General information
The Around Africa Expedition was a collaborative OceanQuest – OceanX 70-day mission aboard the advanced research and media vessel OceanXplorer. It was a major ocean research and capacity-sharing mission advancing deep-sea research oceanographic mapping, and scientific collaboration around Africa, from the Comoros to Gran Canaria. The expedition was comprised of five science-, training- and education-dedicated legs. POGO collaborated with OceanQuest and OceanX by overseeing the organisation of shipboard training for Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) in 4 legs of the expedition.
The primary objectives of the Around Africa expedition was to advance critical knowledge of Africa’s deep-sea ecosystems by mapping previously unexplored seafloor and strengthening the continent’s leadership in ocean science through international collaboration.
The training-dedicated leg between Mindelo (Cabo Verde) and Las Palmas (Spain) took place from 3 to 8 April 2025. A group of 13 African Early Career Ocean Professionals joined the cruise to take part in intensive, multi-day, hands-on training programme, with practical learning modules in marine geology, environmental DNA and bioinformatics, and science communication.
Priority areas
In-depth training on marine geology, environmental DNA and bioinformatics, and science communication.
What is offered
applications are now closed
Application
Who can apply
Applications are now closed.
How to apply
Trainee was selected from the 2025 POGO-OceanX-OceanQuest Fellowship for training onboard the Around Africa Expedition.
Review process
The POGO Secretariat collaborated with the OceanX and OceanQuest to assess the applications.
Evaluation criteria included the quality of the application, the applicant’s CV, potential contribution to sustained capacity building in the candidate’s home country or institution, the strength of the recommendation letter, and overall relevance and eligibility.
Terms
- Airfare from trainee’s home country to Mindelo (Cabo Verde) and from Las Palmas (Spain) back to home country.
- Subsistence allowance and accommodation before joining and/or after leaving the ship.
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Meals and berth during the expedition.
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Expenses incurred within the trainee home country or during transit (e.g., domestic travel, airport meals, visa costs, mandatory travel and personal insurance, vaccines).
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Salary.
