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Interdisciplinary Marine Early Career Network Newsletter

December 2024

Welcome to the latest issue of the Interdisciplinary Marine Early Career Network (IMECaN) newsletter!


If you are interested in providing ideas, contributing a story or being featured in the newsletter, contact us at imber@ecnu.edu.cn or @IMECAN4.


In this newsletter:


  • IMECaN gathering at Cape Town
  • Farewell and Thank You to Kat Maltby
  • Early Career Researcher Spotlight
  • Help Shape the Future of Ocean Sustainability! 
  • Interesting readings 
  • Upcoming events (conferences, workshops and symposiums)
  • Job and career development opportunities

IMECaN gathering at Cape Town

On a serene evening in Cape Town, South Africa, against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, the IMECaN organizing committee hosted an informal gathering of Early Career Researchers (ECRs) at The Lawns. This special event took place during the International Marine Conservation Congress 7 (IMCC7), bringing together IMECaN members, including current and former Organizing Committee representatives, for an evening of connection and camaraderie. As one of the first in-person meetings following years of COVID-related disruptions, the gathering was a heartfelt reminder of the importance of face-to-face interactions in fostering collaboration and building the marine interdisciplinary community.

Farewell and Thank You to Kat Maltby

The IMECaN Steering Committee would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Kat Maltby for her contributions and dedication during her time on the committee. Kat joined us in June 2022, bringing her passion, expertise, and commitment to advancing the goals of IMECaN. As Kat embarks on new adventures, we wish her all the best in her future endeavors. While we will miss her on the steering committee, we know that Kat will remain involved with IMECaN in other capacities and continue to be a valued part of our community.


Thank you, Kat, for everything you’ve done for IMECaN!

You can visit the current list of the IMECaN Steering Committee here:

https://imber.info/imecan-interdisciplinary-marine-early-career-network/who-is-involved/

Early Career Researcher Spotlight

Dr. Ruiqi Li is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Colorado Boulder. He earned his B.S. in Marine Biology from Xiamen University, China, and his Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Colorado Boulder. Dr. Li’s research focuses on the evolutionary significance of symbiosis, with a particular emphasis on marine bivalves. He employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining field experiments, museum-based research, bioinformatics, and biometric morphometrics to address his research questions.


As an ECR, Dr. Li believes that international collaboration is essential for addressing key questions related to biodiversity and climate change. He has established international collaborations with institutions in Singapore, China, Australia, the UK, Europe, and across the United States. He also believes in immersing himself in his study systems' natural habitats to better understand their adaptations and inspire new research questions. As an AAUS-certified scientific diver, he has conducted scuba-based field research in diverse locations, including Guam, Panama, and Australia. Passionate about biodiversity, he serves as an associate editor for ZooKeys. He is committed to advancing research on marine biodiversity by, of which an estimated 91% remain undescribed.


Moreover, Ruiqi is dedicated to translating research into actionable conservation efforts. As a Red List assessor, he has conducted assessments for 12 species of giant clams. In recognition of his conservation contributions, he was invited to join the IUCN SSC Mollusc Specialist Group as a full member.


Help Shape the Future of Ocean Sustainability! 

The Ocean & Climate Platform, in collaboration with Friends of Ocean Action, invites you to contribute to a global visioning exercise for the Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3).


We’re seeking your “seeds”—innovative initiatives, movements, or ideas that could transform the future of the ocean. These contributions will form the foundation of a collaborative effort to envision a sustainable ocean future, with outcomes shared at UNOC3 in Nice.


Submit your seeds by 10 December 2024: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezdDa8u_nqyn660sTNdyep_-krp4E30O6X_bgvjQaiJirKnw/viewform



Learn more about this initiative and its goals here:

https://ocean-climate.org/en/an-ocean-of-possibilities-a-call-to-imagine-the-future-of-ocean-sustainability/

Interesting reading

Building Successful International Summer Schools to Enhance the Capacity of Marine Early Career Researchers


A new commentary, led by lecturers and organizers of the ClimEco marine summer schools organized by IMBER since 2008, explores the impact and success of these biennial events. Designed as informal learning opportunities for early career researchers (ECRs), ClimEco fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and policy engagement to address ocean sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals. Combining participant surveys and organizer insights, the study identifies key motivations, outcomes, and factors contributing to the program’s success. It also provides practical guidance for global convenors to support the next generation of marine researchers in tackling critical challenges in ocean science and governance.


