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AQUA-TNET NEWSLETTERMay 2014
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AQUA-TNET NEWS |
AQUA-TNET Annual Meeting: 26-27 June 2014, St Julian's Bay, MaltaPreparations are now at an advanced stage for both the Aqua-tnet annual meeting (26-27 June) and the Workshop on Digital Teaching Skill which immediately precedes it (24-25 June). The provisional programme for the annual meeting is now available. If you are planning to attend, or simply wish to stay in touch with what is happening and contribute to the discussions please use the twitter hashtag #aquatnet and/or join our Facebook group. Help us to prepare for this final event of Aqua-tnet 3 by uploading photographs or videos of past events and activities to our Facebook Group Albums, or send them by e-mail to aquatnet3@gmail.com. You can also use the Facebook Group to ask questions or suggest issues for discussion. |
ICT Skills Workshop Guest TutorsPlans are also progressing for the workshop on digital teaching skills. We are pleased to introduce two of the guest tutors for the course from University College Cork, Ireland: Eoin Lettice (tutor on using social media) Eoin Lettice is a lecturer in the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES) at University College Cork, Ireland. He holds a BSc in Plant & Microbial Biotechnology (2002) and a Masters in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (2011). His research interests include plant pathology, nematology and biological control. He is a joint coordinator of and lecturer on the MSc in Organic Horticulture and is a leading member of the Centre for Organic Horticulture Research (COHR) at UCC. He is also responsible for the School of BEES website and the School's social media platform. He writes the Communicate Science blog. Stephen Bean (tutor on video production) Stephen Bean studied Photography in Brighton, and the Open University in England. He was made a Licentiate of the Royal Photographic Society in 2002, and a Fellow in 2004. He teaches Photography and Lighting in UCC, and also makes films for the University. He runs a range of photography classes for students, including a Master class in Photographic and Film lighting, through the Centre for Adult Continuing Education, UCC. He has worked for most of the major European television networks, including RTE, TG4, BBC, ITN, WDR, HR, Tagesschau, ZDF, FR2, RTL, CNN, ABC, and The Food Channel. |
Final Project ContributionsCori Crichlow-Watton is attempting to contact all members to ensure they fully account for time contributed to the project through timesheets etc. EC funding support is dependent on this, so we ask all members to cooperate fully with these administrative requirements. Please send this information to aquatnet3@gmail.com In the remaining four months of Aqua-tnet, you can still help to contribute to the project through any of the following actions:
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PROGRAMMES, COURSES & PEOPLE |
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RESEARCH & EDUCATION |
Aquaculture Training & Education 2014 SupplementAquaculture North America's annual "Aquaculture Training & Education" 2014 supplement is now available to download. |
Google ClassroomGoogle has launched the latest addition to their Apps for Education, Google Classroom, a product designed in collaboration with teachers to help them save time, keep classes organised and improve communication with students. Through the Classroom tool, teachers can create and organise assignments, keep track of which students have handed in assignments and provide feedback and marks directly to students. Classroom also automatically files all assignments and class materials into folders in Google Drive. More information on Google Classroom is available by clicking HERE. |
Explaining European Education and Training Policy TerminologyA new publication by Cedefop introduces the key terminology of the European education and training policy in seven languages. The multilingual glossary, Terminology of European education and training policy, defines 130 selected key terms used in European education and training policy. The publication is a an extended and updated version of the previously published Terminology of European education and training policy (2008) and Terminology of vocational training policy (2004). |
The EU Skills Panorama Website is Being Revamped - With Your Input!Cedefop is transforming the EU Skills Panorama website into a central access point for information and intelligence on skill needs in occupations and sectors across Europe. Your valuable feedback will help to improve the website. Please take five minutes to visit the current website and then complete the EU Skills Panorama Users Survey. |
