is currently in the shipyard, in need of several improvements to ensure its navigability is safely guaranteed. Its maintenance is critical to permanently and continuously meeting public needs, ensuring the integrity of public assets and the functioning of the Oceanographic Institute's teaching and research activities. (AU)