Governance
SAMOS Consortium
The SAMOS consortium brings together multiple South African universities and research institutions to jointly deliver a nationally coordinated Master of Ocean Sciences degree. By combining academic expertise, research capacity, and regional strengths, the programme offers students a more integrated and interdisciplinary learning experience than a traditional single-institution degree.
The programme is overseen by a dedicated governance structure that ensures transparency, shared ownership, and inclusive decision-making among all partners. Clear roles, representative committees, and agreed processes support collaboration in curriculum design, supervision, and strategic direction, helping maintain consistent academic standards and long-term sustainability.
The SAMOS Advisory Board is constituted of the Deputy Vice Chancellors (or their nominated representative) from the SAMOS consortium members. It advises, gives guidance to the programme and validates the annual work plan of the Steering Committee.
| Photo | Name | Institution |
|---|---|---|
 | Prof. Marshall Sheldon | Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) |
| Dr. Laurent Vidal | French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) |
| Vacant | National Research Foundation (NRF) |
| Prof. Azwinndini Muronga | Nelson Mandela University (NMU) |
| Dr. Kwezi Mzilikazi | Rhodes University (RU) |
 | Dr. Johnny Johannessen | Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center (NERSC) |
| Prof. Frédéric Jean | University of Brest (UBO) |
| Prof. Patricia Cucchi | University of Montpellier (UM) |
| Prof. Anne Gro | University of Bergen (UiB) |
| Prof. Hussein Suleiman | University of Cape Town (UCT) |
| Dr. Nthabi Taole-Mjimba | University of Fort Hare (UFH) |
| Prof. Neil Koorbanally | University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
| Prof. José Frantz | University of the Western Cape (UWC) |
| Prof. Nokuthula Kunene | University of Zululand (UNIZULU) |
| Prof. Nosisi Feza | Walter Sisulu University (WSU) |
The Steering Committee is constituted of one academic representative from each SAMOS consortium member as well as one representative from the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity and the South African Environmental Observation Network. The Steering Committee for the coordination and management of the programme.
| Photo | Name | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| David Walker | Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
 | David Kaplan | French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) |
| Denise Schael | Nelson Mandela University |
| Cliff Jones | Rhodes University |
| Tommy Bornman | South African Environmental Observation Network |
| Garth van Heerden | South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity |
 | Annette Samuelsen | Nansen Environmental Remote and Sensing Center |
 | Steven Herbette | University of Brest |
 | Bastien Mérigot | University of Montpellier |
| Øyvind Fiksen | University of Bergen |
| Louise Gammage | University of Cape Town |
 | Niall Vine | University of Fort Hare |
| Ursula Scharler | University of KwaZulu-Natal |
 | Mark Gibbons | University of the Western Cape |
| Ntuthuko Masikane | University of Zululand |
| Albert Modi | Walter Sisulu University |
