EuYmast at EMD

The EuYmast Forum at EMD

The EuYmast Forum at EMD took place as one of the Stakeholder Workshops (EuYmast Forum Agenda). This Workshop brought together young scientists from within Europe in order to achieve the objectives of the Forum, which were:

i.   Awareness rising among the early career scientists on a wide European research policy agenda; 

ii.   One and unified voice to speak our concerns.

 

The Speakers:

• Chair: Andrea A. Piehl Harms. EuYmast Coordination Committee - EuYmast Forum
• Prof. Dr Beatriz Morales-Nin, Director IMEDEA-CSIC/UIB - Challenges in Capacity Building - The Science Vision
• Dr Keith Alverson, Director of Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) program office and UNESCO/IOC
• Dr Geoffrey O´Sullivan, International Co-operation Marine Institute, Ireland - Why a Young Researchers Forum?
• Dr Carmen Casado, Marie Curie Fellowship Association at the Natural History Museum, UK
• Mr. Richard Lewis, Environmental Scientist, Euymast coordination committee
• Mrs. Gabriela Aguirre Martinez.  PhD student. University of Cadiz.
• Mr. Thierry Arnaud, Research Engineer, ANAST-Naval Architecture, Transportation Systems Analysis, University of Liège

 

Three key messages:

• Key challenges for young professional in the future
• Benefits of making a young professionals Forum
• How to promote highly qualified professionals in the target sectors

EuYmast Forum Summary:

The workshop opened with the Competition Award Ceremony by the European Waterborne Technological Platform. The ceremony was followed by the presentation of the awarded project, the "Ferrybird".

 

In the second part of the workshop, keynote speakers provided their point of view on the topic of discussion, and were followed by a Round Table Discussion lead by early career scientists Upon discussion with more experienced scientists, the general conclusion was that early career scientists need to be able to voice their own concerns and communicate effectively to policy makers, to ensure the well being of future marine policy and future generations of scientists. Marine/maritime science paradigms are constantly changing, and what might have been important to our mentors in the past may not be as important for us in the future. We must be aware of potential problems and opportunities and the European research agenda.  Furthermore, it was stressed the importance of being adaptable and eager to learn new skills as something that will secure our jobs, and shape our careers.

 

In addition a practical attitude towards employment was also mentioned as a key issue for young scientists, who at the same time suggested that educational networks and institutions could offer more training courses to help students at early stage of their careers. This could lead to help in finding new "niche" opportunities, promote CV and proposal writing skills or learning a new language.

 

Several other issues were raised, but not fully concluded. It was suggested that such training be introduce to supplement PhD programs. Concern over gender issues was also highlighted in the discussion, especially on the topic of female scientists and maternity leave, as well as the balance between work and personal life.  

Please find here the EuYmast Forum Conclusions Paper.