UGent Blue Growth

About

Oceans and seas are identified as key drivers for European economic development and, as a result, have the potential to deliver new jobs in the coming years. The European Commission is a strong believer and promoter of innovation and sustainable growth based on marine and maritime opportunities.
To exploit the full potential of Blue Growth opportunities multidisciplinary training of graduates across engineering and marine and maritime sciences is essential. It is in this context that the Rome Declaration (adopted at the EurOCEAN 2014) calls for innovation in the provision of marine and maritime graduate training to enhance the skill set of students, to diversify possible career pathways but also to widen their comprehension and appreciation of fundamental marine ecosystem functioning.
Across existing and emerging Blue sectors, fundamental science combined with technical background is essential and should be combined with business development teachings focussing on commercialisation of research results based on direct insights from the industry both multinationals and SME’s.
The course fits the challenges mentioned above as it provides holistic training in several blue growth domains (see programme) while laying out the cross disciplinary links.

Course leader

Ghent University in cooperation with GreenBridge Incubator, Ostend.

Target group

A Master student in engineering, bio-engineering, geography, marine biology? Passionate about exploring the challenging role of oceans and seas in our future society? Intrigued by one of Europe’s top policy priorities: Blue Growth? Fascinated by looking across disciplines? Keen to obtain the latest trends from marine and maritime experts? Up for fun with EU students in the vibrant city of Ostend, Belgium? Then, have a look at the programme and join for one (single module) or two weeks (full programme).

Course aim

Through scientific lectures students will acquire knowledge in a variety of blue growth themes: sustainability, blue energy (wind en wave energy), coastal engineering, aquaculture, marine ecosystems and societal benefits, multi-use platforms, blue biotechnology and the use of marine space.
Beyond fundamental knowledge, students will gain insight in business development approaches in wind energy, wave energy and aquaculture towards commercialisation of research results. Students will also be trained in cutting-edge technological and engineering techniques and know-how through interactive practical sessions.

Fee info