The European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) is a network of European organisations working together to observe the oceans, to make the collected marine data freely available and interoperable, to create seamless data layers across sea-basins and to distribute the data and data products through the Internet. The primary aim of EMODnet is to unlock existing but fragmented and hidden marine data and make them accessible for a wide range of users including private bodies, public authorities and researchers.
Jan-Bart Calewaert graduated as a bio-engineer in cellular and genetic biotechnology from the University of Ghent in 2001 and completed an additional Masters in Marine Environment Management with specialization in eco-toxicology from the Free University of Brussels and University of Antwerp in 2004. Through most of his career, Jan-Bart has been involved in a multidisciplinary research projects and science policy advisory bodies in support of marine research, sustainable management of marine and coastal environments and related policy frameworks. He has worked mostly at the interface between science, policy and industry, combining his expertise in marine sciences with knowledge of the marine and maritime policy landscape in Belgium and Europe. Jan-Bart has worked for institutes and organisations in Belgium and Europe, including Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), the Maritime Institute (UGent) and the Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology (UGent). For more than six years at the European Marine Board Secretariat, Jan-Bart Calewaert coordinated foresight and policy activities in various working areas including marine biotechnology, oceans and human health, climate change impacts on the marine environment and marine pollution. Jan-Bart joined Seascape Consultants in 2013, bringing expertise in coordination of science support activities, marine environmental management, project coordination and science policy communication. In 2017, Jan-Bart Calewaert established the independent company Seascape Belgium together with Phil Weaver, David Johnson and Vikki Gunn. He combines is role as Managing Director of Seascape Belgium with his position as Head of the Secretariat of the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet), a long-term marine data management and sharing initiative supported by the European Commission Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.