The full article is available in this link.


New IMECaN paper: Fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in interdisciplinary marine science


Don’t miss the latest findings from IMECaN’s collaborative research to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in interdisciplinary marine science. Stemming from an online DEI workshop we hosted in October 2022, led by former co-chair Laura Kaikkonen and featuring contributions from several IMECaN community members, this paper proposes ten actions to foster DEI and elaborates on three key arguments:


  • Diversity is essential for producing high-quality interdisciplinary marine science.
  • Interdisciplinary approaches can introduce additional challenges and complexities for minoritized groups conducting science.
  • Interdisciplinary marine science may inadvertently exclude minoritized groups and perpetuate discrimination, prejudice, and elitism.


Explore this important work to better understand and address these critical issues in interdisciplinary marine science. The full article is available open access in this link.  


Upcoming events (conferences, workshops, and symposiums)

Conferences


Join the Chemical Oceanography GRC and GRS 2025

The Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Chemical Oceanography is the premier international event for advancing research at the intersection of ocean science and chemistry. The five-day conference features cutting-edge, unpublished research, interactive discussions, and networking opportunities with global leaders in the field.

When: July 19–25, 2025.

Where: Southern New Hampshire University, United States.

Highlight for Early-Career Researchers (ECRs):

Kick off your journey with the 2025 Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) in Chemical Oceanography! This two-day workshop, co-chaired by Gabriella Akpah Yeboah (member of the IMECaN Steering Committee), offers ECRs a unique opportunity for mentorship, collaboration, and exposure to the latest research in a welcoming environment. Join your peers to connect, share insights, and build professional networks that last a lifetime.


Apply by June 21, 2025. Learn more HERE.


Join Ocean Innovation Africa 2025!

Dive into OIA2025, Africa’s leading summit for sustainable ocean solutions, under the theme ‘Science-to-Solutions’. This premier event connects global leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors to transform cutting-edge science into real-world applications that drive Africa’s Blue Economy, promote ocean health, and enhance climate resilience.

Don’t miss this opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and shape the future of Africa’s ocean economy.

Learn more HERE.


Join the One Ocean Science Congress (OOSC)

The One Ocean Science Congress (OOSC), a UNOC3 Special Event, will bring together global scientists, policymakers, and civil society to address the Ocean’s critical challenges and harness its solutions for climate action, sustainable development, and human well-being.

When: 4–6 June 2025

Where: Nice, France

Learn more HERE.


2025 People & the Sea Conference: MARE XIII

Join the MARE People and the Sea XIII Conference, exploring the theme “Tensions, Trade-offs, and Transformations for the Ocean Decade and Beyond.” This year’s event delves into the balance between sustainable marine resource management, thriving coastal livelihoods, and biodiverse oceans, while addressing climate impacts, governance challenges, and the need for transformative change. Participants will reflect on progress in the Ocean Decade and co-construct the “science we need for the ocean we want.”

When: 24–27 June 2025

Learn more HERE.


Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences (XMAS 2025)

Join XMAS 2025, one of Asia’s largest marine science conferences in Xiamen, China. Organized by the State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science (MEL) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), and co-sponsored for the first time by ASLO, this symposium will feature cutting-edge interdisciplinary sessions across oceanography, marine toxicology, and emerging topics like ocean-based carbon removal, ocean governance, and marine education.

When: January 14–17, 2025

Learn more HERE.


Training, workshops and webinars


New OTGA/OBIS Course in Spanish: Publish Your Marine Biodiversity Data!

OBIS Colombia, OBIS Caribe, and ESP-OBIS present a self-paced course in Spanish on the Ocean Teacher Global Academy (OTGA) platform: “Fundamentos para la publicación de datos de biodiversidad marina en OBIS”.

What you’ll learn:

• OBIS data standards

• Table formats and structures

• Basic quality control

• Data publication and visualization tools

Duration: ~20 hours

Free access: Enroll with your OceanExpert account using the key INVEMAROBIS2024**.

Available until January 30, 2025, Enroll Here.


Webinar: Bridging Knowledge Systems for Equitable Ocean Governance


Join us for the launch of the report “Co-Producing Sustainable Ocean Plans with Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge Holders”, commissioned by the Ocean Panel. Discover how integrating Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge (ITK) into Sustainable Ocean Plans can enhance biodiversity conservation, ecosystem resilience, and equitable ocean governance.

What to Expect:

•Key insights and recommendations from ITK holders, researchers, and Ocean Panel representatives.

