(NEWS) PhD Candidate Seminar in Cooperation with Linnaeus University

May

2016

PhD Candidate Seminar in Cooperation with Linnaeus University

On 12 May, WMU hosted a PhD Candidate Seminar jointly organized with Linnaeus University’s Kalmar Maritime Academy (KMA). The purpose of the seminar was to facilitate interaction among PhD candidates in maritime affairs from both institutions, to introduce candidates’ research topics and open possibilities for interaction. A total of 13 candidates from 10 different countries participated in the seminar.

Professor Neil Bellefontaine, WMU Vice-President (Academic) welcomed the participants and a presentation about WMU was made by Professor Olof Lindén, Director of Research and the PhD Programme. Presentations by the candidates followed covering a wide range of maritime topics, including energy efficiency, legal perspectives, transboundary geospatial frameworks, flag-state implementation and enforcement, environmental culture, effects of shipping on biodiversity, ballast water management, environmental salvage, security, vessels operating near offshore wind farms, and adaptation of ports for climate change and safety. A further seminar, to be hosted by the KMA, is planned.

In February, Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, WMU President, and Dr. Lindén met with officials at Linneaus University in Kalmar to explore areas of cooperation. The seminar was a direct result of that meeting and aligns with key strategies in the IMO Secretary-General’s Study on the Financial Sustainability of WMU, specifically strengthening the University’s research function for maritime policy and ocean subjects, and exploring new ways of collaboration with other universities.

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