NSF seeks workshop proposals on identifying educational needs for the ocean technical workforce

The U.S. National Science Foundation anticipates increased investments in future ocean observing systems, ocean renewable energy systems and other "blue economy" industries. Development of new instrumentation, maintenance of and improvements to equipment related to ocean-based systems, data management efforts to ensure the quality and accuracy of the data, and the analysis of large data sets generated by these systems all require a workforce with specialized training in ocean sciences, engineering, manufacturing and data science.

However, there are few academic programs that prepare students with the skills required for the expanding needs of the ocean technology workforce.

NSF encourages conference proposals — also referred to as workshop proposals — that will bring representatives of ocean and other blue economy industries together with academic faculty to discuss workforce and training needs.

Learn more in the Dear Colleague Letter: Workshops to Identify Educational Requirements of the Future Ocean Technical Workforce (NSF 23-134).