Skillset and Match – Cedefop’s New Magazine Promoting Learning for WorkCedefop has launched a new vocational education and training magazine. The first issue is now available to read and download. Skillset and Match aims to promote vocational training in the context of European initiatives taken by the Commission, Member States and social partners through Cedefop’s work programme. Packed with exclusive interviews, guest messages, features, news from Member States and information on new publications, the magazine aspires to reach a wide spectrum of people, from policy-makers in the public and private sectors to employers, employee representatives, teachers, students and parents. |
Eurydice Thematic Report - Modernisation of Higher Education in Europe: Access, Retention and EmployabilityThe development of quality mass higher education systems is high on the policy agendas at both national and European levels. An increasing number of European citizens require high level knowledge, skills and competences to expand the knowledge-base and foster innovation and progress. Thus, higher education systems in Europe should be designed to respond and adapt to the needs of our increasingly knowledge-based economy and societies. To support evidence-based policy making, this Eurydice report sheds light on current national and institutional policies and practices aimed at increasing and widening access, reducing student dropout, and improving the employability of higher education graduates in Europe. The report covers 36 European countries and education systems and consolidates information from three different sources: Eurydice national units, national quality assurance agencies and site visits to higher education institutions. |
ECVET Magazine: Issue 19, May 2014Issue 19 of the ECVET magazine is the last issue dedicated to the work of the European ECVET pilot projects. It wraps up the work done by the European pilot projects 2011-2014, gives an overview on the impulses emerging for national implementation, and reflects on the main added value of ECVET for several target groups in general. |
RELA Call for PapersThe European journal for Research on the Education and Learning of Adults (RELA) is a refereed academic journal creating a forum for the publication of critical research on adult education and learning. RELA invites original, scholarly articles that discuss the education and learning of adults from different academic disciplines, perspectives and traditions. It encourages diversity in theoretical and methodological approach and submissions from non-English speakers. All published contributions in RELA are subjected to a rigorous peer review process based on two moments of selection: an initial editorial screening and a double-blind review by at least two anonymous referees. Clarity and conciseness of thought are crucial requirements for publication. Each issue of RELA has a specific theme outlined below. Within each issue there will be a section with papers related to the theme, and one for open papers. As an author you are invited to submit your paper either in relation to a theme or as an open paper. See author guidelines for more information about how to submit a paper. RELA is published on behalf of the European Society for Research on the Education of Adults (ESREA). |
FREE Access to Top-Class Aquaculture Research Infrastructures: AQUAEXCEL 8th Call for Access
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COCONET Summer Course “GES & MPAs” Good Environmental Status and Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean and Black SeaThe COCONET summer course 2014 will discuss the rationale of GES, analyse the eleven descriptors, and focus on issues that that are pertinent to the networks of MPAs, while keeping in mind the contribution of clean energy production through Offshore Wind Farms in the attainment of GES. The course will be followed by a one-day workshop on habitat mapping (including demonstration and exercises). The course will be held from 8-13 September 2014 in University Mohammed V Agdal, Morocco. The number of participants is limited and the deadline for applications is 20 June 2004. Click HERE for more information. |
Call Open: Applied Marine Biological Sampling and Data Collection 2014The call is now open for the accredited postgraduate and CPD module in Applied Marine Biological Sampling and Data Collection (AMBS) 2014. This module has been previously delivered in 2012 and 2013 and features four days of offshore training on the Marine Institute's RV Celtic Voyager and the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group's RV Celtic Mist. The module is aimed at those who wish to develop their careers as marine observers and teaches off shore biological sampling and data collection in the key areas of fisheries, marine mammals, seabirds, benthos and oceanography. Off shore practical exercises are supported by laboratory practicals and lectures at GMIT and the Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation's laboratory in Kilrush. Instruction is by experienced researchers and marine industry experts and takes place from 29 September - 24 October at Galway, Cork and Kilrush, Ireland. Module descriptors, instructor biographies and application forms can be obtained at the module webpage. Numbers are limited to 20 and places will be filled on a first come first serve basis. To find out if this module is a good fit for your training requirements please contact smart@gmit.ie |
