Holyrood, NL – Ten early-career researchers from Bangladesh, Brazil, Mexico, Egypt, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, the Philippines, and Senegal arrived in St. John’s, NL to participate in a world-class ocean studies program, The Nippon Foundation-Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO) Centre of Excellence (COE) in Observational Oceanography.
The Ocean Frontier Institute (OFI), in partnership with the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland and the Hakai Institute, and with support from the Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development at Dalhousie University, is hosting the fourth phase of the program. The program takes the scholars across Canada, with instructional and immersive experiences at the Fisheries and Marine Institute at Memorial, the Hakai Institute on Quadra Island, BC, and Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS. OFI and partners officially launched the program on October 24 with a welcome event held in Holyrood, NL.
The 10-month training experience leverages the expertise and infrastructure of the three partners, while participants bring their diverse perspectives and shared passion and professional expertise for the ocean industry from their home countries. Scholars receive interdisciplinary and hands-on learning through collaboration, cultural exposure, industry engagement, course lectures, field excursions, and independent learning projects.
“By fostering a new generation of oceanographers equipped to tackle the pressing challenges of our oceans, we are not only building individual capacity, but also strengthening international networks that are vital to addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and the sustainable use of marine resources,”
said Dr. Anya Waite, CEO and Scientific Director at OFI.
The Centre of Excellence offers comprehensive training in key areas such as oceanography and ocean technology. Scholars will develop essential skills in data management, climate change science, coding, innovation, and science communication, enhancing their ability to address global ocean challenges and promote sustainable ocean governance.
“The 10 scholars have already formed close connections in the first weeks of the program. We cannot wait to see what they learn, not only from the program curriculum and instructors, but from each other. This is likely to be a transformative opportunity that could influence the scholars’ professional direction, and the partners look forward to working together to support them on their career paths,”
said Tracey Woodhouse, Training and Early Career Development Program Manager at OFI and Program Coordinator for the COE at Dalhousie.
In addition to the 10 scholars, partners welcomed program coordinators, university representatives, and industry guests during the launch, in a celebration of Canadian ocean excellence and a significant step forward in global ocean observation and education.
