Background
In the context of the ecological transition and digital transformation, there are several opportunities in the blue economy sectors in the Mediterranean. Local governments should take advantage and raise awareness of such potential and work more closely with the industry and the private sectors to develop more innovative models to maximize job opportunities. Thus ensuring the sustainability of the blue economy sectors, moving towards a circular economy and protecting biodiversity and ecosystems while increasing income and developing local economies. It is therefore crucial to equip young people with the skills and knowledge they need to meet the complex challenges of the future at different levels. From local to national to regional levels.
The summer school is focused on transformative pathways to sustainability in the Blue Economy in the Mediterranean. It covers multidisciplinary fields related to the marine and maritime sectors, providing both theoretical insights, practical applications and technological trends.
In addition, the summer school strengthens scientific dialogue and cooperation through the instrument of science diplomacy, by promoting partnerships and networking amongst individuals, institutions and countries for the benefit of the whole region.
It is organised within the framework of the Western Mediterranean Forum, the 5+5 Dialogue for research, innovation and higher education, with the aim to train young researchers and promising talents from the five EU Member States (France, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain) and the five Arab Maghreb countries (Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco, Libya and Tunisia).
Specific objectives of the summer school are:
- Identifying relevant soft and transversal blue skills needed by the labour market: adapting to new labour market skills needs;
- Identifying and addressing skills gaps by working closely with the private sector to promote innovation;
- Reskilling and up-skilling young talents with methodological approach and innovative tools to help developing sustainable blue economy and ocean governance in the Mediterranean region;
- Exposing trainees on necessary skill sets, considering the challenges and the opportunities of the twin green and digital transition for the sustainable blue economy;
- Strengthening science diplomacy through partnerships and cooperation in order to plan joint activities and projects at regional level.
Dates: 10-14 June 2024
Application deadline: 3rd of March 12 PM (CET)
Target candidates
The summer school is addressed to postgraduates (PhD students/holders and master students/holders working in fields related to sustainable blue economy and interested in the improvement of the skills needed to fit blue jobs) from the western Mediterranean region: member countries of the 5+5 Dialogue from the five EU Member States (France, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain) and the five Arab Maghreb countries (Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco, Libya and Tunisia).
15 participants will be selected to participate in the Summer School in Trieste and Piran.
Summer School candidates must fulfill the following conditions:
- Being enrolled in a master’s degree program or holding a master’s degree, being a PhD candidate or holding a PhD
- Having knowledge of English (level B2 or higher)
- Coming from the 5 +5 Dialogue member countries (Algeria, France, Italy, Libya, Malta, Mauritania, Morocco, Portugal, Spain and Tunisia)
- A demonstrated interest in the Mediterranean region and the theme of sustainable blue economy.
During the selection process, an attempt will be made to ensure the geographic distribution and diversity, gender balance and participation of young researchers.
Format
The summer school will be organized in presence both in Trieste and in Piran, in the format of classroom lectures, a field trip, and working groups. Further information on the agenda will be provided.
Themes and training approach
In the Summer School we offer lessons about sustainable blue economy as a whole, through a multidisciplinary approach that takes into consideration the importance of developing both hard and soft skills. Therefore, the lectures will tackle fundamental topics related to the different sectors of the sustainable blue economy, including marine robotics, fisheries and aquaculture, green shipping, marine spatial planning, renewable energy and deep sea mining. Moreover, experts will address the importance of themes such as the nexus science-policy-society, stakeholders engagement, and gender equality. This year, the Summer School will be mainly focused on supporting tools for strengthening the Sustainable Blue Economy in the Mediterranean region, through the reskilling and the upskilling of sustainable blue economy professionals.
Fees and costs
15 participants will be selected to participate in the Summer School in Trieste and Piran. No registration fees are requested and expenses including training materials, field trip, travel and accommodation costs are covered by the organizers. Any other cost, including visa and health insurance and related costs, will be covered by the selected participant.
All participants need to arrange valid visas and insurances, if needed. We are able to assist with issuing a letter of acceptance but we don't manage visa procedures, nor cover the costs for granting visas or insurances.
Organisation and funding acknowledgment
Availability of funding schemes for the participants: selected candidates will be financially supported by the organizations through existing financial schemes:
- The Blue Skills initiative, implemented by OGS and financially supported by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) within the framework of the Western Mediterranean Forum (5+5 Dialogue). Blue Skills was labelled by the Union for the Mediterranean (2019) and has been awarded the WestMED best project award (2021)
- The Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Blue Economy at the Euro Mediterranean University (EMUNI), co-funded by Erasmus+ Programme
Personal data
Data will be managed according to the privacy policy available at this link.
