Building Successful International Summer Schools to Enhance the Capacity of Marine Early Career Researchers

Abstract

The development of informal science learning programs is a key strategy for supplementing traditional training for early career researchers (ECR). Within the marine sector, there has been a proliferation of international summer schools (a form of informal science learning program) to support ECRs to develop the networks, skills, and attributes needed to tackle ocean sustainability challenges and support the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (e.g., collaboration across disciplines, policy engagement, etc.). Yet, there exists very little evidence on the impact generated by such informal science learning programs or the design strategies that can confer their success. This commentary seeks to address this knowledge gap by considering the successful biennial Climate and Ecosystems (ClimEco) marine summer school series that has run since 2008. Specifically, we draw on the perspectives of lecturers and organisers, in combination with a survey of ClimEco participants (𝑛 = 38 ECRs) to understand the drivers and motivations of ECRs to attend summer schools, the types of outcomes and impacts that summer schools can have for marine ECRs, and the <span class="fontstyle0">key factors that led to the successful attainment of these impacts, outcomes, and benefits. In doing so, we develop guidance that would enable global summer school convenors to effectively support the next generation of marine researchers to advance ocean sustainability.</span>