How to engage with, and have impact on, marine governance: a practical guide for ECRs

Journal article : Comment

Early-career researchers (ECRs) are at the forefront of producing the knowledge and solutions needed to address contemporary ocean challenges. Their work is often highly inter- and transdisciplinary, generating insights that are critical for informed decision-making, and effective and equitable marine governance. Yet, despite this potential for impact, many ECRs lack access to the tools, training, and institutional support necessary to engage meaningfully with governance processes. Such structural complexities are further compounded by practical constraints that ECRs experience such as short project timelines and limited networks, making engagement with governance particularly intimidating and/or difficult for ECRs. This paper seeks to empower ECRs against this background by addressing eight frequently asked questions about how ECRs in marine sciences can enhance their impact on marine governance. By equipping emerging researchers with actionable guidance drawn from experience, we hope to strengthen the science–policy interface and empower the next generation of researchers to contribute to more informed and legitimate marine governance.

Authors: Karcher, DB; Cvitanovic, C; Austen, MC; Dunne, AF; Evans, L

• Publication status: Accepted
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Cogitatio Press
• Journal: Ocean and Society
• Volume: 3
• Article number: 12874
• Acceptance date: 2026-06-08
• DOI: 10.17645/oas.12874
• EISSN: 2976-0925
• Language: English
• Keywords: research impact; science-policy interface; transdisciplinary research; early-career researchers
• Subtype: Comment