The first cohort of AOS-SAMOS students anchors at Nelson Mandela University…
2 February 2026 | Gqeberha, SANelson Mandela University’s Ocean Sciences Campus in Gqeberha, welcomed the first cohort of students enrolled in the Applied Ocean Sciences – South African Master of Ocean Sciences (AOS-SAMOS) programme, who are formally registered at the @university_of_cape_town, a collaborative effort that will train and prepare a new generation of ocean scientists and professionals. A total of 20 students have registered for the inaugural intake, with 16 attending in person and 4 participating online; a cohort that includes students from across South Africa, as well as Austria and the United States.On the first day of Orientation week, students were welcomed by the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Prof. Christina Grobler, the Deputy Dean, Prof. Zenixole Tshentu, and Dr. Denise Schael, Head of the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanographic Sciences at Nelson Mandela University, before diving into a programme introduction given by course conveners, Prof. Marcello Vichi and Dr. Louise Gammage from the University of Cape Town.
During the week, students are being introduced to the ocean sciences campus facilities, as well as to key academic and institutional processes, including research ethics, the responsible use of AI, library services and online course platform, to ensure they are well prepared for the start of the formal coursework.
The AOS-SAMOS programme marks not only the start of an academic path, but the beginning of a shared commitment to advancing ocean knowledge, sustainability and impact across local and global contexts. We wish the first cohort every success as they chart new waters and help shape the future of ocean science!
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