SAMOS launches ambitious Erasmus+ partnership in Ocean Sciences education between South Africa & Europe

UCT-MARiS was represented by Marcello Vichi, Louise Gammage, Natasha Karenyi and Leila Nefdt at the official Kick-Off meeting for the South African Master of Ocean Sciences (SAMOS) programme from 8-10 April 2025 at the Nelson Mandela University - Ocean Campus in Gqeberha, joined by several other South African university representatives, EU university representatives and the National Research Foundation (NRF).

This marked the beginning of a dynamic three-year initiative, coordinated by the University of Brest (France), and funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in the field of Higher Education (CBHE) programme (Grant Agreement No. 101179091 – SAMOS – ERASMUS-EDU-2024-CBHE) aimed at enhancing Ocean Sciences education, research, and industry collaboration in South Africa and internationally. This inclusive initiative is a collaborative effort between nine South African universities, five of which are historically disadvantaged universities, the National Research Foundation, and five European partner institutions. 

By fostering international collaboration between South African and EU institutions, the project also seeks to strengthen capacity-building, knowledge exchange, and teaching innovation. The project aims to establish an innovative, high-quality, internationally-recognized, inclusive South African Master of Ocean Sciences (SAMOS) degree that makes best use of available resources and to contribute to the development of a sustainable blue economy.

Read more about the Kick-Off Meeting here: