Marine Institute celebrates Science Week with 'Oceans of Careers' video series

Ocean of Careere Campaign Flyer

The Marine Institute is marking Science Week 2025 throughout November with a month-long celebration, showcasing the diverse careers that support Ireland's marine environment and blue economy. 

Aligned with Science Week's national theme “Then. Today. Tomorrow,” the campaign explores how marine science has evolved, and highlights the skilled and talented people at the Marine Institute ensuring Ireland is at the forefront of ocean research.

“Marine science in Ireland today depends on people with diverse skills working collaboratively,” said Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute. “Our people – whether working in laboratories, at sea on our research vessels, or involved in research projects - play a vital role in helping to conserve our marine ecosystems, supporting fishing industries, protecting food safety, and ensuring the sustainable development of Ireland’s marine environment.”

Each week in November, ‘Oceans of Careers’ will spotlight a different aspect of marine science work:

Week 1 (4-8 November): Sustainable Seas: Protecting Resources 
Meet our people working with fishing communities, assessing fish populations, and researching sustainable seaweed farming. These professionals ensure Ireland's marine resources are managed for long-term sustainability and support coastal livelihoods.

Week 2 (11-15 November): Changing Waters: Understanding Climate 
Discover the work of our people monitoring ocean climate research, operating research vessels, and creating computer models which can predict future environmental changes, providing the knowledge needed for Ireland to adapt to our changing seas.

Week 3 (18-22 November): Safe Seafood: Ensuring Quality
Learn how laboratory analysts test shellfish for toxins, detect contamination, and monitor harmful algal blooms, protecting public health and maintaining confidence in Ireland's world-class seafood.

Week 4 (25-29 November): Ocean Leaders: Building Futures
Explore how project managers, European partnerships and international collaborations are positioning Ireland as a leader in international ocean science.

Each week will explore how one area of marine science has evolved, from past knowledge to today's advanced technology, while also looking ahead to future innovations and emerging challenges.

The ‘Oceans of Careers’ video series reveals the education pathways, daily work realities, and career progression opportunities available in the marine sector. Featured professionals include those with backgrounds in marine biology, geography, chemistry, and engineering, demonstrating that ocean science needs more than traditional marine biologists. It requires data analysts, technicians, community liaisons, project managers, and specialists across several disciplines.

“We hope this series inspires young people to consider careers in Ireland’s marine sector,” Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute said. “This sector offers dynamic job opportunities and the chance to contribute to Ireland’s sustainable development, protect its rich marine biodiversity, and harness the ocean’s vast economic potential.”

Videos will be released throughout November on the Marine Institute's social media channels: LinkedIn @Marine Institute, Instagram @marineinstituteireland, Facebook @marineinstituteireland, X @MarineInst and YouTube @marineinstituteIRL

ENDS

For any media enquiries please contact:
Kathleen Sweeney e: kathleen.sweeney@marine.ie | m: +353 (0)87 094 5754
Sinéad Coyne e: sinead.coyne@marine.ie | m: +353 (0)87 947 7090
Communications Office, Marine Institute e: communications@marine.ie | t: +353 (0)91 387 200

About the Marine Institute
The Marine Institute is Ireland’s scientific agency responsible for supporting the sustainable development of the State’s maritime area and resources. The Institute conducts applied research and provides scientific knowledge, advice and services to government, industry and other stakeholders and users. www.marine.ie