Bermuda’s collaboration with Arizona State University is a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of education in shaping a sustainable future.
This partnership, through the new ASU Bermuda scholarships, epitomises the merging of local talent with global opportunities in the crucial field of ocean science.
According to Mark Guishard, the chief operating officer of ASU Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, it’s also setting a new standard for education in ocean sciences and beyond.
“BIOS is a part of ASU, and this propels us into a new realm of possibilities, bridging island potential with worldwide academic excellence,” he said. “It’s a major leap forward not just for Bermuda but for the field of ocean science education globally.”
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
Dr Guishard said ASU’s commitment to providing five full tuition scholarships for local students underlined a shared vision of nurturing homegrown talent.
It may also one day lead the way for more Bermudians to pursue careers in ocean science, should they wish to go down that path.
“BIOS already has a long history of supporting generations of young marine scientists in Bermuda through our Ocean Academy programmes, reaching over 2,500 local school-aged and university students in 2024.
“We plan on growing that effort to foster more STEM capabilities in Bermuda.”
Research shows there is an undeniable need.
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the demand for oceanographers and related scientists is projected to grow significantly in the coming decades.
This increase is driven by the urgent need to address climate change, biodiversity loss and marine pollution. A recent report by UNESCO highlighted that ocean sciences received less than 4 per cent of the total budget allocated to natural sciences globally, yet ocean health is critical to the planet’s future.
The World Economic Forum also underscored the economic and environmental importance of the ocean, suggesting that the “ocean economy” could double to $3 trillion by 2030, creating millions of jobs in sectors such as aquaculture, renewable energy, and biotechnology.
However, fulfilling this potential hinges on advancing our understanding of ocean systems, necessitating a surge in qualified ocean scientists and professionals.
NURTURING TALENT: BIOS AND ASU’S PIONEERING VISION
But how did Bermuda get this chance to join forces with ASU, which stands as one of the top 1 per cent of universities in the world?
Dr Guishard said the relationship has been nurtured for several years and has involved countless hours of dedication.
“BIOS’ affiliation with ASU has been in place since 2021, and it resulted from our connections in science, business and academia,” he said. “The synergies and opportunities resulting from the partnership were clear for both organisations.
“One of the results of ASU and BIOS joining forces was a new ability to provide benefits to Bermuda students beyond ocean science. Our vision was to support local students in a wide range of diverse disciplines.”
The ASU Bermuda Scholarships are a bridge to the future for Bermudian students, offering access to the university’s 700+ academic programmes.
This explains why this year’s five ASU Bermuda scholarship recipients are in fields of study are as diverse as the island’s ecosystem, from art history to biomedical engineering, financial planning, speech and hearing science and management.
Bermuda: a global science and education hub The ASU BIOS collaboration goes beyond scholarships.
BIOS scientists are now also faculty in ASU’s School of Ocean Futures, the university’s newest research and learning centre, equipped with a fleet of ocean researchers – all striving to find solutions for a healthier, more sustainable relationship with our oceans.
For decades, BIOS has annually hosted up to 700 international students at its campus in St George’s. The plan is to continue expanding its offerings and support services to foster even greater growth in research and academic excellence.
Dr Guishard said: “This endeavour is not only about cultivating local talent but leveraging
Bermuda’s reputation as an international hub for environmental science to develop more research and education into sustainability and resilience.”
VISION OF INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
One thing that sets ASU apart from many other prestigious US-based universities is that its charter embodies an ethos of genuine opportunity.
Dr Guishard said: “The mindset at ASU is removed from the elitist attitudes of exclusivity found elsewhere, focusing instead on addressing real-world problems that directly impact people’s lives.”
ASU charter statement reads that it “is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves.”
Promoting this vision is essential to Bermuda, marking a step towards enriching the island’s economic landscape through diversification.
“This educational initiative unlocks a myriad of opportunities, not just academically but economically, for Bermudians at home and on the global stage,” Dr Guishard said.
“It empowers students with more education options, whether through local institutions like Bermuda College or studies abroad.”
He added that ASU’s BIOS partnership signified more than a scholarship programme: it delineates a blueprint for intertwining Bermuda’s economic vigour with the flourishing field of ocean sciences.
“It sets a precedent for leveraging academic advancements in marine studies as a catalyst for economic expansion,” he said.
“In fostering a generation of adept ocean scientists and professionals, Bermuda aligns its economic ambitions with the imperatives of sustainable ocean management and research, thereby promoting an inclusive and diversified economic structure pivotal for its enduring prosperity and environmental stewardship.”
