How to Engage With, and Have Impact on, Marine Governance: A Practical Guide for Early-Career Researchers

Denis B. Karcher; Christopher Cvitanovic; Melanie C. Austen; Aislinn F. Dunne; Louisa Evans; Rebecca Gruby; Nicole Malinconico; Shannon McLaughlin; E. J. Milner-Gulland; Nathalie A. Steins

doi:10.17645/oas.12874

Commentary | Open Access

How to Engage With, and Have Impact on, Marine Governance: A Practical Guide for Early-Career Researchers

Denis B. Karcher Anthropocene Laboratory, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Sweden
Christopher Cvitanovic Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, University of New South Wales, Australia / Business School, University of New South Wales, Australia
Melanie C. Austen School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, UK
Aislinn F. Dunne General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS), Saudi Arabia
Louisa Evans Department of Geography, University of Exeter, UK
Rebecca Gruby Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Miami, USA / Robert K. Johnson Center for Marine Conservation, University of Miami, USA
Nicole Malinconico Global Water Institute, University of New South Wales, Australia / Centre for Nature Positive Solutions, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia
Shannon McLaughlin Environmental Policy Group, Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands
E. J. Milner-Gulland Department of Biology, University of Oxford, UK
Nathalie A. Steins Wageningen Marine Research, Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands

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Abstract: Early-career researchers (ECRs) are at the forefront of producing the knowledge and solutions needed to address contemporary ocean challenges. Their work is often highly inter- and transdisciplinary, generating insights that are critical for informed decision-making, and effective and equitable marine governance. Yet, despite this potential for impact, many ECRs lack access to the tools, training, and institutional support necessary to engage meaningfully with governance processes. Such structural complexities are further compounded by practical constraints that ECRs experience such as short project timelines and limited networks, making engagement with governance particularly intimidating and/or difficult for ECRs. This commentary seeks to empower ECRs against this background by addressing eight frequently asked questions about how ECRs in marine sciences can enhance their impact on marine governance. By equipping emerging researchers with actionable guidance drawn from experience, we hope to strengthen the science–policy interface and empower the next generation of researchers to contribute to more informed and legitimate marine governance.

Keywords: early-career researchers; research impact; science–policy interface; transdisciplinary research

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Published: 8 July 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17645/oas.12874

Issue: Vol 3 (2026): Tides of Change: Reflective and Practical Skills for the Next Generation of Marine Researchers (In Progress)

© Denis B. Karcher, Christopher Cvitanovic, Melanie C. Austen, Aislinn F. Dunne, Louisa Evans, Rebecca Gruby, Nicole Malinconico, Shannon McLaughlin, EJ Milner-Gulland, Nathalie A. Steins. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits any use, distribution, and reproduction of the work without further permission provided the original author(s) and source are credited.

Ocean and Society

Open Access Journal

ISSN: 2976-0925

How to Engage With, and Have Impact on, Marine Governance: A Practical Guide for Early-Career Researchers