IDENTITY AND PURPOSE
The proposed Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Blue Economy and Ocean Governance at EMUNI University aims to position the University as a leading regional hub in the Mediterranean for research, education, innovation, and policy dialogue related to marine sustainability and the blue economy. The Centre is proposed to be led by Jihene Nouairi as Director/Coordinator, with an interdisciplinary core team composed of EMUNI academics and collaborators from the EUNICoast alliance and associated international partners. The Centre is expected to officially start its activities in June 2026, with the launch aligned with the organization of the Ocean Literacy Day event.
The Steering Committee of the Centre will include distinguished international experts and academics. The following members have already confirmed their participation:
- Prof. Mounir Ghribi, Professor of Sustainable Development at the National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (OGS)
- Dr. Ahmed Elshazly, Vice-President for Community Development & Partnerships, Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development
- Prof. Ourania Tzoraki, Professor of River Basin and Coastal Zone Management, Department of Marine Sciences, University of the Aegean, Greece
- Prof. Ludmiła Filina-Dawidowicz, Head of the Department of Logistics and Transport Economics, Faculty of Maritime Technology and Transport, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin
These members will provide strategic guidance, scientific expertise, and support for the long-term development and international positioning of the Centre.
The Centre is needed to address the growing strategic importance of sustainable ocean governance, blue economy transition, and ocean literacy within the Mediterranean region. It represents a major opportunity for EMUNI to strengthen its regional and international visibility, expand interdisciplinary research and innovation activities, develop new educational and training programmes, and increase participation in competitive European funding schemes. The Centre will also support stronger collaboration between academia, policymakers, industry, and civil society, contributing to sustainable regional development and positioning EMUNI as a key actor in emerging blue economy initiatives.
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
Vision
The Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Blue Economy and Ocean Governance aims to establish EMUNI University as a leading Mediterranean reference point for interdisciplinary research, education, innovation, and policy engagement in the fields of sustainable blue economy, ocean governance, and marine sustainability. The Centre seeks to contribute to resilient coastal and marine systems through knowledge generation, capacity building, and regional cooperation aligned with European and global sustainability agendas.
Mission
The mission of the Centre is to advance scientific excellence, promote ocean literacy, and strengthen collaboration between academia, policymakers, industry, civil society, and international organizations. The Centre will support the development of innovative educational programmes, applied research activities, and stakeholder-driven initiatives addressing current environmental, economic, and governance challenges related to marine and coastal systems. It will also serve as a platform for fostering interdisciplinary and transnational cooperation, particularly within the Mediterranean region.
Strategic Priorities
The Centre will focus on the following strategic priorities:
- Research and Innovation Excellence
Development of interdisciplinary research activities and participation in European and international projects related to sustainable blue economy, marine governance, climate resilience, ocean literacy, and coastal sustainability. - Education and Capacity Building
Design and implementation of new educational initiatives, including study programmes, micro-credentials, summer schools, lifelong learning activities, and student engagement opportunities in blue economy-related fields. - Ocean Literacy and Societal Engagement
Promotion of public awareness and community engagement through outreach activities, workshops, policy dialogue, and cooperation with schools, local communities, and civil society organizations. - Strategic Partnerships and International Networking
Strengthening collaboration with EUNICoast partner universities, international organizations, research institutions, public authorities, and private-sector stakeholders to create a strong regional and international cooperation ecosystem. - Funding and Institutional Development
Increasing EMUNI’s participation in competitive funding programmes such as Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, PRIMA, and other regional and international initiatives, thereby reinforcing the University’s research profile and long-term institutional sustainability.
The establishment of the Centre directly supports EMUNI University’s broader strategy of promoting interdisciplinary education, international cooperation, regional engagement, and societal impact. It reinforces the University’s academic profile in emerging sustainability-related fields while contributing to regional capacity building and evidence-based policymaking in the Mediterranean area. Through its activities, the Centre will strengthen EMUNI’s role as an active contributor to sustainable development, innovation, and knowledge transfer at both regional and international levels.
POSITIONING AND ADDED VALUE
The Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Blue Economy and Ocean Governance will constitute the first interdisciplinary platform at EMUNI University specifically dedicated to integrating research, education, policy dialogue, and societal engagement within the fields of sustainable blue economy and ocean governance. Unlike individual research projects or temporary initiatives, the Centre is conceived as a long-term strategic structure ensuring continuity, institutional visibility, and coordinated development of activities across multiple disciplines and stakeholders.
