There is strong emphasis on Blue Growth in Europe. However traditional marine-based graduate programmes at Masters and Doctorate level do not equip our future marine professionals with the ability to realize the potential of a sustainable blue economy.
The Future Science Brief explores this complex landscape, to better understand the current status of education systems, and research and training funding mechanisms.
It then looks at options to improve current capabilities across Europe at both Masters and Doctoral levels, and outlines a vision for the future of marine and maritime education and training in Europe. Case studies are presented to illustrate good practice, alongside interviews with recent marine graduates who have themselves benefitted from innovative training opportunities. The Future Science Brief then identifies ways in which to improve and broaden the skills and capabilities of the next generation of graduates. This includes enabling exposure to industry, encouraging interdisciplinary research and promoting the importance of transferable skills to graduates and industry alike. It closes by presenting 6 key recommendations for the future development of marine graduate training in Europe, and calls for collaboration between key actors from the marine education community, the marine and maritime industries, and research funding to come together to jointly develop an education and training system which will benefit all.