Irene Kopelman, whose work explores the relationship between science and art, is currently involved within Fondation Tara Océan Microbiome Mission laboratory-ship. In their journey through the South Atlantic Ocean and until August 16th, the artist joined the group of scientifics endorsed by the UNESCO Oceanographic Commission, studying the benefits of the ocean microbiome and its interactions with the climate and pollution.

The microbiome constitutes the first link in a huge food chain, the other end of which feeds the greater part of people on earth. These marine algae are like service providers: capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide on a planetary scale and, in return, delivers half the oxygen that we breathe every day. The functioning of this microbial world still remains largely unknown up to now.

Tara’s mission is recognized for supporting research, diffusing knowledge, and building networks between scientists, policymakers and civil society to find solutions to the immense challenges facing the Ocean.