original Malaspina expedition Using sources in the countries visited, the project also aims to assess the socio-political impact of the Malaspina expedition in the regions it explored, and review the biography and historiography of Alejandro Malaspina, with particular emphasis on the work done in the wake of the expedition. Promoting marine science in Spain and public understanding of issues in marine sciences Spain has played a leading role in the exploration of the planet's resources, and remains a benchmark in international oceanographic research. The project aims to foster platforms for cooperation within the marine research community in Spain, and to bring science and research on global change closer to the public through various outreach activities, such as exhibitions, lecture series, etc. Raising the interest for marine sciences within the youth and training young scientists in a global perspective to ocean sciences The project will be a unique opportunity to promote the training of young researchers in marine sciences. Four postgraduate programmes have jointly coordinated a training module, included in the FBBVA-CSIC's Malaspina Expedition Doctoral Programme, financed by the BBVA Foundation and the CSIC. The high point of this training module will be the use of the Sarmiento de Gamboa as a teaching vessel on the leg of the journey between Miami and Las Palmas. Research blocks The expedition's research work is subdivided into 11 blocks: Thematic blocks Physical oceanography: changes in the physical properties of the ocean Ocean biochemistry: carbon, nutrients and trace gases Atmospheric deposition and organic pollutants Optics, phytoplankton, production and metabolism Microbiological diversity and ecological function The distribution and role of zooplankton in the world's oceans The Malaspina expedition. Science and politics on the other side of the ocean Horizontal blocks Coordination Science and society Training Integration Route taken by the expedition The Malaspina expedition, taking place between December 2010 and July 2011, will involve two oceanographic research vessels: The Hespérides, operated by the Spanish Navy, which will circumnavigate the globe, and the R/V Sarmiento de Gamboa, operated by the Marine Technology Unit from the CSIC, which will sail from Cadiz to Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) and then return to Cadiz, where it will host a ‘floating university’ providing oceanographic training for a group of master's degree students. Route of the Hesperides Cartagena - Cadiz Cadiz - Río de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro - Cape Town Cape Town - Perth Perth - Sydney Sydney - Auckland Auckland