** NEWLY UPDATED VERSION**

The EMODnet Biology/EurOBIS team created the course as a means to assist data providers in understanding the project and its interaction with other international initiatives like OBIS and GBIF, and to provide step-by-step training in data reformatting and quality control ahead of submission. Upon completion of the course, data providers should be able to independently standardize their data to Darwin Core and resolve any quality issues.

Needs and priority

The course supports the IOC Capacity Development Strategy by strengthening data management capacities in marine biodiversity. It contributes to FAIR and interoperable biodiversity data sharing, supporting EMODnet Biology, OBIS, and related international marine observation initiatives. The course addresses the growing need for standardized and openly accessible marine biodiversity data across IOC Member States and regions. 

Learning goals

Upon completion, learners will be able to:

• Understand the EMODnet Biology data flow and its interaction with other biodiversity systems.
• Understand biological data standards used in EMODnet Biology.
• Process and standardize datasets according to Darwin Core standards.
• Publish datasets through the IPT.
• Perform advanced quality control checks.
• Access and retrieve published datasets through the EMODnet Biology portal. 

Course content

• Module 1. Introduction to EMODnet and EMODnet Biology
• Module 2. Metadata
• Module 3. Formatting your dataset for EMODnet Biology Including new topics: Genomics data and absence data
• Module 4. Dealing with archaeology data
• Module 5. Publishing in IPT
• Module 6. Quality Control
• Module 7. EMODnet Biology data harvesting
• Module 8. Finding data after publication 

Target audience

Anyone interested in marine biodiversity data.

Specifically, the course was prepared for marine biodiversity data managers, scientists, technicians, students, and data providers interested in contributing biodiversity datasets to EMODnet Biology. Participants should have basic computer skills and familiarity with spreadsheet-based data management. 

Language: English

Instructors:

Course duration, Format, Assessment & Certificate

In order to successfully complete the course and be awarded a certificate, the following are mandatory: 

• Complete all modules and lessons.  
• Complete all quizzes (70% pass mark, 3 attempts). 
• Complete the pre and post-assessment questionaries. 
• Submit the feedback survey. 

How to enroll

Please register on the OceanExpert website (www.oceanexpert.org). Once your OceanExpert account is approved (this is not done immediately), you can self-enroll in the course. If you already have an OceanExpert account, you can self-enroll in the course using your OceanExpert username and password.

First log in OceanTeacher, then access the course page and click on self-enrollment.

For this cohort, the enrolment key is EMODnet**2026en

Registration, costs, and technological requirements

This course is offered on a continuous basis, with open registrations as yearly cohorts, with no tuition fees.

To follow this course, participants shall have: 

Contacts

For any questions please contact the OTGA Secretariat (ioc.training@unesco.org) or the EMODnet biology secretariat (bio@emodnet.eu) always using the name of the course as email subject.

Cancellation policy

In the event of cancellation of the course by the OTGA or its affiliates, we will provide notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date. In the event of cancellation by the attendee, we should receive notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date.