In order to upskill and ensure the understanding of the challenges and opportunities to be addressed for a sustainable Blue Economy across the Black Sea, BRIDGE-BS conducts a range of educational and capacity-building activities. With this aim, the 2nd Summer School is organized by the BRIDGE-BS project by targeting graduate students from Black Sea riparian countries (Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Moldova, Türkiye, and Ukraine) and will be hosted by one of the facilities of the Tbilisi State University (TSU) on 15-17 September 2024 .

The lectures will address fundamental topics related to Blue Biotechnology. The 2nd Summer School will mainly focus on supporting tools for strengthening the Sustainable Blue Economy in the Black Sea region. The Summer School will involve interactive lectures and group work. On the last day, a hackathon will take place where participants will work in a small team setting in order to develop a viable solution to boost the sustainable development of the Blue Economy with a particular focus on the emerging sector of biotechnologies.

Objectives 

• Equip graduate students with theoretical and practical skills to address issues faced by a sustainable Blue Economy in the Black Sea with a specific focus on the Blue Economy initiatives and key actors existing in the region (Common Maritime Agenda for the Black Sea, Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda Black Sea Commission and Black Sea Economic Cooperation),
• Diversify possible career pathways for the next generations of practitioners in the sectors,
• Widen next generation’s comprehension and appreciation of fundamental marine ecosystem functioning, challenges, and opportunities for its preservation,
• Learn about opportunities in sustainable innovation and policy support across relevant marine and maritime sectors in the Black Sea as well as other EU sea basins,
• Foster professional and educational networks and international partnerships that can improve activities in support of sustainable blue growth,
• Stimulate actions for the preservation and sustainable exploitation of the Black Sea ecosystem,
• Improve professional skills for the development of the marine and maritime sectors in the Black Sea, as well as ocean governance, in support of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Date and Venue
15-16-17 September 2024 (14 September, Arrival Day) at Tbilisi State University in Tbilisi, Georgia

Application
● Fill out an online application form
● Submit an up-to-date CV or resume that shows your educational background and work experience
● Provide a statement of support from the student’s institution/university
● Deadline: 15 May 2024

Fees, Costs, and Visa

● All selected participants will attend the summer school free of charge and in person.
● Selected participants’ accommodation (up to 4 nights, depending on the flight schedule) in shared dormitories: 2-people of the same gender; lunches and some dinners will be covered by Istanbul University.
● Subsistence costs in Tbilisi for the duration of the training, are borne by the participants.
● All participants are responsible for complying with the entry requirements to Georgia. Participants who need to be in possession of a visa should organise their visa procedure and cover the costs for granting it. İstanbul University and BRIDGE-BS Project support the accepted candidates with an invitation letter.
● Accommodation and travel arrangements will be organized by İstanbul University for the selected students.

Selected applicants will receive confirmation and further practical details. Please do not make any travel arrangements before you receive the confirmation email.

Candidates should fulfil the following conditions:
● Only graduate students of any discipline related to the Blue Economy (economy, research and/or policy) will be considered;
● Candidates should be graduate students from Black Sea riparian countries (Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Moldova, Türkiye and Ukraine);
● Candidates should have a good working knowledge of English (level B2 or higher);

Please note that: we offer introductory lessons on the main concepts and practices related to the Blue Biotechnology. The lectures will address fundamental topics related to biotechnology and renewable energy. The Summer School will mainly focus on supporting tools for strengthening the Sustainable Blue Economy in the Black Sea region.

In case of questions, please contact Ilayda Destan Ozturk ([email protected]) from Istanbul University.