EMODnet is a network of organisations working together to observe the sea, to make the marine data collected 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.

Maxime Depoorter holds an MSC in Public Administration and Management from the University of Ghent (2015) and an MSC in Maritime Science shared by the University of Ghent and VUB in Brussels (2016). Maxime started her career as the cabinet secretary of the former mayor of Middelkerke. She was responsible for drafting policy advice notes, communication and co-hosted events. In relation to marine and maritime topics, she was responsible for the city’s input for the new Belgian Marine Spatial Plan (2020). In January 2019, Maxime joined GreenBridge (Now Bluebridge) at Ostend Science Park as a project officer for the H2020 COASTAL-project. Furthermore she worked as a community manager and supported the commercial activities of Bluebridge.