When Dal threw its support behind the creation of the (OFI), the primary objective was to ensure that ocean-related research received the long-term funding it required. As a result of Dal鈥檚 leadership that goal is well on its way to being achieved 鈥� to date, ten projects at DAL have received a total of $9.4 million, with a second phase of funding expected to begin in 2019.
But there was a secondary purpose built into OFI鈥檚 design: to attract and retain world-leading research talent to Atlantic Canada.
鈥淎tlantic Canada is quickly becoming a centre of excellence for all things related to the ocean 鈥� from applying new management processes that enable the fishing and aquaculture industry to help feed a hungry world, to creating new businesses through investments in ocean tech,鈥� says Gita Narayan, OFI鈥檚 transnational program coordinator.
鈥淭o help fuel this growth, we need to develop top research talent 鈥� training and developing future ocean leaders who will help us generate economic benefits from the ocean in a way that鈥檚 also responsible to our environment.鈥�
Providing new opportunities
As a result, was born, providing opportunities for ocean experts to study and work at Dal while also enabling Halifax-based researchers to gain experience with internationally-based research projects.
鈥淭here are enormous benefits to be gained through a program that provides both outgoing and incoming options,鈥� says Narayan. 鈥淔rom a recruitment perspective, we have the opportunity to 鈥榯est drive鈥� new talent and show them what Atlantic Canada has to offer. From a retention perspective, we send a strong message that Dal is investing in the career development of its existing researchers.鈥�
are being accepted until December 31. The program duration ranges from two weeks to four months, providing a monthly stipend of CDN$4,000. During the Fellowship, successful applicants will conduct research that complements OFI鈥檚 objectives. Future calls will be made on an annual basis.
OFI was established in September 2016 through a partnership led by AV俱乐部, Memorial University of Newfoundland and the University of Prince Edward Island. An international hub for ocean research, OFI brings together experts from both sides of the North Atlantic to explore the vast potential of the ocean. 聽