EuroMarine in cooperation with their OYSTER WG have decided to provide funding to carry out the Training Workshop for ECRs “Interdisciplinary Ocean Transformation”.
Challenges in management and conservation of the seas increasingly call for interdisciplinary and collaborative research. Early career researchers (ECRs) are the next generation of marine scientists, and therefore have an important role to play in solving complex ocean challenges. Thus, it is important that marine scientists are equipped with interdisciplinary skills and cross-institutional networks in the early stages of their career. However, training in interdisciplinary methods and network building are rarely provided in a formal setting.
The Training Workshop for ECRs on Interdisciplinary Ocean Transformation will support ECRs to develop interdisciplinary skills over five days using a combination of short lectures and hands-on activities. The overarching goal of the proposed workshop is to provide interdisciplinary frameworks and facilitate cross-institutional collaborations and to provide ECRs with opportunities to practice these new skills. ECRs will use this training to develop new and innovative science proposals in the context of the Sustainable Development Goal 14 and the EU Mission to Restore Ocean and Waters. The participants of the Workshop will learn to enhance the impact of their research beyond their disciplinary expertise by addressing complex ocean challenges through collaborative projects.
The activities of the Workshop are explicitly designed to teach participants skills to create, fund and manage innovative and interdisciplinary solutions to ocean challenges. Through the proposed activities, participants learn to design interdisciplinary science that includes gender and diversity dimensions, promotes FAIR and open science, and effectively communicates project results to stakeholders.
The programme includes interactive activities with professionals who have a direct impact in management and societal education beyond fundamental marine sciences. An expert in science communication will teach the participants how to make their research more relevant to broader audiences. A research coordinator from an international management organization will teach which kind of research is needed to have an impact with managers and policymakers. Through interactive and participatory activities, we will create a “network of networks” among members of different network organizations.
This training workshop has been jointly funded by OYSTER and EuroMarine and has received co-funding from ICES.
KEY OBJECTIVES
The Training Workshop for ECRs on Interdisciplinary Ocean Transformation will:
- Boost the capacity of ECRs to make their individual research more interdisciplinary through project-based learning.
- Foster collaborations among ECRs of different marine network organizations across Europe.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
The two main outcomes of the training will be:
- Attendees will create interdisciplinary project proposals linking independent research of diverse ECRs in marine sciences in ways that address EuroMarine’s Oceans Frontiers Manifesto goals. These project proposals will incorporate the skills learned during the Summer School and will include science communication plans.
- Through interactive and participatory activities the Training Workshop will create a “network of networks” among members of different network organizations.
EXPECTED IMPACT
The activities of the Training Workshop are explicitly designed to teach participants skills to create, fund and manage innovative and interdisciplinary solutions to ocean challenges. Not only that, but participants co-organising this Training Workshop will promote leadership skills and networking capacity to the 13 ECRs involved. Invited guests and local organizations will also benefit by participating in interactive discussions with the Workshop participants to foster two-way transfer of knowledge and ideas.
REGISTRATION
Registrations will open on February 1st. Applicants will be required submit a statement of motivation elaborating on how their participation will contribute to breaking down traditional barriers between marine professions and facilitate transdisciplinary collaboration. While all applicants on their early career stage will be eligible, priority will be given to i) those whose expertise will contribute to the diversity of disciplines among the course participants, ii) volunteer in an ECR network, and iii) are hosted at a EuroMarine listed institute.
Course fees, accommodation, breakfast, and lunch will be supported by EuroMarine and OYSTER. Limited funding (max 300€) will be provided to help cover travel expenses.
To apply, please fill in the following information in the form here no later than 28th February 2023: https://mws.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/interdis-summer-school-2023
PLANNED INVOLVEMENT OF EUROMARINE ORGANISATIONS
Manager
DTU Aqua
Co-organisers
DTU-Aqua, UiB, UIB, CSIC-IEO, NIWA, WUR, ICES, LSE, UBO, SLU & HWU