São Paulo School of Advanced Science in
Ocean literacy is a globally emerging concept, centered on dialogues for sustainable development and the UN Ocean Decade. More than just knowledge about the ocean, ocean literacy addresses the relationship between humans and the ocean.
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science (SPSAS) is a prestigious academic program funded by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) in Brazil. It brings together leading senior researchers from Brazil and abroad to teach and mentor graduate students and early-career researchers from all over the world. During this time, participants attend lectures, workshops, and discussions, often led by top experts in the field.
SPSAS is a great opportunity to network, collaborate, and learn in an immersive academic setting! The SPSAS-Ocean Literacy (SPSAS – OL) will be a space to discuss ocean literacy, including scientific, local and indigenous knowledge.
In the context of climate, social-environmental crises, and ongoing debates around sustainable development, understanding ocean literacy is essential to comprehend how the major climate-regulating systems interact and help strengthen the relationship between humans and the environment. Ocean literacy is not limited to a specific field but encompasses a variety of sectors, including education, conservation, climate resilience, economy and communication.
The knowledge of Indigenous peoples and traditional communities is also fundamental to understanding and ensuring the conservation of coastal and marine biodiversity. These communities hold a deep understanding of local ecosystems and have developed sustainable resource management practices passed down through generations over centuries, that can inspire society how to act sustainably.
The SPSAS – Ocean Literacy is open for application to graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, traditional knowledge holders and professionals from different fields, with an interest in ocean science, sustainability, education and science-policy interface.
The activities will occur during 14 days in Santos, Brazil, supported by São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP). A total of 100 participants will be selected, 50 from Brazil (with 25 from the State of São Paulo and 25 from other states, with an initial estimate of approximately 5–7 students per region of the country) and 50 from all regions of the world (8 from South America; 8 from Africa; 8 from Asia-Australia; 8 from the Caribbean; 8 from North America; 10 from Europe).
Selection will take into account geographic and gender representativeness, in order to promote the diversity of the School’s participants.
The School program includes four modules that cover the Vision 2030 (Challenge 10) ambitions for the UN Ocean Decade and will integrate 100 early career researchers and students to a transdisciplinary discussion with a range of experts.
Preliminary program (the specific daily schedule will be announced soon)
Understand the origin and evolution of the concept of ocean literacy
Understand the development context in which the concept is situated, its relationship with global agendas, climate change, and the Decade of Ocean Science
Discuss the relationship between ocean literacy and ocean science
Discuss the current state of the concept based on White Paper 10 – Vision 2030 of the Decade of Ocean Science and the four drivers of strategic ambition
Learn about the participants’ experiences and their connections with ocean literacy
Understand the application of ocean literacy in relation to different themes and audiences
Identify and discuss tools and methodologies for developing ocean literacy
Understand the importance of transdisciplinarity, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within the topic
Identify areas of interest for action in ocean literacy and begin structuring proposals in groups mentored by the speakers
Develop participants’ strategic communication skills to work at the science-society interface
Discuss proposals to achieve the strategic ambitions of the Vision 2030 of the Decade of Ocean Science, co-produced by participants and mentored by the speakers
Strengthen participants’ leadership in discussions and proposals on advanced science for ocean literacy in transdisciplinary panels
Reinforce the lessons learned from successful ocean literacy experiences
Develop critical thinking regarding the proposed projects and assess their potential and implementation challenges
Evaluate the participants’ learning outcomes and skill development, as well as the SPSAS -OL program
SPSAS Ocean Literacy is designed to host PhD students/candidates and early career researchers that have earned their PhD from 2018 onward. Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory. Exceptionally, Master students carrying out ocean literacy research, public servants or non-governmental organizations staff with a Master’s degree, and young indigenous leaders with notorious knowledge can also be accepted (to a maximum of 10% of the available spots, pending approval by the funder).
