Hosted by IOI Germany and the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT)

Photo Credit:  Sebastian Ferse, ZMT

The International Ocean Institute (IOI), in partnership with the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), is pleased to offer the next edition of the renowned two-week winter school, "Ocean Governance for Sustainable Marine Social-Ecological Systems." This interdisciplinary online course, taking place from 2 to 13 November 2026, will bring together around 30 participants from across the globe to explore practical pathways for the sustainable management and protection of the Ocean. The winter school offers a valuable opportunity to engage directly with leading experts and exchange ideas with fellow researchers and practitioners shaping the future of marine governance.

Highlights

• Academic foundation – A purposeful curriculum introducing perspectives from across scientific disciplines, equipping participants to engage meaningfully in marine governance and the sustainable blue economy.
• Expert-led sessions – Leading specialists will guide discussions and activities. Featured speakers include Raimund Bleischwitz (Blue Carbon – An Economic Perspective), Lina Becker (Principles of Fisheries Management), Pradeep Singh (Regulating and Governing Seabed Mining), and Rüdiger Wolfrum (Ocean Governance and the Law of the Sea).
• Networking opportunities – Connect with early-career researchers from around the world and build lasting relationships with future leaders in ocean governance.

Applicant Profile

This course is designed for early‑career researchers (Doctoral and Postdoctoral Researchers) from fields such as marine biology, chemistry, geology, geography, sociology, political science, and related disciplines. It is also open to professionals from governmental and non‑governmental organisations with relevant scientific backgrounds. Applications from scholars based in tropical regions are especially encouraged.

Key Details

• Participants: 20 – 30
• Fees: Free of charge for eligible candidates (supported by IOI and ZMT)
• Academic Leads: Achim Schlüter (Institutional Economics) and Tim Jennerjahn (Biogeochemistry)
• Organisation: ZMT Academy
• Schedule: Monday – Friday, 1:00 to 2:30 pm CET and 3:00 to 4:30 pm CET, plus participation in a regional case‑study workgroup on the Blue Economy.

Application Deadline

Interested early-career researchers and practitioners can submit their applications until 31st August 2026.