Building leaders for the UN Ocean Science Decade: A guide to supporting early career women researchers within academic marine research institutions

Diverse and inclusive marine science is now recognized as essential for addressing the complex and accelerating challenges facing marine social-ecological systems (Blythe and Cvitanovic, 2020; Lawless et al., 2021). The United Nations (UN) Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) identifies gender diversity as integral to achieving its objectives of “the science we need for the ocean we want” and realizing the Sustainable Development Goals. For example, SDG 5.5 specifically aims to ensure that there are equal opportunities for women’s leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life (UN, 2015). The importance of gender equality has also been reflected in other global initiatives, including the UN Women’s programmes on leadership and participation (UN Women, 2022)

Building leaders for the UN Ocean Science Decade : a guide to supporting early career women researchers within academic marine research institutions

Diverse and inclusive marine research is paramount to addressing ocean sustainability challenges in the 21st century, as envisioned by the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Despite increasing efforts to diversify ocean science, women continue to face barriers at various stages of their career, which inhibits their progression to leadership within academic institutions. In this perspective, we draw on the collective experiences of thirty-four global women leaders, bolstered by a narrative review, to identify practical strategies and actions that will help empower early career women researchers to become the leaders of tomorrow. We propose five strategies: (i) create a more inclusive culture, (ii) ensure early and equitable career development opportunities for women ECRs, (iii) ensure equitable access to funding for women ECRs, (iv) offer mentoring opportunities and, (v) create flexible, family-friendly environments. Transformational, meaningful, and lasting change will only be achieved through commitment and collaborative action across various scales and by multiple stakeholders.Peer reviewe

METAL LEGACIES OF THE FAL ESTUARY: THEIR EXTENT AND IMPLICATIONS FOR ESTUARINE ORGANISMS

The Fal estuary in Cornwall (UK) has experienced centuries of heavy metal contamination, associated with historical mining and current inputs within the catchment. Recent designation of the estuary within the Fal and Helford Special Area of Conservation (SAC) has resulted in concern over the influence of metal contamination on the area. This paper examines whether metal contamination, particularly the legacy in sediments, is still influencing the Fal estuary in 2013. A weight of evidence approach was undertaken, combining chemical analyses with assessments of acute and chronic effect, in the Fal and a reference estuary (Avon, Devon). Biomarkers of sublethal exposure (Metallothionein induction, MT) and effect (Total Oxyradical Scavenging Capacity [TOSC] and immunotoxicology) were measured in the bioindicator species, Scrobicularia plana. The influence of metals was investigated in two defined branches of the estuary, Restronguet Creek and the Fal SAC. Elevated metal concentrations and bioavailabilities were evident across sediments of the Fal estuary, at levels exceeding Sediment Quality Guidelines. Metal contamination was greatest in Restronguet Creek, however significant elevations were also observed in the Fal SAC. This suggests that inputs from Restronguet Creek and the neighbouring catchments are still having an influence on sediment quality in the SAC. Sediments from the Fal estuary were highly toxic to Tisbe battagliai, inducing high rates of lethality after 48 hour exposure. Metal contamination was also highly bioavailable to S.plana. Body burdens exceeded baseline values, for zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and lead (Pb), suggesting that they may be metals of concern. S.plana from the Fal estuary exhibited sublethal effects in response to environmental stress, in the form of elevated metallothionein (MT) induction and haemocyte counts. However, no alterations were observed in TOSC, a biomarker of oxidative stress. Overall, the results suggest that the legacy of metal contamination is still influencing the Fal estuary in 2013. Complex physical, chemical and biological processes and known mixtures of contaminants in sediments, provide challenges in deducing cause and effect. However, correlations suggest that body burdens of lead may have an influence on S.plana. Integration of chemical measurements with biomarkers and bioassays of effect have been shown to be an 2 effective method for assessing the condition of the Fal estuary. As well as highlighting sites of concern, that may require further investigative study and environmental management. Methodological developments and conclusions drawn from this project, may also inform other monitoring programmes of European Marine Sites and areas of conservational significance.In collaboration with the Marine Biological Association (MBA), Plymouth, U

Five social science intervention areas for ocean sustainability initiatives

Ocean sustainability initiatives – in research, policy, management and development – will be more effective in delivering comprehensive benefits when they proactively engage with, invest in and use social knowledge. We synthesize five intervention areas for social engagement and collaboration with marine social scientists, and in doing so we appeal to all ocean science disciplines and non-academics working in ocean initiatives in industry, government, funding agencies and civil society. The five social intervention areas are: (1) Using ethics to guide decision-making, (2) Improving governance, (3) Aligning human behavior with goals and values, (4) Addressing impacts on people, and (5) Building transdisciplinary partnerships and co-producing sustainability transformation pathways. These focal areas can guide the four phases of most ocean sustainability initiatives (Intention, Design, Implementation, Evaluation) to improve social benefits and avoid harm. Early integration of social knowledge from the five areas during intention setting and design phases offers the deepest potential for delivering benefits. Later stage collaborations can leverage opportunities in existing projects to reflect and learn while improving impact assessments, transparency and reporting for future activities

Five social science intervention areas for ocean sustainability initiatives

Ocean sustainability initiatives – in research, policy, management and development – will be more effective in delivering comprehensive benefits when they proactively engage with, invest in and use social knowledge. We synthesize five intervention areas for social engagement and collaboration with marine social scientists, and in doing so we appeal to all ocean science disciplines and non-academics working in ocean initiatives in industry, government, funding agencies and civil society. The five social intervention areas are: (1) Using ethics to guide decision-making, (2) Improving governance, (3) Aligning human behavior with goals and values, (4) Addressing impacts on people, and (5) Building transdisciplinary partnerships and co-producing sustainability transformation pathways. These focal areas can guide the four phases of most ocean sustainability initiatives (Intention, Design, Implementation, Evaluation) to improve social benefits and avoid harm. Early integration of social knowledge from the five areas during intention setting and design phases offers the deepest potential for delivering benefits. Later stage collaborations can leverage opportunities in existing projects to reflect and learn while improving impact assessments, transparency and reporting for future activities

Breaking down barriers: The identification of actions to promote gender equality in interdisciplinary marine research institutions

Interdisciplinary research is paramount to addressing ocean sustainability challenges in the 21st century. However, women leaders have been underrepresented in interdisciplinary marine research, and there is little guidance on how to achieve the conditions that will lead to an increased proportion of women scientists in positions of leadership. Here, we conduct in-depth qualitative research to explore the main barriers and enablers to women’s leadership in an academic interdisciplinary marine research context. We found that interdisciplinarity can present unique and additional barriers to women leaders (e.g., complexity and lack of value attributed to interdisciplinary research) and are exacerbated by existing gender-specific issues that women experience (e.g., isolation and underrepresentation and stereotyping). Together these barriers overlap forming the “glass obstacle course”—which is particularly challenging for women in minoritized groups. Here, we provide a list of concrete, ambitious, and actionable enablers that can promote and support women’s leadership in academic interdisciplinary marine research