We welcome applications from students, researchers, and professionals from diverse fields connected to ocean literacy and related areas. Ocean literacy is a transdisciplinary research area and the SPSAS Ocean Literacy will be working on the dimensions of education, communication, systems of knowledge, cultural connections in close relation to topics of sustainable blue economy, climate resilience and justice, diversity, equity and inclusion.
Approximately 100 applicants, 50 from Brazil and 50 from other countries will be selected to participate in this School of Advanced Science. Indigenous, Afro-descendent and candidates with disabilities will also be eligible for bonuses at the discretion of the Organizing Committee.
Participants will be selected based on their curriculum vitae, most recent academic transcript, by the analysis of the letters of recommendation and by the analysis of the letter of intent. The selection process will consider criteria of gender balance and ethnic/racial diversity.
You must confirm your availability to participate fully in the event (from August 19 to September 01, 2025). To this end, trips will be organized so that students arrive the day before school starts and depart when it ends, according to flight and bus availability.
CV – short curriculum vitae, with academic achievements and/or relevant professional experience, highlighting connections with the School’s theme (following FAPESP format – LINK https://fapesp.br/6351/instructions-for-the-elaboration-of-a-curricular-summary – up to four pages).
Letter of motivation – explaining reasons for applying to the School and how participation will benefit your future training and work. Candidates must describe (1-2 pages maximum): 1) the reasons that led you to enroll in this school 2) How does your current project relate to ocean literacy? 3) How do you see yourself as a professional working within ocean literacy in the future?
Letter of Recommendation – by your Supervisor on letterhead if you are a graduate student; by the Principal Investigator of the project you are engaged with if you are an early career researcher; by the immediate superior if you are a public servant; or by the head of an indigenous organization if you are a young indigenous leader. In addition to specific recommendations about the candidate, the letter of recommendation must certify that the candidate is authorized to attend the school for the entire period. The letter can be attached by the applicant with the other documents in the form or it can be sent by the person writing it, directly to the School email (southoceanliteracy@gmail.com) no later than the application deadline.
Institutional Statement – Attach a statement signed by a representative of your institution certifying your valid enrollment in the current graduate program indicated by you (Transcript document from your university attesting that you are enrolled in a graduate program if you are a student. If you have recently concluded your program/course, attach a copy of a conclusion declaration (or similar document).
** All documents must be compiled into a single PDF (except letters of recommendation sent directly by the supervisor).
The scientific committee is currently in the process of carefully reviewing all submissions. We aim to share the results and notify all applicants as soon as possible.
Incomplete applications will be excluded.
Please submit your application as soon as possible to ensure documents are organized for review and selection.
The costs of round-trip, meals, shared accommodation, travel insurance (only for foreign participants), will be fully covered by The São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP).
The event will be conducted in English. You must declare your ability to communicate effectively in English.
FAPESP scholarship holders must use their research project funds/technical reserve to cover travel and daily expenses during the school.
When required foreign candidates must be aware of visa processing times to ensure their travel to Brazil in time for the school. The organization will not cover the costs of Visa applications. The selected participants will receive an acceptance letter from the SPSAS – Ocean Literacy organization, which may assist in the visa application process.
Airline tickets purchased by the SPSAS Ocean Literacy organization on behalf of the selected participants will consider economy-class travel with the best available fares at the time of purchase, following a reasonable itinerary and travel time.
The school will take place in Santos, São Paulo. Santos is a vibrant coastal city in southeastern Brazil, known for its rich maritime heritage, environmental diversity, and historical significance. Home to the largest port in Latin America, Santos plays a vital role in Brazil’s ocean economy, making it an ideal setting to explore topics related to ocean literacy, coastal management, and sustainable development.
The city offers a unique learning environment where urban development meets coastal ecosystems. With its blend of natural beauty, socio-environmental challenges, and opportunities for community engagement, Santos provides a dynamic context to reflect on the human–ocean relationship.
More detailed information will be announced soon.
Contact the organizing committee via the email address southoceanliteracy@gmail.com.
