GREAT Institute collaborated with the Black in Marine Science (BIMS) organisation to commemorate BIMS Week 2022. Founded in 2020, BIMS organisation celebrates black marine scientists, spreads environmental awareness, and inspires the next generation of scientific thought leaders. The collaboration involved a couple of activities including a panel discussion themed “Where Do We Go from Here?”. The purpose of the panel discussion was to highlight the challenges and inspirations of the journey of becoming a marine scientist in West Africa.
The panel discussion was moderated by Maiyai Taal Hocheimy - Executive Director of GREAT Institute. The panelists included:
The panelist discussed the complications associated with acquiring tertiary education in West Africa considering inadequate infrastructural facilities to support teaching, learning, and research. Including lack of funding, social discrimination, the inability to link education with socio-economic development with emphasis on science, technology, innovation, and the overall struggles of becoming a black professional in the field of marine science.
Furthermore, the panelists highlighted the importance of marine science and its role in the continuing quest to understand the ocean and manage its resources. The panelist encouraged students and early career professionals with similar interests to remain resilient in the pursuit of academic development and career advancement amidst the hurdles that may arise.
In summary, the moderator together with the panelists expressed appreciation to the BIMS organization for the opportunity to share individual experiences and encouraged possible support and collaboration through scholarship opportunities, seminars, and summer schools for undergraduate students of marine and environmental sciences.
~Dawn Pratt