Europe is a global leader in marine and environmental research and innovation. This leadership is enabled by its world-class research infrastructure landscape.
The central aim of AQUARIUS is to provide scientists with transnational access to these infrastructures, but AQUARIUS is also committed to training the next generation of marine and freshwater research scientists to be able to use these services and facilities.
So, while the first AQUARIUS Transnational Funding Call closed in January 2025, February saw the launch of an exciting range of training opportunities for Early Career Scientists.
We spoke to Andrea Caburlotto, Technologist Researcher at OGS (Italy) who is leading the AQUARIUS training activities to get all the details on what exactly is on offer, who can benefit and what they need to do next!
Tell us about the training opportunities that AQUARIUS offers?
AQUARIUS offers four distinct training opportunities for early career scientists and technicians.
First, we have the Marine and Freshwater Internships. Once the AQUARIUS Transnational Access projects are selected through the first Transnational Access funding call, project leaders and research infrastructure operators will be invited to hire an intern for their research projects. Interns will not conduct their own research but will gain invaluable experience learning how international scientific teams operate and utilise AQUARIUS research infrastructures.
Applications for the Marine and Freshwater Internships are ongoing and will be accepted from 1st February 2025 to 1st February 2027.
Another opportunity AQUARIUS offers is the PLOCAN Glider School, a leading training programme in marine glider technology held annually by the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN). The course covers both hardware and software aspects through theoretical and practical sessions in the classroom laboratory and open water using various glider technologies (AutoNaut Sailbuoy Waveglider Slocum Seaglider and Seaexplorer). The training focuses on the characteristics, capabilities and applications of each technology. For the PLOCAN Glider School, AQUARIUS accepts applications from 1 February 2025 to 30 April 2027.
Additionally, AQUARIUS will offer a Floating University and the INFOMAR Seabed Mapping Programme Internships – onboard the Irish RV Tom Crean. More information on these opportunities will be released soon.
The opportunities provided by AQUARIUS ensure highly tailored and effective training. Successful applicants will receive scientific and technical support to maximise their use of AQUARIUS research infrastructures. Additionally, participants will take part in training on data management and stewardship, with an introduction to Open Science practices through a Virtual Research Environment (VRE).
Who is eligible to apply for these training opportunities?
The eligibility criteria and relevant applicant profiles will vary depending on the training opportunity. For the Marine and Freshwater Internships early career scientists, technicians, PhD students, MSc students and post-docs working in marine and freshwater sciences should apply.
The PLOCAN Glider School is aimed at university students in the marine-maritime and technological fields, as well as technicians/professionals in the sector.
How can interested people apply for the AQUARIUS training opportunities?
Applications for the Marine and Freshwater Internships are ongoing and will be accepted between 1st February 2024 to 1st February 2027. Applicants should complete and submit the electronic application form along with a letter of recommendation from their supervisor. The letter of recommendation must be written on the institution’s letterhead and signed by the supervisor. Applications and letters of recommendation must be written in English and submitted or uploaded in pdf format.
For the PLOCAN Glider School, AQUARIUS accept applications from 1 February 2024 to 30 April 2027. Applicants should complete and submit the electronic
application form (available from February 1st 2025), along with a letter of recommendation from their supervisor. The letter of recommendation must be written on the institution’s letterhead and signed by the supervisor.
What would you say to early career scientists to encourage them to avail of the opportunities in AQUARIUS?
To inspire early career scientists and young technicians, I’d emphasise that every successful research project begins with a well-planned data acquisition strategy. This expertise isn’t just gained in the classroom, it’s developed through hands-on, practical experience.
Emerging technologies are unlocking exciting possibilities for research. The cutting-edge aquatic research infrastructures in the AQUARIUS catalogue offer a unique opportunity for those early in their careers to understand how this equipment operates and what it takes to run transnational research projects effectively.
In your own career, have you ever benefited from “transnational access” or training opportunities, such as those offered by AQUARIUS?
Unfortunately, I never had the chance to benefit from transnational access or training opportunities early in my career. Looking back, I know how valuable such experiences can be. They provide early career scientists and researchers with hands-on access to advanced research infrastructure, cutting-edge methodologies, and international networks. All of which are elements that can shape a strong foundation for a successful career in science and research. If I had had these opportunities in my early career, I would have certainly applied.
About Andrea
Andrea Caburlotto is a Technologist Researcher at OGS, the National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics in Italy. His research interests are in glacial dynamics and for this reason he has taken part in several oceanographic and geophysical cruises all around the world, including the Antarctic and Arctic seas. Since 2016, Andrea has managed the Core Logging LAB which focuses on non-destructive analyses for physical properties and imaging on sediment cores and rock samples.
In AQUARIUS Andrea coordinates Work Package 5, “Research Infrastructure Technical Training”. This ensures the development of tailored training activities and materials, along with scientific and technical support for users of the AQUARIUS research infrastructures. This work also oversees training opportunities for early career researchers, equipping the next generation of scientists with the skills to fully utilise state-of-the-art research infrastructure services to advance the goals of the EU Mission Ocean and Waters.
