On 10 March 2026, the ODIS Steering Group held its Third Session, co-chaired by Adam Leadbetter and Elena Tel. The session focused on charting the way forward for ODIS, including its alignment with the IOC Data Architecture (IOC DA), adopted by Member States at the last IOC Assembly (A-33). The group discussed a proposal for the Steering Group to evolve into a Data Architecture Steering Group, with an OBIS Steering Group member invited to join in this expanded role, reflecting ODIS’s growing integration across IOC programmes.
The group also discussed practical priorities, including restoring the data discovery/search interface and identifying sustainable resourcing to support it going forward. The Steering Group agreed to establish two new Task Teams: one on Communications and Operations, tasked with drafting a Vision Statement for ODIS/OIH, and one on NODC/ADU Support, focused on supporting data centres through the accreditation process. A consultancy to support the IOC Data Architecture Implementation Plan is also in progress, with a Request for Proposals nearing completion. The Steering Group’s workplan is due by the end of August 2026, ahead of approval at IODE-29 (5–9 October 2026), and the next meeting is scheduled for 21 April 2026. Full meeting details are available on OceanExpert, and the full report can be accessed here.