The global oceanographic community is invited to gather in Woods Hole this fall for the Slocum Glider User’s Conference, taking place October 7–9, 2025. This three-day event will bring together Slocum glider users, marine scientists, engineers, and dignitaries for a collaborative exchange of knowledge, innovation, and mission collaboration.
The conference will culminate in the official launch of the Sentinel Mission on October 10, featuring REDWING, the first autonomous underwater glider that will embark on the first ever AUV mission to autonomously circumnavigate the globe.
Conference Highlights:
- Expert Panels & Technical Sessions on topics such as long-endurance missions, passive acoustic monitoring, storm gliders, and under-ice operations.
- Advanced Training with sensor vendors and glider specialists.
- Live Presentation and Poster Sessions from the global glider community.
- Networking Opportunities with NOAA and WHOI leadership, state officials, and academic researchers.
The Sentinel Mission: A Global First
The Sentinel Mission, a collaboration between Teledyne Webb Research and Rutgers University to complete the first-ever global circumnavigation with an autonomous underwater vehicle, is supported by NOAA, the UN Ocean Decade, and the Marine Technology Society. The mission will launch from Woods Hole on October 10, 2025, with the deployment of REDWING, a specially outfitted Slocum Sentinel Glider.
The mission aims to:
- Demonstrate cutting-edge oceanographic technology
- Promote STEM education and student-led research
- Support global ocean monitoring and climate science
Rutgers undergraduate students are actively involved in planning the glider’s route, accounting for ocean currents, recharge stops, and geopolitical considerations. The mission will also feature a live online flight viewer, branded outreach campaigns, and educational content to engage the public worldwide.
Learn more about the The Sentinel Mission.
