Ocean Networks Canada is supporting Canada’s participation as the Featured Country at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin, Germany from November 6 to 9, 2026.

ONC will join Team Canada delegates, led by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), the Office of the Chief Science Advisor (OCSA), and Global Affairs Canada at this international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral forum for global science leaders.

Thursday, November 6

16:00 - 17:00 (CET). Einstein Pavilion (Ground Floor 0 Fl).
Who Builds the Future? Big Science & Collaborative Politics
Benoît Pirenne, Ocean Networks Canada, Victoria, BC, Canada, Elisa Resconi, Technical University of Munich, DE, Nigel Smith, TRIUMF, CA, Christian Walzer, Wildlife Conservation Society, US
Moderator: Janet King, Canadian Light Source, CA
No country can build or operate every facility needed for next-generation science alone, yet no country can ignore security, sovereignty, and strategic competition. The future will emerge from networks of national laboratories, research infrastructures, scientific talent, and strategic partnerships. As geopolitical fragmentation grows, resilient models of international collaboration can build research ecosystems that remain excellent, trusted and accessible across borders.

19:30 - 21:30 (CET). 01 Goodall Meet & Eat
Canada Evening Reception
The Canada Evening Reception offers a dedicated space for summit participants, researchers, and decision-makers to cultivate transatlantic connections. Following the day’s sessions, this gathering provides an informal environment to discuss emerging research topics, strengthen existing partnerships, and explore fresh opportunities for Canadian-German cooperation.

The reception will spotlight a special interactive feature by ONC that shows how ocean data is powering discovery and innovation with partners around the world, as well as offer Canadian iconic cuisine and beverages.

Friday, November 7

11:00 (CET). Canada Pavilion.
Seeing the Ocean in Real Time
Benoît Pirenne, Ocean Networks Canada, Victoria, BC, Canada, Kate Moran, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
Canada is using cutting-edge technology to transform how we observe the ocean. Meet ONC Corporate Innovation and Technology Officer Benoît Pirenne and Kate Moran, former ONC President & CEO, and lead Principal Investigator of the Solid Carbon project at the University of Victoria, to discuss how subsea cables, advanced sensors and real-time data are opening a window into the underwater world.

From monitoring marine ecosystems to tracking climate change in the Arctic, discover how Canadian research infrastructure is expanding scientific knowledge and helping us understand a changing planet. ONC’s observatories also contribute to climate mitigation research by supporting the monitoring and verification of marine carbon dioxide removal initiatives, including the Solid Carbon project.