MARBLE

Joint Master on Maritime Robotics in Blue Economy

The primary objective of the MARBLE project is to enhance competencies and skills in the application of maritime robotics within the realm of the blue economy (Topic 1). This involves the facilitation of an innovative joint master program titled "MARBLE – Maritime Robotics in Blue Economy" and the execution of collaborative training initiatives orchestrated by a network comprising universities, research organizations, business clusters, and a digital innovation hub. Key challenges addressed by the project include the necessity for intersectoral and technological expertise in Blue Economy education and the absence of an internationally oriented, interdisciplinary, sustainable-minded Master's program dedicated to Maritime Robotics in Blue Economy.

To address these challenges, the MARBLE project has established the following objectives:

1. to establish a network of academic and business partners working together on maritime robotics skills enhancement and capacity building in blue economy by organizing a series of networking events and study visits to partner sites and companies. These events will also include educational methodology seminars and best practice knowledge transfer.
2. to contribute to fostering of knowledge and skills on sustainable blue economy in the Adriatic-Ionian Area and enhancing the importance of education and of innovative approaches based on new technologies. This will be achieved by organizing a training course providing theoretical and practical knowledge and a hackathon that will be focussed on solving problems relevant to blue economy areas.
3. to prepare and deliver the documentation required for a joint Master's programme on maritime robotics in blue economy, e.g. the necessary accreditation documents, including curriculum, administrative processes and the university path and mobility scheme

The primary output of the MARBLE project is the establishment of the MARBLE network (linked to the first objective). The durability of project outputs is assured through the second main output: the MARBLE strategy and action plan. This plan concentrates on implementing the joint Master Program MARBLE by defining both long-term and short-term goals, as well as actions and resources for realization.

The MARBLE partnership encompasses four universities and one research organization with expertise in blue economy topics and robotics-related areas, along with experience in developing joint master programs. Additionally, a business cluster and a digital innovation hub act as liaisons to industry within the blue economy sectors. Substantial industry support is demonstrated through 29 letters of support obtained from companies and research organizations willing to contribute to the Joint Master Program, offering opportunities such as hosting internships, providing mentorship to students, and delivering lectures in their respective fields of expertise.

Link to the website of the project: https://marble.adrioninterreg.eu/