The UN sustainability goals include reference to clean water and sanitation, responsible consumption and production and the need to protect life below water. With 2021 marking the beginning of the Decade of Ocean Science, finding ways to effectively educate on ocean sustainability to cause meaningful change is paramount and time critical. This project aims to identify novel, engaging and inclusive ways to educate and enthuse the wider public about these important issues.
Specifically, the project will comprise two components. The first will involve a comprehensive review of current approaches to marine education with a view to identifying gaps and current best practice. The supervisory group are linked with Professor Emerita Annette Gough who has expertise in this area and her previous research will form the bedrock for this work. The second component will be to use this knowledge to design, develop and assess the effectiveness of, a novel and engaging outreach activity to enthuse the wider public about the need for, and means by which, they can protect the marine environment. This work will be supervised by experts in marine biology and ecology and supported by the team at Discover Science Christchurch (https://www.discoversciencechristchurch.org/) who are working to develop a new Centre focussed on marine education. The student will work closely with a diverse group of interested parties including the team at DSC (including teachers, science communicators, engineers and STEM ambassadors), with the BU schools outreach and external engagement team and with marine experts within BU and the local area.
Closing date for applications 30 June 2021.
In addition to our main entry requirements we are looking for a degree in marine biology, environmental science, oceanography or a related subject and/or expertise in education. You should have an enthusiasm for outreach and wider educational activities, as well as a desire to contribute to the protection of the environment and a willingness to engage with a variety of groups and a genuine passion for marine education.
Please note: This is a self-funded MRes opportunity – it is not a fully-funded studentship.