Joana Fernandes and Inês Castro, PhD candidates at CESAM/DBIO, University of Aveiro, are part of the OYSTER – Orienting Young ScienTists of EuroMarine – structure for 2026. Joana Fernandes continues in her role as co-chair of the group, while Inês Castro joins for the first time, contributing to the Engagement Team.
OYSTER is the permanent working group of the EuroMarine network dedicated to supporting early-career researchers in marine sciences, promoting their representation, professional development, and participation in scientific and networking initiatives.
At the end of 2025, the selection process for new members received 21 applications, of which 20 were deemed eligible, representing 12 EuroMarine member institutions across five European countries. From this pool, 12 applicants were selected to join OYSTER in 2026.
The group maintains a total of 25 members, representing 15 institutions from 10 countries, and is organized into six working teams: coordination, secretariat, communication, mentorship, engagement, and funding acquisition. The latter was established in 2026 as a support unit aimed at strengthening fundraising efforts, fostering institutional collaborations, and enhancing the visibility of OYSTER’s activities.
In addition, three candidates have been shortlisted as alternates, to be considered in case of withdrawal or insufficient participation from selected members throughout the year.
For 2026, OYSTER also introduces a revised organizational structure based on designated team leads responsible for coordination and internal communication. This restructuring aims to improve efficiency and streamline collaboration across teams.
The involvement of Joana Fernandes and Inês Castro reinforces CESAM’s presence within this European initiative, contributing to the strengthening of international networks and to the active engagement in activities supporting early-career researchers in marine sciences.