GES4SEAS is thrilled to announce that AZTI‘s Summer School, an initiative currently organized under the scope of GES4SEAS project, has been honoured with the MakeEUBlue Award by the EU4Ocean coalition from the European Commission, in the framework of the European Maritime Day, in Svendborg (Denmark), on 31^st May. This prestigious recognition in the Best Organization category highlights the program’s commitment to advancing ocean literacy and marine research in Europe.

Since its early beginnings in 2004 the summer school has grown significantly under the guidance of Dr Angel Borja, the coordinator of the summer school and also of the GES4SEAS project, which is celebrated annually in San Sebastián (Spain). Over the years, more than 1,200 participants, all around the world, ranging from early career researchers to policymakers, have engaged in the school’s dynamic environment, exploring cutting-edge topics at the intersection of science and policy.

Each year, the summer school delves into new areas of marine research, fostering innovative methods and discussions that bridge scientific knowledge and societal needs. This approach not only enhances the management of marine ecosystems but also ensures the continued relevance of the school in addressing current and future challenges in marine conservation.

The event is strategically timed around World Ocean Day in June, emphasizing its commitment to global marine sustainability. A hallmark of the school’s success is its tradition of culminating each session with a collaborative scientific publication that encompasses the insights and conclusions drawn from that year’s edition. “The most rewarding fact to me, is inviting now recognised professors, who attended first the school as students, to learn about new marine topics”, Dr Borja says. “This year, we celebrate the 20^th edition of the school, on 11-13^th June, around the communication between science, society and policy, which is important for a better management of the sea”, Dr Borja comments. Also, he has highlighted the fact that, under the coordination of GES4SEAS Horizon Europe project, the most recent schools are being organized in collaboration with several European projects, fostering synergies and bringing to the audience the most recent hot topics in marine science and management.

Congratulations to AZTI for its commitment to scientific knowledge in the marine sector and Dr Angel Borja for their visionary leadership and dedication to marine science education. Their efforts not only enrich the participants’ knowledge and skills but also significantly contribute to the sustainable use of our oceans.