The Centre also represents a continuation and expansion of EMUNI University’s previous experience through the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, building upon the established expertise, networks, and academic engagement developed within European integration, sustainability, and policy-related initiatives. In this sense, the proposed Centre capitalizes on existing institutional capacities while broadening the scope towards emerging priorities linked to marine sustainability and blue economy governance.
Its distinctiveness lies in its strong Mediterranean focus, its integration within the EUNICoast alliance, and its combination of scientific excellence with practical societal impact through ocean literacy, stakeholder engagement, and policy-oriented activities. At the university level, the Centre will strengthen EMUNI’s academic profile and international positioning in sustainability and marine governance. At the regional and European levels, it will contribute to strategic priorities linked to the EU Green Deal, Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters, the UN Ocean Decade, and sustainable coastal development. Internationally, the Centre will provide a collaborative platform connecting academia, policymakers, civil society, and industry actors to address shared marine and coastal challenges through interdisciplinary and transnational cooperation.
THEMATIC FOCUS
The Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Blue Economy and Ocean Governance will focus on a limited number of strategically selected thematic areas where EMUNI University can develop long-term academic excellence, regional visibility, and interdisciplinary impact. The Centre’s activities will primarily address:
- Sustainable Blue Economy and Coastal Development
Research and innovation related to sustainable maritime sectors, blue growth strategies, circular economy approaches, and resilient coastal development in the Mediterranean region. - Ocean Governance and Marine Policy
Analysis of governance frameworks, marine spatial planning, environmental regulation, and policy mechanisms supporting sustainable management of marine and coastal resources. - Ocean Literacy and Community Engagement
Development of initiatives promoting public awareness, stakeholder participation, science communication, and integration of ocean literacy into education and society. - Marine Sustainability and Climate Resilience
Interdisciplinary approaches addressing marine biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, ecosystem resilience, pollution mitigation, and sustainable use of marine ecosystems.
These thematic domains align with European and international priorities, including the EU Green Deal, the UN Ocean Decade, and sustainable development objectives, while reinforcing EMUNI’s academic profile and regional role in Mediterranean cooperation.
CORE ACTIVITIES
The Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Blue Economy and Ocean Governance will implement a broad range of interdisciplinary activities integrating research, education, stakeholder engagement, and societal outreach. Its core activities will be structured around four main dimensions.
First, the Centre will support research and innovation activities through the development of interdisciplinary research projects, participation in European and international funding programmes, production of scientific publications, policy briefs, and conference contributions, as well as engagement in evidence-based policymaking processes related to marine sustainability and ocean governance.
Second, the Centre will contribute to education and capacity building through the development of new study programmes, micro-credentials, summer schools, short courses, and lifelong learning initiatives focused on blue economy and marine governance. Particular emphasis will be placed on student involvement, interdisciplinary learning, and the integration of research into teaching activities.
Third, the Centre will promote ocean literacy and community engagement by organizing public events, workshops, awareness campaigns, stakeholder dialogues, and educational activities involving schools, civil society organizations, local communities, and public institutions. Activities such as the Ocean Literacy Day and the Blue Talks seminar series will contribute to strengthening public understanding of marine sustainability challenges.
Finally, the Centre will strengthen partnerships, policy dialogue, and knowledge transfer through collaboration with universities, research institutions, industry actors, NGOs, international organizations, and policymakers, particularly within the EUNICoast alliance and Mediterranean cooperation frameworks. These activities will support regional networking, innovation, and long-term institutional visibility for EMUNI University.
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FLAGSHIP INITIATIVES
The Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Blue Economy and Ocean Governance will initially develop three flagship initiatives aimed at establishing a strong institutional identity, increasing regional visibility, and strengthening long-term academic impact.
- Ocean Literacy Day
Organized annually within the framework of World Ocean Day, this event will serve as the Centre’s flagship public engagement initiative. It will bring together students, researchers, schools, policymakers, civil society organizations, museums, and local stakeholders through workshops, exhibitions, educational activities, and expert discussions focused on marine sustainability and ocean awareness. - Blue Talks Series
A recurring seminar and dialogue platform dedicated to sustainable blue economy, ocean governance, and marine sustainability. The series will host academics, policymakers, industry representatives, and international experts, promoting interdisciplinary exchange and strengthening EMUNI’s visibility as a regional hub for Mediterranean dialogue and cooperation. - Mediterranean Blue Economy and Ocean Governance Summer School
The Centre aims to establish an international summer school bringing together students, early-career researchers, and professionals from Mediterranean countries. The programme will combine academic lectures, practical workshops, stakeholder engagement, and field-based learning activities focused on sustainable coastal and marine development.