• Practical pathways for co-producing SOPs across all stages of development.

When: December 4, 2024 

Time: 2:00–3:30 PM GMT 

Where: Online

Register now.

Job and career development opportunities

Apply for the MarineBear Award

The MarineBear Award by the Brun Bear Foundation offers £800 to support innovative conservation technology projects focused on marine conservation.

Who Can Apply?

Open to applicants of all skill levels and project stages, whether exploring new ideas or advancing established initiatives. Independent developers and professionals are welcome.

Ideal Topics Include: Habitat loss, Human-marine life conflict, Climate change impacts, Population surveys, and more!

Learn more and apply: https://www.brunbearfoundation.uk/marinebear


Exciting Opportunity for ECR in the Pacific: Join the Tiaki Moana Summit & Workshop!

The Tiaki Moana Summit & Workshop invites Young Pacific Leaders to participate in an engaging event focused on marine conservation and sustainable ocean health. Held in Tahiti, Mo’orea, and Ra’iātea, this gathering brings together up to 60 young leaders to collaborate with experts in conservation, Indigenous knowledge, and innovative strategies.

What’s in it for you?

• Contribute to impactful marine conservation and policy initiatives.

• Build networks with Pacific, international, and U.S. experts.

• Gain hands-on experience in community engagement and resilience-building.

Eligibility:

• Age: 20-35 years.

• Experience or interest in marine science/conservation, Local Marine Managed Areas (LMMA), or related fields.

• A deeper knowledge of regional environmental/resource management issues.

• Must be a citizen and resident of a YPL country.

• Available to travel to Tahiti in March 2025 (and potentially Nice, France, in June 2025).

Deadline: 22 November 2024.

More details and application HERE.


Exciting Call for Papers: Rethink the Blue Economy!

RethinkBlue COST Action invites Young and Early Career Researchers to contribute to an open-access edited book exploring fresh perspectives on the Blue Economy.

What’s in it for you?

• Publish a high-quality book chapter.

• Gain hands-on experience in the publishing process.

• Engage with peers to shape the future research agenda on the Blue Economy.

Eligibility:

First authors must be under 40 or early career researchers (PhD students, postdocs, or assistant professors with <7 years post-PhD).

Submit abstracts by 5 January 2025

More details and application: https://rethinkblue.eu/news/call-for-papers-open-access-book-rethinking-the-blue-economy-new-perspectives/


Exciting Internship Opportunity in Sustainability Science!

Join IRD and BRIDGES project for a 6-month internship exploring research impact on marine socio-ecosystems. Dive into sustainability science with an international team of experts. Conduct a systematic literature review and contribute to innovative solutions for global marine challenges.

Apply deadline: December 08, 2024

More details and application: https://www.bridges-wio.com/offre-emploi/internship-literature-review-on-the-impact-of-research-on-the-transformation-of-marine-socio-ecosystems/ 


Exciting Opportunity for Young Ocean Enthusiasts!

Applications are open for the OceanX Young Explorers Programme 2025, offering hands-on experience in ocean science, conservation, and storytelling.

Apply early! Spots fill quickly: Application Link



Postdoc Position at Stockholm Resilience Centre

The Stockholm Resilience Centre is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to a project on the financial risks of climate impacts on seafood production in collaboration with global partners. The position focuses on developing methodologies to quantify financial risks, working closely with industry stakeholders to co-design strategies for climate resilience in the seafood sector.

Application deadline: 15 December 2024.

More details and application: https://www.su.se/english/about-the-university/work-at-su/available-jobs?rmpage=job&rmjob=24583&rmlang=UK


Research Support Opportunity at OIST’s Sea-neXus Facility

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) is seeking a motivated technician to support marine science research at the Sea-neXus facility. This role involves maintaining experimental aquaria, supporting research collaborations, contributing to outreach, and advancing animal care protocols.

Applications open until filled.

Learn more and apply: https://www.oist.jp/careers/sea-nexus-research-support-staff


For more jobs and career development opportunities consider visiting Ocean Oculus (Ocean Opportunities), and Ocean Blue Jobs, or subscribing to the EuroMarine OYSTER newsletter.


Share job opportunities with us by sending an e-mail to imber@ecnu.edu.cn or tweeting @IMECaN4.



Our friends at EuroMarine OYSTER regularly post job updates every Thursday on Twitter. Follow along for different opportunities! 

 imber@ecnu.edu.cn

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