The lack of professionals trained in integrated and interdisciplinary evidence-based conservation has been identified as one of the key problems in the field of marine conservation science. Therefore, three institutions from Europe and USA - the University of Primorska, Oregon State University and Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation - have come together and launched the International School of Marine Conservation Science, isMCS (http://ismcs.famnit.upr.si/en/).
The School will be held in Koper, Slovenia (EU), 21-30 June 2018. Our goal is to enhance education and capacity building in the field of marine conservation by training a new generation of conservation scientists. If you are a student or professional with interest in the biological, ecological, environmental, cultural, social, political and economic aspects of Marine Conservation, and aim to make your career in the field of marine conservation science then this class is for you!

Program & Instructors isMCS is a 10-day intensive international graduate-level course focused on the key concepts of evidence-based conservation in marine ecosystems.
The program covers multiple aspects of marine conservation, including the physical, biological, and human dimension components. It is comprised of lectures, laboratory exercises, field courses, readings and discussions, student projects, and guest lectures.
The School is taught in English, by an international team of lecturers, guest speakers and field instructors from Europe and USA, led by Prof. Dr. Selina Heppell, Head of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University.
They will present the latest trends and state of the art knowledge in the field of marine conservation science. Location and Venue isMCS activities take place in three EU countries.
The lectures are based at the University of Primorska in Koper (Slovenia), located on the northern coast of the Adriatic Sea. Field classes include the Marine Reserve of Miramare (Italy), with the last 2.5 days on the Island of Lošinj (Croatia) hosted by the Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation.
Who should apply? isMCS is directed at MSc and PhD students with a basic degree in biology/ecology, environmental sciences or related subjects. This course is offered globally to all students who aim to make their careers in marine conservation science.

Registration, Course Credits and Student Grants isMCS is accredited by both U.S. (5 credits) and the European credit transfer systems (6 ECTS), by the Oregon State University and the University of Primorska, respectively. The two best applicants will receive a student grant from the University of Primorska covering their tuition fee. For registration and details, please visit the isMCS web page: http://ismcs.famnit.upr.si/en/

Registration deadline: 01 February 2018
Our goal is to provide not only concept and content, but to also facilitate interactions between, and learning among students coming from different countries and geo-political systems across the World. Given that students in this class are developing professionals who aim to make their careers in the field of marine conservation, these international contacts may form the basis for long-term international collaborative opportunities.
For additional info please contact:
- students from Europe, Africa and Asia: Assoc. Prof. Bojan Lazar, PhD (Bojan.Lazar@upr.si)
- students from North, Central and South America, and Indo-Pacific region: Assoc. Prof. Scott Heppell, PhD (Scott.Heppell@oregonstate.edu)