PARTNERSHIPS AND ECOSYSTEM
The Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Blue Economy and Ocean Governance will operate through a collaborative and interdisciplinary ecosystem involving academic, institutional, societal, and international partners. Internally, the Centre will collaborate across EMUNI University departments and programmes to promote interdisciplinary education, research, and student engagement related to marine sustainability and blue economy topics.
Externally, the Centre will initially build upon the strategic network established through the EUNICoast alliance, strengthening cooperation with partner universities and associated academic institutions across the Mediterranean and Europe. Collaboration will also be developed with public authorities, municipalities, NGOs, schools, museums, research institutes, and civil society organizations involved in marine protection, coastal management, and ocean literacy activities.
The Centre will actively engage with international organizations and regional initiatives linked to sustainable ocean governance, including frameworks associated with the EU Green Deal, the UN Ocean Decade, and Mediterranean cooperation programmes. Partnerships with industry and private-sector stakeholders will support knowledge transfer, innovation, and the development of practical solutions for sustainable blue economy sectors. Through these collaborations, the Centre aims to position EMUNI as a regional platform connecting science, policy, education, and society.
GOVERNANCE AND OPERATING MODEL
The Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Blue Economy and Ocean Governance will operate through a streamlined and collaborative governance structure ensuring efficient coordination, transparency, and alignment with EMUNI University’s strategic priorities. The Centre will be led by a Director/Coordinator, responsible for the overall strategic management, operational coordination, partnership development, and representation of the Centre at institutional and international levels.
The Director will work in close coordination with a small interdisciplinary core team composed of EMUNI academic staff and associated collaborators contributing to research, education, dissemination, and project development activities. Depending on the activity, working groups may be established for specific thematic areas or projects.
An Advisory Board composed of external experts, representatives of partner institutions, policymakers, and stakeholders from relevant sectors will provide strategic guidance and support the quality, relevance, and visibility of the Centre’s activities. Student representatives may also be involved in selected activities to strengthen participatory engagement.
The Centre will maintain regular coordination with EMUNI University leadership, relevant departments, and academic programmes to ensure institutional coherence and integration with existing educational and research priorities. Decision-making will remain flexible and proportionate, enabling efficient implementation while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and stakeholder involvement.
RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY
During its initial phase, the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Blue Economy and Ocean Governance will operate primarily through existing institutional capacities, interdisciplinary collaboration, and project-based activities. The Centre will rely on the contribution of EMUNI academic staff, existing university infrastructure, and the support of partner institutions and networks, particularly within the EUNICoast alliance.
The long-term sustainability of the Centre will be based on a diversified funding strategy combining institutional support with external competitive funding. The Centre will actively pursue participation in European and international funding programmes, including Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, PRIMA, Jean Monnet, CEI Cooperation Fund, and other regional and thematic initiatives related to sustainability, ocean governance, education, and innovation.
Additional resources may be secured through strategic partnerships, commissioned studies, training activities, summer schools, policy-oriented projects, and collaboration with public authorities, international organizations, NGOs, and private-sector stakeholders. The Centre will also focus on building competitive international consortia and aligning its activities with major European and Mediterranean policy priorities to strengthen its long-term financial and institutional sustainability.
THREE-YEAR DEVELOPMENT PLAN (max. 1.200–1.500 characters)
THREE-YEAR DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Year 1 – Foundation and Activation Phase (2026–2027)
The first year will focus on establishing the operational and strategic foundations of the Centre. Priority activities will include the official launch of the Centre, development of its governance structure, creation of a dedicated digital presence, and activation of the initial partnership network through the EUNICoast alliance and associated stakeholders. Key flagship initiatives, including the Ocean Literacy Day and the Blue Talks seminar series, will be launched to strengthen visibility and stakeholder engagement. The Centre will also initiate the preparation of research proposals, policy briefs, and educational concepts such as micro-credentials and short courses. Indicative budget needs will primarily concern communication, events, networking, and proposal development activities.
