The Mediterranean Institute for advanced Studies (IMEDEA, CSIC-UIB) is pleased to announce the MAllorca Science School (MASS) 2024: “Interdisciplinary Science for Marine and Coastal Conservation in a Changing World”, scheduled to take place from October 20 to 26, 2024, in Mallorca, Spain.
The school places special emphasis on interdisciplinary research introducing state-of-the-art methodologies. Using a hybrid approach, the Mallorca Science School will integrate practical research with theoretical foundations from various disciplines, including oceanography, marine and coastal ecology, social sciences, and marine governance. Participants will employ advanced techniques such as satellite data and tracking systems to study complex coastal ecosystems. During a first-hand experience at the host research institute, IMEDEA, participants will delve into the applications of artificial intelligence in marine sciences. The course will culminate in an expedition to the iconic Maritime-Terrestrial National Park of the Cabrera Archipelago, a protected area where participants can observe and study the complexities of interconnected coastal and marine systems across multiple fields of study.
The school participants will gain advanced knowledge and research skills to tackle significant environmental challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable resource management in iconic ecosystems.
WHO IS IT FOR?
The course is specifically designed for PhD students, as well as postdoctoral and other early-career researchers from all fields deeply committed to advancing scientific knowledge in support of the conservation of marine and coastal systems. Applications from motivated Master students are also encouraged and will be evaluated based on CVs and career progress.
KEY FEATURES OF THE PROGRAMME
Cutting-Edge Interdisciplinary Research:Â Participants will directly experience cutting-edge interdisciplinary research, delving into intricate web of interactions in marine and coastal ecosystems, and theoretical concepts of ecology, oceanography, and conservation.
Transcending Individual Disciplines: The programme actively promotes collaboration among students from different disciplines. By diving into real-world complexities through hands-on case studies, participants not only need to understand the complexities of the world within their field, but also grasp the challenges faced by their respective areas of knowledge.
Scientific Leadership for Transformation:Â Interaction with international scientific leaders at the forefront of various fields of knowledge facilitates the natural development of professional relationships. It enables students to connect with doctoral peers, fostering the development of innovative, integrated research solutions aimed at preserving marine and coastal ecosystems.
PROGRAMME AT A GLANCE
The MAllorca Science School consists of three main modules, all including morning scientific seminars and afternoon practical sessions:
- Module 1:Â Coastal Processes and Their Impact on Marine Ecosystems
- Module 2:Â Dynamics of Coastal Ecosystems: Nature, Physics, and Human Interaction
- Module 3:Â Integrative Studies in Marine and Coastal Ecosystems
Additionally, attendees will embark on two field trips: one to the Cabrera National Park and antoher to the hosting research institute, IMEDEA.
The curriculum is complemented with a session on Science Communication and Evening Seminars covering topics such as proposal writing and scientific career development.
PARTICIPATION FEE and FINANCIAL SUPPORT
The school is partially funded through the Maria de Maeztu Excellence Unit Award to IMEDEA (MICIU/AEI/CEX2021-001198).
The participation fee of 690 Euros INCLUDES accommodation in a four-star hotel in a shared double bedroom for 6 nights (extra fee applies for single occupancy, see VENUE page), all meals, all costs related to the day trips, tuitions, and teaching materials. The only costs not covered by the fee, are travel costs to/from Mallorca and transportation to/from the hotel at the beginning and end of the school. At the time of application, the participation fee is not reuired.
We recommend that applicants seek funding from their advisor/supervisor or host institution. The Mallorca Science School can offer limited financial support, in the form of a partial or full waiver of the participation fee, to selected participants. If you wish to be considered for this assistance, you can indicate so in the application form.
One of our sponsors, Balearia Ferries, is offering free transport on their ferries to attendees travelling to Mallorca on one of their routes (from Barcelona, Denia, Valencia, or other Balearic Islands). If you are interested in this opportunity, you can indicate so in the application form.
SELECTION
Attendees will be selected based on qualifications (career status and achievements, and motivation, i.e. how the school would help their career). The scientific committee will conduct the assessment and selection of the candidates. Following the collation and assessment of all applications, confirmations of acceptance will be provided by the end of April 2024 via email. Successful applicants will be requested to submit the payment to secure their place. Notification of the award of financial support will also be communicated at the same time.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Attendees will present a poster on their research at the school (see Programme for information on the poster session).
We request two reference letters from applicants who wish to be considered for financial support. Letters of reference need to be submitted to sdo@imedea.uib-csic.es by MARCH 31, 2024. The applicants will be responsible for informing their supervisors/sponsors for a timely submission of references.
ANTICIPATED PARTICIPATION
This school is designed to accommodate a diverse international audience, including MS/PhD students, postdoctoral scientists, and early-career scientists/professionals, with an expected participation of 30 to 40 attendees (excluding speakers and organizers).
Prospective attendees who wish to participate in the school must complete the APPLICATION FORM by March 31, 2024.
To apply, you will be asked to upload a CV (max. 2 page), and a motivation statement (200-400 words, Word or pdf document) explaining how your research relates to the topic of the Mallorca Science School and how you expect to benefit from the interdisciplinary and collaborative learning space of the Mallorca Science School. Make sure to have these documents ready before starting the pre-registration.2
Find out more about this opportunity here.