Conference: Fostering Talent for the Future Ocean Technical Workforce

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $49,450 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

By 2030 it is estimated that the marine industry will employ at least 40 million full time equivalent jobs. The need for resolving complex ocean issues, while developing whole new ventures related to economic stability, environmental health and national security will require a collaborative workforce with a transdisciplinary background. Many of the jobs needed to support these new ventures will not require advanced degrees in engineering or science but rather technical skills and competencies contributed by a number of disciplines, including ocean sciences, engineering, manufacturing, electronics and data science. However, there are few academic programs preparing the ocean technician talent pool with the skills required for the expanding needs of the marine technology workforce. Given the transdisciplinary composition of the ocean technical workforce, a spectrum of schools and programs must be aware of the workforce need and how they can offer pathways for their students to engage as ocean technicians. The Marine Technology Society (MTS) will host a workshop that will convene members of industry, research (government and academia), 2- and 4-year colleges, and the military to: 1) establish awareness and coordination between organizations; 2) identify needed skills/competencies for the ocean technical workforce for a variety of ocean applications; 3) identify pathways/bridges for students from non-oceanography focused programs into ocean technician jobs; and 4) identify educat

Key facts

NSF award ID
2508375
Awardee
MARINE TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY, INC. (DC)
SAM.gov UEI
J9UMFEQ7AGJ6
PI
Liesl A Hotaling
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOPS
Estimated total
$49,450
Funds obligated
$49,450
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2026