Year 2 – Expansion and Consolidation Phase (2027–2028)
The second year will focus on strengthening research, educational, and partnership activities. The Centre aims to secure participation in competitive funding projects under programmes such as Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, Interreg, PRIMA, and CEI. Additional activities will include the launch of pilot educational initiatives, organization of workshops and summer schools, expansion of stakeholder engagement, and development of scientific outputs and policy-oriented activities. The Centre will further strengthen collaboration with public authorities, NGOs, and international organizations. Budget needs are expected to increase through externally funded projects and educational activities.
Year 3 – Institutionalisation and Regional Positioning Phase (2028–2029)
By the third year, the Centre aims to establish itself as a recognized regional platform for sustainable blue economy and ocean governance in the Mediterranean. Priorities will include the consolidation of long-term partnerships, expansion of international project participation, development of advanced educational programmes, and increased scientific production and policy engagement. The Centre will seek to strengthen its institutional sustainability through diversified funding sources, strategic partnerships, and increased integration into EMUNI’s long-term academic and research strategy. Budget development will increasingly rely on external project funding, strategic collaborations, and revenue-generating educational activities.
PERFORMANCE AND IMPACT
The performance and impact of the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Blue Economy and Ocean Governance will be monitored through a limited set of qualitative and quantitative indicators aligned with EMUNI University’s strategic objectives and the Centre’s mission. Key indicators will include the number of research and innovation proposals submitted and funded under European and international programmes, scientific publications and policy briefs produced, and the development of new educational and training initiatives such as micro-credentials, short courses, and summer schools.
Additional indicators will include the number of strategic partnerships established with universities, public authorities, NGOs, industry actors, and international organizations, particularly within the EUNICoast alliance and Mediterranean cooperation frameworks. Student engagement will be monitored through participation in Centre activities, workshops, events, and research initiatives.
The Centre will also assess its societal and institutional impact through the organization of public events, stakeholder engagement activities, ocean literacy initiatives, dissemination outputs, media visibility, and contributions to policy dialogue and regional cooperation. These indicators will support continuous evaluation of the Centre’s development, visibility, academic contribution, and long-term relevance within EMUNI University and the broader Mediterranean region.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
In the short term, the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Blue Economy and Ocean Governance is expected to strengthen EMUNI University’s visibility and positioning in the fields of marine sustainability, ocean governance, and blue economy studies. The Centre will establish an active interdisciplinary network involving academic institutions, public authorities, NGOs, international organizations, and stakeholders from the Mediterranean region, particularly through the EUNICoast alliance and related cooperation frameworks.
The Centre is also expected to generate initial research and innovation activities, including project proposals, scientific publications, policy briefs, and public engagement initiatives. Educational outcomes will include the development of pilot training activities, micro-credentials, workshops, summer schools, and increased student participation in interdisciplinary and international initiatives related to sustainable blue economy and ocean governance.
In the medium term, the Centre aims to contribute to EMUNI’s academic excellence through increased participation in competitive European projects, stronger international partnerships, and the establishment of sustainable educational and research programmes. It is also expected to reinforce the University’s societal role by promoting ocean literacy, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based policy dialogue, while positioning EMUNI as a recognized regional platform for cooperation and innovation in the Mediterranean blue economy sector.
LONG-TERM OUTLOOK
Beyond the initial three-year development phase, the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Blue Economy and Ocean Governance is expected to evolve into a permanent interdisciplinary platform with strong regional and international recognition in the Mediterranean area. The long-term ambition of the Centre is to position EMUNI University as a leading hub for research, education, policy dialogue, and stakeholder cooperation related to sustainable blue economy and ocean governance.
The Centre aims to progressively expand its portfolio of international research and innovation projects, develop advanced educational programmes and professional training activities, and strengthen its contribution to evidence-based policymaking and regional cooperation initiatives. In the long term, the Centre could also contribute to the establishment of joint programmes, regional observatories, policy labs, and collaborative research infrastructures in partnership with universities, international organizations, and public authorities.
Through sustained engagement with academia, industry, civil society, and policymakers, the Centre is expected to generate lasting impact by promoting ocean literacy, supporting sustainable coastal and marine development, and strengthening interdisciplinary approaches to environmental and societal challenges. Its continued growth will reinforce EMUNI University’s international visibility, academic profile, and strategic role as a key actor in Mediterranean sustainability and blue economy initiatives.