ICES Training CoursesMarine Spatial Planning, Processes and Tools This course will give participants information and experience on the Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) developmental process through serious gaming (MSP–challenge) and spatial tools for defining value and zonation, but will also address the process design, governance issues etc. The course is an introductory course and requires no previous experience of MSP processes, although experience from MSP processes is a benefit. Participants should be scientists, managers or graduate students (MSc and PhD) with some experience from marine management and the issues related to MSP. The course will take place from 27-31 October 2014 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The deadline for applications is 18 September 2014 Social Science Methods for Natural Scientists Research projects are increasingly interdisciplinary enterprises, with stakeholder processes and engagement with SMEs considered a priority. In this changing professional context, gaining relevant research skills is becoming a necessity. Participants in this course will be better able to work effectively with stakeholders in (cooperative) research projects, and will gain a better appreciation of the strengths of social sciences in fisheries research. The facilitators give guidance on the basics of the methods and give participants the confidence to use them. They will also describe some of the social science theory underpinning these methods, and give background information (such as about the epistemology and ontology of the social sciences) for participants to learn more. It is assumed that participants will have a natural science background; have or will have experience with working in cooperative research projects and working with stakeholders; or are otherwise interested in learning more about social science methods in fisheries science. No knowledge of social science is required. The course will take place from 13 - 16 October 2014 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The deadline for applications is 1 September 2014. Application of Geostatistics to analyse spatially explicit Survey data in an Ecosystem Approach The objective of the course is to provide a thorough grounding in the use of geostatistical methods to analyse spatially geo-referenced survey data. Students will be guided through the different steps of geostatistical analyses based on case studies. The course is mainly targeted at individuals who are new to geostatistical methods. However, examples of advanced methods are given to benefit researchers already familiar with geostatistical methods who wish to further improve their skills and understanding. The course will take place from 8-12 December 2014 in Fontainebleau, Centre de Geosciences Mines ParisTech, France. The deadline for applications is 27 October 2014. |
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Getting Beyond the Surface of Blue Growth PotentialArticle by Maria Damanaki.The blue economy is already creating new jobs in Europe but we have only scratched the surface of its potential. We have been thinking about how to build on existing progress and how we can benefit from new research insights to ensure that this blue economy can continue to generate jobs across Europe. Read more HERE. |
Delivering a Sustainable Blue Growth Agenda for the Baltic Sea RegionThe
Baltic Sea agenda for sustainable blue growth, adopted by the European
Commission on 16 May 2014, provides a blueprint for harnessing the
region’s strengths to boost innovation and growth in the maritime area.
Sustainability is an integral part of the plan as it can act as a driver
for innovation and more jobs, like in the area of clean shipping. Click HERE to learn more. |
Using Genetics to Measure the Environmental Impact of Salmon FarmingDetermining species diversity makes it possible to estimate the impact of human activity on marine ecosystems accurately. The environmental effects of salmon farming have been assessed, until now, by visually identifying the animals living in the marine sediment samples collected at specific distances from farming sites. A team led by Jan Pawlowski, professor at the Faculty of Science of the University of Geneva (UNIGE), Switzerland, analysed this type of sediment using a technique known as “DNA barcoding” that targets certain micro-organisms. Their research, which has been published in the Molecular Ecology Resources journal, reveals the potential of this new genomic tool for detecting environmental changes as accurately as with traditional methods – but more quickly and at lower cost. Click HERE to learn more. |
STAGES Project Final Workshop: How Can Research Effectively Contribute to MSFD Implementation?
