CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

BRIDGES x WIOMSA 2025 SCHOOL

Strengthening interdisciplinary approaches for the resilience of marine social-ecological systems in the Western Indian Ocean

📍Mombasa, Kenya | 📅 September 22-26, 2025

ONLINE APPLICATION FORM

How can interdisciplinary approaches be implemented to strengthen the social and environmental resilience of marine social-ecological systems exploited by fishing, in the face of growing global pressures? Over five immersive days, the BRIDGES research program, in partnership with WIOMSA, is inviting a new generation of researchers and stakeholders from the Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO) region to explore with experts concrete tools and case studies to answer this question.

Join us in Mombasa for an intense week of sharing, discovery and collaboration ahead of the WIOMSA 2025 Symposium!

Introducing BRIDGES

BRIDGES – Fisheries and Biodiversity in the Indian Ocean is an interdisciplinary research program (2024-2034) bringing together over 200 researchers, which aims to co-construct solutions for sustainable and fair fisheries and biodiversity conservation in the SWIO.

In the face of global changes that are exacerbating pressure on fishery resources, BRIDGES relies on close collaboration between scientists, decision-makers and users to design and connect spatialized management tools (e.g. Marine Protected Areas, other area-based effective conservation measures – OECM) to guarantee biodiversity conservation, food security, environmental justice and peaceful resource management.

The program operates on a regional scale and at four coastal sites (Comoros, Reunion, Mayotte, Mozambique), where it is developing digital models to generate future scenarios and test these solutions. It collects, stores and shares data to enrich projections. The measurement of transformations and impacts will serve as a compass for the duration of the program.

BRIDGES supports the training of a new generation of ocean professionals through thematic schools, doctoral networks and integration into regional master’s programs. Recognized by COP11 of the Nairobi Convention, BRIDGES is aligned with the SDGs and the global goal of 30% protected oceans by 2030.

School presentation

Organized from September 22 to 26, 2025, ahead of the WIOMSA 2025 Symposium, the BRIDGES-WIOMSA school will bring together experts, young researchers and practitioners from the Indian Ocean.

An active teaching approach:

Interactive presentations, practical exercises, real local case studies or from BRIDGES sites, field sessions and real-life situations with multidisciplinary expert speakers.

Pedagogical objectives:

• Understand the fundamental concepts of social-ecological systems (SES)
• Use concrete governance and planning tools
• Know how to collect, process and share environmental and social data
• Develop skills in stakeholder engagement and co-construction.

Benefits:

• Networking with international experts
• Field immersion
• Transdisciplinary and intercultural exchanges
• Acquisition of transferable tools applicable to your projects.

Program :

Who can apply?

The school is primarily aimed at participants from the south-west Indian Ocean region, including BRIDGES partner countries (Comoros, Mozambique, Reunion and Mayotte):

• PhD students and post-docs from the WIO region (priority to BRIDGES partner countries)
• Marine area managers, marine conservationists and stakeholders
• Young researchers interested in inter- and trans-disciplinary approaches.

Selection criteria

Candidates will be selected on the basis of the following criteria:

• Relevant experience linked to the school:
  • Candidates should demonstrate active involvement in the marine and coastal sector of the WIO region, with experience or a strong interest in community engagement, policy development, conservation management, or resource management.
  • Experience in marine and coastal co-governance or co-management, community conservation, research or development will be valued. Young professionals are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Demonstrated commitment to co-construction: Applications should reflect a clear motivation and explain how co-construction approaches will be applied in candidates’ current or future projects or functions.
• Dissemination capacity (multiplier effect): Candidates must demonstrate their ability and willingness to share the knowledge, methods and tools acquired during the school with their colleagues, institutions or networks.
• Contribution to training: Candidates are encouraged to bring a concrete in progress case study or project, which they can enrich through group exercises and peer-to-peer learning.

Active participation in discussions, group work and exchanges is expected.

• Fluency in English: As the school is conducted entirely in English (discussions, group work, documents), a good command of this language, both oral and written, is essential.
• Availability and commitment: Participants must be available to attend all five days of face-to-face training in Mombasa.

N. B. Disciplinary, gender and geographical balance will also be taken into account to form a diverse and complementary cohort.

How to apply

Candidates must complete the online application form before July 6th, 2025 at 9pm (UTC+4). Please attach a curriculum vitae (maximum 1 page, free format) and a letter of recommendation from your university or employer (optional). Applications received by e-mail will not be considered. 

Results will be announced in July 2025.

What is covered

Candidates selected to take part in the school will benefit from the following cover:

• Participation in all School teaching sessions
• 5 days/6 nights full board at a hotel, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and 2 snacks
• Participation in field data collection