FAQ

​

 

Event basics

​

1) What is the 2nd Scientific Drilling FORUM Meeting?
The 2nd Scientific Drilling FORUM Meeting is an in-person strategic scientific planning meeting bringing together international scientific drilling programmes, funding agencies, and stakeholders to exchange information, coordinate activities, and develop joint initiatives.

​

2) When and where will the event take place?
The event will be held in Maresias (São Sebastião, São Paulo State, Brazil), from 27–30 October 2026 (4 days / 3 nights).

​​

​

Registration, Accommodation, and Meals.​​

​

3) Do participants need to pay a registration fee?
No. Participants are not required to pay a registration fee. However, they are responsible for covering the cost of their accommodation at the official event hotel (Maresias Beach Hotel).

​

4) What does the accommodation package include?
The accommodation package (27- 30 October) includes lodging at the official event hotel (Beach Hotel Maresias), as well as breakfast (28, 29, and 30 October) and lunch (28, 29  and 30 October) on event days. Coffee breaks during the scientific sessions (28 and 29 October) will be covered by the event organization through institutional funding.

​

5) Where can I register and pay for the accommodation?
CLICK HERE to complete your registration in hotel . At the end of the form, you will find a link where you can reserve your accommodation package (27-30 October) and complete the payment.

​

​​

​

Getting to São Paulo and group transfers

​

6) What travel arrangements are participants responsible for?

Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to São Paulo, specifically to one of the official pickup points: Instituto Oceanográfico da Universidade de São Paulo or São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU).

​

7) Is there an official group transfer to Maresias?

Yes. On the first day (27 October), there will be a group bus transfer from São Paulo to Maresias (approx. ~3 hours, depending on traffic).

​

8) What are the outbound pickup points and times? (local time – São Paulo, UTC−3)

​Pickup at the Oceanographic Institute (IO-USP): 27 October, 10:00 | Pickup at GRU Airport: 11:15. The bus will arrive in Maresias in the afternoon.

 

9) What happens upon arrival in Maresias?
Participants will check in and register at the hotel in the late afternoon (27 October). A welcome reception/icebreaker is scheduled for the early evening.

​

​

Programme structure

​

10) What does the programme look like during the meeting days?
The Forum includes two full meeting days (28 - 29 October) with sessions in the morning and afternoon, including structured discussions, plenary/thematic sessions and working groups. 

​​

​

Scientific field trip and return transfer

​

11) Will there be a scientific field trip? Is it included?
Yes. On the last day (30th October), all participants will join a scientific field trip highlighting the regional geology, including Serra do Mar. The field trip is included and does not require separate registration.

​

12) What is the return schedule? (local time – São Paulo, UTC−3)

The following transportation options will be available on 30 October:

• 07:00 – Early departure by van: A van with limited seating will depart in the morning for participants who will not take part in the field trip.

• 11:00 – Early departure from the field trip: Two vans with limited seating will depart at approximately 11:00. This option allows participants to join the first part of the field trip, but they will leave before lunch.

• 15:00 – Main return by bus: After the field trip and lunch, the main bus will depart at approximately 15:00. The estimated arrival time at GRU Airport is around 19:00, followed by arrival at the Oceanographic Institute (IO-USP) at approximately 20:00.

Please note that all arrival times are estimates and cannot be guaranteed, as travel times may vary considerably depending on traffic and road conditions. Participants with flights or other time-sensitive connections should take this into account when choosing their transportation option.

​

 

Contact

​

13) Who should I contact for logistics questions?
Please contact the organizing committee at: stephanie.saldanha@usp.br