Call for Nominations 2026 training workshop of the ISA – China Joint Training and Research Center (ISA-China JTRC)

Call for Nominations 2026 training workshop of the ISA – China Joint Training and Research Center (ISA-China JTRC)

“The Whys and Hows of Cumulative Impact Assessment for Effective Protection of the Marine Environment: Methods, Case Studies, and Best Practices.”

Dates: 19^th to 29^th of May 2026

Location: Qingdao, China

1. Context

The first ISA Joint Training and Research Centre (JTRC), established with the support of China and known as the ISA–China JTRC, was created following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2019. Its purpose is to support the Authority’s responsibilities in capacity-building and marine scientific research. Since its inception, more than 100 participants from developing States have benefited from training workshops organized under the framework of the Action Plan for Marine Scientific Research in support of the UN Decade for Ocean Science.

The ISA–China JTRC is pleased to announce its fourth training workshop, scheduled to take place from 19^th to the 29^th of  May 2026 in Qindao, China, focusing on Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA). Cumulative impacts refer to the combined and incremental effects of multiple activities and stressors on the marine environment, including anthropogenic activities and climate-related pressures. Assessing these impacts in a holistic manner is increasingly recognized as essential for the effective protection and sustainable use of the marine environment, particularly in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ).

The current training workshop provides a unique opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of the concepts, scientific data, tools, and methodologies underpinning cumulative impact assessment, while drawing on experiences from national and international contexts.

2. Target audience

Participants should be nationals from developing Member States of ISA. The target audience includes scientific advisors, researchers, and professionals who have technical understanding of environmental impact assessment preferably in marine environments. Experts who provide technical support for their countries’ involvement in intergovernmental or national processes in this domain are strongly encouraged to apply.

Candidates may be representatives of developing Member States of ISA, or may come from academic and research institutions or other relevant entities. Nominees should be proficient in English. In line with ISA’s commitment to women’s empowerment, female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply, as well as candidates from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

3. Objectives and expected outcomes

The workshop will focus on knowledge transfer from the scientific expertise of experts in the field while also capitalizing on scientific know-how of the experts from developing countries, members of ISA. The objective of the 10-day workshop will be to provide comprehensive training related to:

• The United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea and the mandates of ISA
• Environmental characterisation of deep sea and anthropogenic activities in the Area
• Core concepts and scientific approaches for cumulative impact assessment
• Data sources and data requirements for cumulative impact assessment
• Introduction to modelling for cumulative impact assessment
• Good practices of cumulative impact assessments in national and international context
• The global policy and regulatory context for developing and implementing cumulative impact assessment

4. Programme

The programme of the fourth ISA–China JTRC training workshop will include an introduction to cumulative impact assessment in the context of ISA’s mandate, along with core concepts, tools, data requirements, and methodologies used in assessing cumulative impacts. Scientific and modelling approaches will be studied, and it will be demonstrated how cumulative impact assessments support decision-making and environmental protection. Participants will engage in interactive discussions, group exercises, and case studies, and will complete a group assignment. The programme will also include a visit to local research institutions dedicated to marine scientific research and technological development.

The programme will be organized around the following agenda items:

• Agenda item 1. The deep-sea: biodiversity and ecosystem services, mineral resources
• Agenda item 2. Data as corner stone of science and impact assessment
• Agenda item 3. Impact Assessment methods: evolving from single to cumulative impacts—methodologies
• Agenda item 4. Cumulative impacts assessment: from modelling approaches to application in global regulatory context
• Agenda item 5. United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea
• Agenda item 6. Technology development for exploration in the deep-sea
• Agenda item 7. Protection of the marine deep-sea environment
• Agenda item 8. Side visit to Chinese and international Blue Economy stakeholders in Qingdao
• Agenda item 9. Group assignment

A more detailed agenda will be shared in due time.

5. Costs

The costs associated with the training workshop, including teaching materials and documents, meals, accommodations, domestic travel within China, and international travel expenses, will be fully covered by the ISA-China JTRC. The ISA Secretariat will assist participants with visa procedures.

6. Eligibility

To benefit fully from the ten-day training workshop, trainees should have an educational background in marine biology, ecology, oceanography, or marine geology, with preference for those holding advanced degrees. Applicants with a first degree and at least two years of relevant experience will also be considered. Additionally, candidates should have knowledge or experience in impact assessments in marine environments and used to analyze environmental data in support of management or policy discussions. A limited number of placements are available, and the selection will be conducted by the Steering Committee of the ISA-China JTRC. The selection criteria will include, inter alia, academic or professional excellence, geographic representation, demonstrated experience and a strong track record in impact assessment, and gender balance. Familiarity with the work and mandate of the ISA will be considered an added value. Shortlisted participants will be supported by the ISA-China Secretariat for their visa applications and will be required to present official proof of a health insurance covering their stay in China,

How to apply?

The call for nominations is open until the 21^st of February 2026. Applicants should complete the training application in the online application form, and upload the following five documents:

• Nomination form
• A copy of their degree or certificate
• Their résumé/CV
• Proof of English proficiency
• Proof of health insurance

Any questions can be addressed to jtrc@isa.org.jm.