Interdisciplinary Summer School of the Institute of Marine Sciences
Aix-Marseille University
Reference Teacher: Institute of Ocean Sciences – Aix-Marseille University, Sarah Thomas, Interdisciplinary scientific committee. Scientific coordination varies depending on the edition.
Teacher(s): Researchers and teacher-researchers from Aix-Marseille University and partner institutions (law, oceanography, geography, ecology, economics, history, sociology, biogeochemistry). Guest speakers include: marine scientists, legal scholars, environmental managers, NGO representatives, institutional actors, and international experts involved in marine conservation and governance.
The Summer School provides an interdisciplinary overview of the scientific, legal, ecological and socio-economic challenges associated with the management of marine and coastal ecosystems. Participants explore the vulnerability of marine environments and the diversity of governance tools used to protect biodiversity and manage marine resources. The programme addresses major topics such as marine pollution, climate change impacts, fisheries management, environmental governance, and the role of marine protected areas. The course combines theoretical lectures with field observations and practical workshops, enabling participants to connect scientific knowledge with real-world environmental management issues.
The Summer School of the Institute of Ocean Sciences is an interdisciplinary intensive course addressing the major environmental, scientific, legal and governance challenges affecting marine and coastal ecosystems, with a particular focus on the Mediterranean Sea. The programme contributes to the development of Blue Knowledge by bringing together scientific, legal, ecological and socio-economic perspectives on ocean governance, marine conservation and environmental justice. Through lectures, field activities and collaborative workshops, participants explore current issues such as biodiversity conservation, marine pollution, climate change, marine protected areas and the governance of marine resources.
Generally, the Summer School is organised as a one-week intensive programme combining lectures, field trips and interdisciplinary workshops. Each edition focuses on a specific theme related to ocean governance and marine environmental challenges, such as marine protected areas, marine pollution or the governance of the Mediterranean Sea. Students interact with researchers and practitioners working in marine conservation, environmental policy and coastal management.
Participants acquire interdisciplinary knowledge on ocean sciences, marine governance, biodiversity conservation, marine pollution and climate change.
Participants learn to analyse marine environmental challenges through case studies, field observations and interdisciplinary discussions.
Participants develop critical thinking skills enabling them to assess environmental policies and management strategies related to marine ecosystems.
Participants strengthen their ability to discuss scientific and policy issues related to ocean governance within interdisciplinary groups.
Participants develop their capacity to work in interdisciplinary teams and engage with complex marine environmental challenges.
Open to students from Master level (M1) and PhD candidates, as well as professionals involved in marine and coastal management. Courses are mainly delivered in French, with some lectures in English. Participants are expected to understand both languages.
Lectures by international experts; Field trips and practical observations; Excursion in a protected area; Workshops and interdisciplinary discussions; Practical sessions on environmental monitoring methods
Multiple-choice tests (QCM) and oral participation and group discussions
The Summer School aims to provide participants with an interdisciplinary understanding of the main challenges affecting marine and coastal ecosystems. By the end of the programme, participants will be able to analyse environmental and governance issues related to marine conservation and understand the complexity of ocean management in a socio-ecological context.
Institute of Ocean Sciences – Aix-Marseille University
https://institut-ocean.univ-amu.fr/system/files/media-ressource/%C3%89cole%20d%E2%80%99%C3%A9t%C3%A9%202022%20VF.pdf
The expected learning outcomes can contribute to the achievements of the following goals: Goal 14: Life below water, Goal 13: Climate Action, and Goal 4: Quality Education
Open to Master students, PhD candidates and professionals. contact Sarah Thomas for registration dates
Free of charge for students from Aix-Marseille University and CIVIS partner universities.
Generally,registration fee of 200€ for external participants.
The Summer School programme varies each year according to the selected theme but generally combines theoretical lectures, field observations and interdisciplinary workshops.
Concerning the summer school in 2022 and 2023 Summer School on Marine Protected Areas: An interdisciplinary approach to the management and conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems:
Day 1: Marine protected areas and Mediterranean governance / Introduction to the Calanques National Park and key issues related to marine protected areas / Field visit and prospective workshop.
Day 2: Vulnerabilities and climate change / Climate change impacts on marine ecosystems / Environmental risks and ecosystem vulnerability.
Day 3: Marine resources management / Fisheries management and marine resource governance.
Day 4: Marine pollution and environmental monitoring / Marine pollution and plastic contamination / Practical session on pollution monitoring methods.
Day 5: Governance, conflicts and compromises in marine conservation / Balancing environmental protection and economic activities / Field excursion and interdisciplinary discussions.
Scientific articles and policy reports related to marine conservation, ocean governance and environmental management are provided during the programme.