IPB University’s ITK Department Hosts ISOSS 2026: Integrating AI, R, and Videography for Coral Reef Monitoring
The Department of Marine Science and Technology (ITK), Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) at IPB University, is hosting the third installment of the International Summer Course on Marine Science and Technology (ISOSS) 2026 series.
This event focuses on the use of cutting edge technology for marine conservation, featuring two doctoral students from Wageningen University and Research (WUR) in the Netherlands as guest speakers.
In his opening remarks, Dr Syamsul Bahri Agus, Chairman of the ITK Department at IPB University, emphasized the importance of adopting digital and multimedia technologies to address the current challenges of marine ecosystem degradation.
The first session, titled “Coding for Coral: ReefCloud (AI) and R for Reef Biodiversity and Monitoring,” was presented by Stephanie Martinez. In her presentation, Stephanie thoroughly explained how artificial intelligence (AI) through the ReefCloud platform can accelerate the analysis of underwater photos to monitor the condition of coral reefs in real time.
Rather than relying solely on AI, participants were also introduced to data processing using the R programming language. This combination enables researchers to analyze biodiversity indices and trends in coral reef ecosystem recovery much more quickly, accurately, and comprehensively than with conventional manual methods.
Complementing the quantitative approach, the second session shifted to the realm of visual science communication with the topic “Sea, Camera, Action! Master Marine Video Production,” presented by Agustin Capriati.
Agustin emphasized that robust scientific data must be communicated in an engaging manner to drive conservation policies and raise public awareness. Through this workshop, participants were equipped with professional marine video production techniques, ranging from handling cameras in aquatic environments and underwater videography to the art of crafting visual narratives (storytelling) based on scientific data.
“The integration of modern science such as AI and R analysis with visual communication skills through videography is an essential combination for marine researchers in the digital age,” Agustin told the participants, who consisted of faculty members and students from various levels at ITK.
Through the hosting of ISOSS 2026, the Department of ITK at IPB University reaffirms its commitment to strengthening international research networks and fostering marine conservation initiatives that are adaptable to global technological advancements. (*/Rz) (IAAS/KQA)
