In response to the United Nations’ Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) and the Executive Yuan’s 2030 Bilingual Policy, the National Academy of Marine Research (NAMR) under the Ocean Affairs Council has launched the English-language interface of the National Ocean Database and Sharing System (NODASS), marking a key step toward the internationalization of Taiwan’s ocean data platform. From April 27 to May 2, 2025, the NAMR research team participated in the European Geosciences Union (EGU) General Assembly in Vienna—one of the most influential annual events in global earth science. The newly released NODASS English interface made its first international appearance, immediately drawing attention from researchers across five continents. With its intuitive interface and robust data integration capabilities, the platform quickly won acclaim and gained numerous international admirers, boosting global visibility for Taiwan’s ocean data achievements!
The EGU General Assembly attracts over 20,000 scientists and students from around the world each year, covering atmospheric sciences, oceanography, hydrology, climate change, geology, and related fields. It provided the ideal stage for NODASS’s English debut. The NAMR exhibition booth highlighted interactivity and real-time data access, offering live demonstrations of observational and numerical simulation data, including real-time ocean observations, satellite remote sensing products, numerical model forecasts, and open API services. Complemented by bilingual instructional videos, visual map guides, and printed materials, the display allowed attendees to fully experience the system’s comprehensive functionality.
NAMR researchers conducted on-site demonstrations and guided tours, actively engaging with participants from the United States, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, India, and the Middle East. Many expressed admirations for Taiwan’s ability to build such a highly integrated and open-access ocean data platform, noting its potential as a valuable starting point for regional marine research. One Indian scholar humorously remarked, “You should extend your service to the Indian Ocean, it would make our research so much easier!” Participants from the Middle East also praised NODASS’s user-friendly design and intuitive operation, saying they planned to introduce it as a teaching tool back home. The enthusiastic feedback reflected the success of NODASS’s seamless design and comprehensive functionality.
More than a technical upgrade, the launch of the English interface represents Taiwan’s commitment to open data, scientific collaboration, and active participation in international marine governance. Through its participation in the EGU—one of the most important global forums for earth science—the NAMR showcased Taiwan’s achievements in marine data integration, application, and sharing, highlighting the nation’s growing role and influence in international scientific collaboration.
The launch of the NODASS English interface embodies Taiwan’s commitment to open science and equal access to information. NAMR President Chung-Ling Chen emphasized that the upgrade aligns with the United Nations’ core principles of “Open Science” and “Science for Sustainability.” Through NODASS, Taiwan not only shares marine data with the world but also sends a clear message: Taiwan is both willing and capable of being a key partner in advancing global ocean sustainability and data sharing. The initiative resonates deeply with the spirit of the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, ensuring that Taiwan’s marine research results are shared globally in pursuit of a sustainable ocean future.