Tides of Change: Reflective and Practical Skills for the Next Generation of Marine Researchers

The goal of this thematic issue is to serve as a comprehensive resource for early career researchers (ECRs) navigating the unique challenges of inter and transdisciplinary marine research. Recognizing that traditional academic training often falls short in preparing researchers for the realities of collaborative, cross-disciplinary work, this issue will offer practical guidance, real-world case studies, and actionable advice tailored specifically to ECRs. By doing so, it aims to equip the next generation of marine scientists with the skills needed for diverse career paths, both within and beyond academia. Key topics will include strategies for effective collaboration across disciplines and knowledge systems, guidance on writing for various inter and transdisciplinary contexts, and building broader skill sets such as policy engagement and professional networking. The issue will also address how to select supportive mentors, ensure safety during fieldwork, and foster trusted relationships within research teams. Perspectives from experienced researchers will highlight common challenges and ways to overcome them, while discussions on positionality, reflexivity, and equitable research practices will help ECRs become more reflective and inclusive scientists. In addition, the thematic issue will focus on “translating science”—communicating interdisciplinary marine research to diverse audiences—and showcase innovative approaches to training, participatory research, and science-policy interactions. Emphasis will be placed on fostering ocean literacy, enhancing diversity and inclusion, and building research capacity. A special focus will also be placed on sharing knowledge from regions typically underrepresented in the literature, and on supporting them. By sharing best practices and lessons learned from around the world, this issue aims to support the development of future leaders in sustainable ocean stewardship and interdisciplinary marine science, making it the essential guide for ECRs embarking on inter and transdisciplinary research careers.

Authors interested in submitting a paper for this issue are asked to consult the journal's instructions for authors and submit their abstracts (maximum of 250 words, with a tentative title) through the abstracts system (here). When submitting their abstracts, authors are also asked to confirm that they are aware that Ocean and Society is an open access journal with a publishing fee if the article is accepted for publication after peer-review (corresponding authors affiliated with our institutional members do not incur this fee).

Readers across the globe will be able to access, share, and download this issue entirely for free. Corresponding authors affiliated with any of our institutional members (over 90 institutions worldwide) publish free of charge. Otherwise, an article processing fee will be charged to the authors to cover editorial costs. We defend that authors should not have to personally pay this fee and encourage them to check with their institutions if funds are available to cover open access publication costs. Further information about the journal's open access charges can be found here.

Given the focus of the thematic issue, and in particular the hope to support early career researchers, especially those from the Global South, the editorial office will consider every waiver request on a case-by-case basis as long as it is submitted during the abstract submission phase.