From August 19 to September 01, 2025, Santos (SP), Brazil, will host a transformative gathering connecting ocean science, sustainability, education, and the science-policy interface.
PhD students, early career researchers, Master’s students, public servants, and young indigenous leaders from all around the world are invited to join us in this journey of learning and collaboration!
Application deadline: May 24, 2025
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science (SPSAS) is a prestigious academic program funded by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) in Brazil. It brings together leading senior researchers from Brazil and abroad to teach and mentor graduate students and early-career researchers from all over the world. During this time, participants attend lectures, workshops, and discussions, often led by top experts in the field.
SPSAS is a great opportunity to network, collaborate, and learn in an immersive academic setting! The SPSAS-Ocean Literacy (SPSAS – OL) will be a space to discuss ocean literacy, including scientific, local and indigenous knowledge.
In the context of climate, social-environmental crises, and ongoing debates around sustainable development, understanding ocean literacy is essential to comprehend how the major climate-regulating systems interact and help strengthen the relationship between humans and the environment. Ocean literacy is not limited to a specific field but encompasses a variety of sectors, including education, conservation, climate resilience, economy and communication.
The knowledge of Indigenous peoples and traditional communities is also fundamental to understanding and ensuring the conservation of coastal and marine biodiversity. These communities hold a deep understanding of local ecosystems and have developed sustainable resource management practices passed down through generations over centuries, that can inspire society how to act sustainably.
About
The SPSAS – Ocean Literacy is open for application to graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, traditional knowledge holders and professionals from different fields, with an interest in ocean science, sustainability, education and science-policy interface.
The activities will occur during 14 days (August 19 – September 01, 2025) in Santos, Brazil, supported by São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP). A total of 100 participants will be selected, 50 from Brazil (with 25 from the State of São Paulo and 25 from other states, with an initial estimate of approximately 5–7 students per region of the country) and 50 from all regions of the world (8 from South America; 8 from Africa; 8 from Asia-Australia; 8 from the Caribbean; 8 from North America; 10 from Europe). Selection will take into account geographic and gender representativeness, in order to promote the diversity of the School’s participants.
Program
The School program includes four modules that cover the Vision 2030 (Challenge 10) ambitions for the UN Ocean Decade and will integrate 100 early career researchers and students to a transdisciplinary discussion with a range of experts.
Article originally published on the São Paulo School of Advanced Science in Ocean Literacy website