This workshop will bring together key stakeholders to discuss how research can effectively contribute to MSFD implementation. Speakers from the European Commission will set the scene and update participants on the latest developments. Key results and recommendations arising from the STAGES project will be presented and discussed with the participants. This event is extremely timely given the current status of MSFD implementation and the latest discussions on the establishment of a Marine Competence Centre for GES (MCC4GES) hosted by the Joint Research Centre, a partner in the STAGES project. Click HERE to view the information flyer for the event. Please note that the venue has a maximum capacity for 60 participants so register early to avoid disappointment. STAGES is a 24 month FP7 Support Action intended to help support the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). For more information on the project please visit www.stagesproject.eu. To register for this event simply email stages@aquatt.ie with the following information:
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COMMON SENSE Project Plans the Way Forward for Marine Monitoring
The COMMON SENSE project recently held its first six month management meeting in Cork, Ireland from 13-14 May 2014. Hosted in the Tyndall National Institute as part of University College Cork, the meeting consisted of open interactive scientific sessions for review and discussion of the progress made so far, and collaboration on important decisions for the way forward in the next year. Discussions during the meeting revolved around reviews of existing technologies and ocean observing systems as well as newer state of the art technologies. A standardised approach was discussed for the development of sensors for eutrophication; concentrations of heavy metals; microplastic fraction within marine litter; underwater noise; and other parameters such as temperature and pressure. The COMMON SENSE consortium also considered the importance of communication and dissemination internal and external to the project, with a heavy emphasis on prioritising the increased awareness and profile of the project and its results. Jose Alberto Sáez, Scientific and Technical coordinator of the project, said:“COMMON SENSE will develop a marine monitoring platform consisting of cost effective sensors, designed for high autonomous operation and suitable for large-scale production, and a data management platform to reduce data collection costs while increasing data availability compared to current solutions.” COMMON SENSE is coordinated by the Leitat Technological Centre, Spain, and its consortium brings together 15 partners from seven different countries, encompassing a wide range of technical expertise and know-how in the marine monitoring area. For further information about COMMON SENSE, visit www.commonsenseproject.eu or contact COMMON SENSE Coordinator Leitat Technological Centre www.leitat.org, by means of the Maritime Division (leimar@leitat.org). |
Euro-Argo ERIC - a New European Research Infrastructure for Global Ocean ObservationsEuro-Argo is the European contribution to the international Argo array of 3,000 profiling floats measuring temperature and salinity from the surface down to 2,000m throughout the global oceans. This is the first time a European legal entity (European Research Infrastructure Consortium, ERIC) has been established for in-situ observation of the global oceans. This is a major milestone which will optimize, sustain and improve the European contributions to Argo. Euro-Argo was officially created by the European Commission on May 12, 2014. It is also the first ERIC to be set up for environmental sciences. The Euro-Argo inauguration event will be held in Brussels on July 17, 2014. Click HERE for more information. |
AQUA-TNET CALENDER |
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Please check the Aqua-tnet calendar for a live update of upcoming events, courses and workshops.
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AQUATT TRAINING NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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Please email news@aquatt.ie to submit your news which will reach more than 5,000 international subscribers. |
PISCESTT JOBS |
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About Aqua-tnet |
The 8th AQUAEXCEL (Aquaculture Infrastructures for Excellence in European Fish Research) Call for Access is now open, with a deadline of 13 June 2014.
The STAGES project partnership invites you to participate in the final STAGES workshop From Knowledge Generation to Knowledge Application – How can we bridge the gap and ensure efficient management and uptake of research knowledge to support MSFD implementation? The workshop will be held on Thursday 19 June in the Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium, Brussels (KVAB-Academy Palace - Hertogsstraat 1 - 1000) from 09:30-16:30. It will be followed by a drinks reception. 
The EC-funded COMMON SENSE research project is planning on making significant advances in developing integrated and effective data acquisition systems by developing innovative sensors that will contribute to our understanding of how the marine environment functions. Still in its first year, the COMMON SENSE project is also furthering the European knowledge base in relation to the marine monitoring needs of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). 
AquaTT's Training News is a free monthly e-newsletter. With the latest news from the European education community, opportunities for collaboration, announcements and a student corner, Training News is an important dissemination channel for education and training opportunities for the aquaculture and related sectors. 
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