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.
Oonagh has over 20 years of experience working both as an active research scientist and subsequently in the science policy domain. With a multidisciplinary background gained across the biological and environmental sciences, mainly in the fisheries and aquaculture domain, she worked in both academic and government institutions in Ireland before joining a Belgian marine research consultancy in 2015, operating at the interface between science and policy. In 2015 Oonagh joined Seascape, working for 4 years as part of the EMODnet Secretariat team on the transfer of marine knowledge to diverse stakeholders, as well as leading Seascape’s contributions to several EU-projects. After working as a Senior Consultant with Seascape since 2019, she stepped back full into the organisation with a key role as Lead Manager Science and Policy in June 2023. In this role, Oonagh is a member of Seascape Belgium’s senior management team, contributing to the strategic development of the company and its portfolio of projects. Oonagh has significant experience in content development, communication, stakeholder facilitation, project management, and strategic event organization. Oonagh holds a B.Sc. and a Ph.D. in Genetics from Queen’s University, Belfast.