Women In Blue (WIB) initiative
An initiative of the Women in Deep-Sea Research (WIDSR) project
Women in Blue: training opportunities in ocean science, organized in partnership with the Italian National Research Council (CNR) within the framework of the ISA-Egypt Joint Training and Research Centre to celebrate the 30th anniversary of ISA.
The training articulates in two parts. The first consists of a winter school in Marine geology – Deep Sea Frontiers that will be held from 27 to 31 January 2025 in Bologna, Italy at the seat of the Institute for Marine Science of the CNR.
Upon successful completion of the winter school, trainees will have the opportunity to participate in a research cruise onboard Gaia Blu, the research vessel owned and managed by CNR, to apply several methodologies and skills acquired during the school.
The initiative is financed by the ISA Partnership Fund and the CNR to celebrate the 30th anniversary of ISA. It will be opened to 10 women scientists from ISA Member States.
The programme aligns and implements the ISA Capacity Development Strategy and the ISA Action Plan for Marine Scientific Research in support of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development as well as with the Women in Deep Sea Research project. It is designed to offer an in-depth analyses of geological processes in the deep ocean, covering the entire life cycle of the oceanic lithosphere as well as exposure to tools and technologies to monitor such processes. It is anticipated that participants will Have increased access and knowledge of methodologies related to the study and practice of the deep-sea, familiarize with advanced technologies, equipment and infrastructures related to deep-sea research through hands-on training and increase their career opportunities in deep-sea research also from networking opportunities with experts in the field, fostering future collaborations in the realm of marine science.
Official Brochure
The ISA Secretariat, in partnership with CNR, and within the framework of the ISA-Egypt Joint training and Research Center is implementing the Women in Blue initiative. The training develops in two phases.
The first phase of the training consists in the participation to the winter school on Marine Geology titled “Deep Sea Frontiers” that the Institute of Marine Sciences (ISMAR), one of the leading branches of CNR, is organizing from 27 to 31 January 2025 in Bologna (Italy), under the patronage of the most important Italian scientific societies and IODP-Italy.
This advanced course offers an in-depth exploration of geological processes in the deep ocean, covering the entire life cycle of the oceanic lithosphere. Topics will include a thorough examination of abyssal regions, exploration of mid-ocean ridges, sediment analysis, and the study of marine biogeology in extreme environments. The school program will also emphasize the use of cutting-edge exploration technologies, offering
Through an open call (now closed), 10 participants were selected and will receive hands-on experience with state-of-the-art tools and methodologies.
Upon successful completion of the winter school, trainees will have the opportunity to participate in a research cruise onboard Gaia Blu, the research vessel owned and managed by CNR. The cruise is scheduled to take place between March 2025 and early 2026 for one week on a date to be identified based on the cruise calendar of the Gaia Blu vessel. The cruise will be an opportunity to apply several methodologies and skills acquired through training at the school.