Application - Opening on the 27th of October
AI4OCEAN Winter school
A three-day training activity focusing on AI-enhanced biodiversity assessment, maritime surveillance, and beyond. The school will combine lectures, practical sessions, and field-based activities, while also supporting the development of presentation and scientific communication skills among participants. It is expected to involve primarily MSc and PhD students, as well as early career researchers from diverse disciplinary backgrounds (e.g. marine science, AI, data science).
Your research deserves a place in the conversation. Join scientists, AI specialists and ocean professionals in Cyprus for AI4OCEAN 2027, and help shape the next generation of ocean observation, marine biodiversity monitoring and maritime intelligence.
Why apply?
- ·Learn from experts working on deep learning, Earth observation, underwater acoustics, marine biodiversity and maritime surveillance.
- Connect your research to real-world data and challenges, including the AXOLOTL project’s work from sky to seafloor.
- ·Meet an international network of researchers and practitioners; explore collaborations and future career opportunities.
- ·Engage with the scientific conference and opportunities for early-career contributions, subject to the programme and applicable submission procedures.
Who should apply?
We welcome applications from PhD researchers, postdoctoral researchers and other early-career professionals working at the intersection of AI, data science, marine science, Earth observation, environmental monitoring or related fields. Applicants from less-resourced organisations, institutions without dedicated mobility budgets and underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
You will receive the result of the application within 15 days, upon which you can complete the registration process.
ECR support
We aim to make participation more accessible to talented early-career researchers who could not otherwise attend. A limited number of competitive participation-support opportunities is being planned, subject to final funding and programme arrangements.
Selected applicants may receive assistance with eligible participation costs—for example registration, travel and/or accommodation—within a defined award ceiling. The exact coverage, reimbursement procedure and conditions will be communicated before any offer is accepted.
How the ECR support process works
1. Complete the short Microsoft Forms application, and select 'Yes' to question 11 about sponsorship. Tell us about your research, why AI for Ocean is relevant to you, and what financial support you need. No lengthy proposal is required.
2. The organising team assesses eligibility, scientific fit, motivation and financial need using a transparent and consistent process. We may contact shortlisted applicants for clarification.
3. Applicants will be informed of the outcome within 15 days of the application. Awards are subject to available funds and any applicable travel/financial rules.
4. Successful applicants will receive practical instructions to complete registration and any required supporting paperwork. Applying for support does not itself register you for the event or constitute conference abstract acceptance.
Prepare before you apply
Have a short description of your research, your institution and career stage, a short motivation, estimated costs, and details of any other financial support available. An optional professional profile or publication link can help reviewers understand your work.
Key dates
Event
Date
Applications and Scholarships Open
Tuesday, 27th October 2026
Registrations Open*
Tuesday, 27th October 2026
Applications Close
Sunday, 20th December 2026
Notification of Decisions for Scholarships
Within 15 days of the application
Registrations Close
Sunday, 20th December 2026
AXOLOTL Winter School
Wednesday, 10th -> Friday, 12th February 2027
* If you are applying for a scholarship for the Winter School, please wait to hear the outcome of your application (within 15 days of submission) before registering for the event.
Partners
