Promotion of maritime research careers
The European maritime industry holds a significant position in the European economy and it is supported by high levels of entrepreneurship and innovation. One challenge associated with maintaining their position, however, is attracting highly qualified research and technological development (RTD) personnel. The ‘Promoting marine research careers’ (PROMARC) project addressed this challenge. Questionnaires were developed to identify skills shortages and demands in research and development (R&D) maritime organisations. Areas considered to be in demand of skills were hydrodynamics, fluid dynamics, environmental aspects, and manoeuvring and propulsion control. Researchers found that an effective way of enhancing skills could be through collaboration with industry and research institutions. Both school- and university-level students were targeted via various promotional means and activities such as summer schools, competitions, workshops, and exchange and placement schemes. The aim was to encourage young people to seek highly skilled jobs in this exciting and dynamic field. The long term value of the project will be realised through the continued population of a database with information on various promotional activities. Project outcomes also have the potential to be transferred to other academic and industrial sectors.
