What are Scientific Ocean Drilling Expeditions and SPARCs?
IODP3 advances the ambitions of the 2050 Science Framework by implementing new scientific ocean drilling expeditions to collect subseafloor samples and data.
It also funds large-scale projects, known as SPARCs, that generate new science utilising the extensive core and sample archives collected through previous ocean drilling programmes. Both drilling and SPARC expeditions are based on community-driven proposals that undergo rigorous peer review to ensure that we invest in the highest quality and most innovative research.
Scientific Ocean Drilling Expeditions
IODP3 uses a Mission Specific Platform (MSP) approach for offshore expeditions. This approach involves chartering specialised drilling and coring facilities on a project-specific basis, depending on scientific priorities and operational efficiency. Often, this requires modifications of commercial or research vessels (such as offshore supply vessels, geotechnical drillships, or jack-up platforms) to install necessary drilling tools and mobile labs.
MSPs are adaptable for diverse environments but are particularly suited to challenging expeditions, such as those in ice-covered regions, shallow waters, or areas with restricted access. Expeditions may last several weeks to months, tailored to scientific goals.
A defining feature of the MSP approach is the division of the Expedition Science Team into smaller offshore and larger onshore groups, with most core descriptions and analyses conducted in onshore Core Repositories. Offshore research on MSPs focuses on essential biostratigraphic analyses, data capture of ephemeral properties, and microbiological sampling.
In addition to MSPs, IODP3 conducts expeditions using the D/V Chikyu, operated by the Institute for Marine-Earth Exploration and Engineering (MarE3) within JAMSTEC. Capable of deep penetration below the seafloor and ultra-deep-water operations, the D/V Chikyu provides state-of-the-art onboard laboratories and accommodates approximately 30 scientists per expedition. Analyses of core materials may occur offshore in Chikyu’s labs during drilling operations or later in onshore Core Repositories.
Scientific Projects using Ocean Drilling Archives (SPARCs)
The IODP3 SPARCs initiative supports large-scale, interdisciplinary research projects conducted onshore that address key ambitions of the 2050 Science Framework, particularly its Flagship Initiatives. SPARCs tackle globally significant questions using innovative and multidisciplinary methods, such as producing extensive new datasets from archived samples, integrating data across multiple expeditions or boreholes, or applying new technologies (e.g., XRF core scanning, AI, big data techniques) that were unavailable when legacy data were first collected.
While some SPARCs may leverage legacy assets to complement future drilling, all SPARC projects must have independent scientific objectives. Each SPARC receives €300,000 and has a funded duration of three years.
SPARCs foster open, inclusive participation and offer career-building opportunities through collaboration and networking with leading researchers worldwide. These projects do not require new drilling, focusing entirely on analyses at Core Repositories and research institutes around the world. This onshore model broadens IODP3’s accessibility to scientists who cannot participate in offshore expeditions.
SPARCs also provide valuable mentoring for early-career scientists, offering experience in collaborative research and supporting their transition into leadership roles. Participants may come from any nation that was part of prior ocean drilling programmes, though 75% of each SPARC Expedition Science Team must be from IODP3 member nations.
IODP3 Expedition Science Teams
IODP3 Expedition Science Teams for both drilling and SPARC expeditions are formed through an international, competitive selection process. Open calls for participation are posted on the IODP3 website and distributed by Programme Member Offices (PMOs). Applications are invited from all career stages, from PhD students to senior researchers, with a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusivity.
Each expedition requires a unique mix of geoscientific expertise, detailed in the expedition’s Scientific Prospectus, which is published with the call for applications. Scientists interested in joining should carefully review the prospectus to assess their fit with the expedition’s goals, and use their applications to highlight their potential contributions.
Expedition Science Teams typically include 50% or more early-career researchers. Previous experience with scientific ocean drilling is not required, and some team roles are exclusively shore-based, allowing for participation without going to sea.
Applications for both scientific ocean drilling and SPARC expeditions are submitted online via the IODP3 Gateway system, accessible through the “Apply to Participate” link on the IODP3 homepage. The PMOs rank candidates and submit nomination proposals to the Expedition Co-Chief Scientists (and Expedition Project Manager for drilling expeditions) for final selection. In addition to scientific qualifications, final selections consider the need for balanced gender and career-stage representation, as well as alignment with national financial contributions to IODP3.