PhD fellowship - WMU-LRF Africa Programme

The World Maritime University (WMU) invites applications for a PhD fellowship supported by Lloyd’s Register Foundation (LRF)

within the WMU–LRF Africa Programme. The research will examine how countries in Sub-Saharan Africa can develop seafaring as a

source of skilled employment and economic opportunity within the Blue Economy. It will investigate the educational, institutional

and labour market conditions that shape access to seafaring careers and identify how these conditions can be improved. Applicants

may focus on the preparation of seafarers through education and training, their access to employment, or the relationship between

the two.

The fellowship will support an original doctoral project that explains how selected barriers to the development and employment of

African seafarers arise and assesses ways to address them. The project should produce findings that can inform decisions by MET

institutions, maritime administrations or employers.

Applicants may approach this subject primarily through MET or through the broader labour market for African seafarers. Proposals

connecting these perspectives are also welcome, provided that they define a coherent and feasible doctoral project.

The research should examine the conditions that enable or constrain seafaring careers in Africa and identify how relevant

institutions, policies and industry practices can improve opportunities. It should consider how increased participation can

translate into decent employment, professional development and economic benefits for African countries and communities.

Applicants are expected to formulate original research questions, demonstrate their academic significance, and propose appropriate

methods. A project may focus on selected countries, institutions, groups of seafarers or labour market relationships. Candidates

are not expected to cover the entire African continent or all the research directions outlined below. The focus of this work is

Sub-Saharan Africa.

1 MET and pathways into employment: Research in this area could examine how African MET systems prepare seafarers for employment

and how education and training can better support the realization of Africa’s seafaring potential.

2 Labour markets and opportunities for African seafarers: Research in this area could examine the factors shaping the

participation of African seafarers in regional and international labour markets and the measures that could expand sustainable

employment opportunities.

Qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods proposals are welcome. Methods should be appropriate to the research question and may

include comparative case studies, interviews, surveys, institutional and policy analysis, labour market analysis, or the

evaluation of educational and partnership initiatives. The principal academic outputs will be a doctoral thesis and peer-reviewed

publications. Depending on the project, the research may also generate policy recommendations, analytical reports, datasets or

practical guidance relevant to African MET institutions, maritime administrations and industry. The successful candidate will be

expected to communicate findings to both academic and practitioner audiences and contribute evidence that can inform the WMU–LRF

Africa Programme.

The Fellow will conduct their research within the WMU–LRF Africa Programme and contribute to relevant programme activities. One

opportunity for empirical research is provided by the Future-Ready Shipping (FRS) in Africa Project, implemented by the

International Maritime Organization (IMO) and funded by the European Union. Its educational component supports maritime education

and training for green and digital shipping in Sub-Saharan Africa.

WMU’s participation in this project provides opportunities to engage with partner institutions, collect data and learn from

practical experience in areas such as training needs assessment, curriculum development, faculty development, digital learning and

industry cooperation. The Fellow will provide research-related support to relevant activities, which may include background

research, data collection and analysis, engagement with partner institutions, and the preparation and documentation of workshops

or pilot activities. These contributions will be agreed in conjunction with the doctoral research plan and organized to support

satisfactory academic progress.

The doctoral project may draw on FRS activities alongside other data sources, partnerships and initiatives relevant to its

research question.

Applicants must apply online via WMU’s portal: https://wmu.se/programmes/phd-maritime-affairs. Click “Apply now” to the Maritime

Affairs (PhD).

3. A one-page motivational letter, subject line of Application: Maritime Observatory PhD Fellowship 2026: Quantitative Fellowship

or Qualitative Fellowship

In addition to completing the application, the applicant must make arrangements for two academic reference letters to be sent

directly by two referees to the Doctoral Office, email phd@wmu.se with subject line: Maritime Observatory PhD Fellowship 2026:

Quantitative or Qualitative Fellowship

Applications for admission will be considered by WMU’s Doctoral Admissions Board, with the participation of the Observatory and

LRF. The Admissions Board will select only the best-qualified candidates taking into account their research proposal as well as

all their qualifications and achievements. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for next steps, which may include an

interview through remote audio-video meetings.

Questions regarding the fellowship and its research focus may be directed to Ms Dofilia Kaloia, Africa Programme Officer

(Strategic Initiatives) at dok@wmu.se. Applicants are welcome to make informal contact before applying.