What's Happening?
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) has announced the second cohort for its Scientific SHE (See Her Exceed) Global Mentorship Programme. This initiative, established under the ISA’s Women in Deep-Sea Research (WIDSR) project, aims to promote women's
empowerment in deep-sea related affairs, fulfilling a voluntary commitment made at the 2017 United Nations Ocean Conference. The program's second phase expands its scope and engagement areas, focusing specifically on cumulative impacts in the marine environment. The Scientific SHE program will support female scientific advisors, researchers, and professionals with technical understanding of environmental impact assessment, particularly in marine environments. Candidates from developing Member States of ISA, especially Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), are strongly encouraged to apply. The program offers one-on-one mentoring, opportunities to contribute to collective knowledge outputs on cumulative impacts, visibility at high-level institutional events, and membership in a Community of Practice on cumulative impact assessment. The first pilot cohort, launched in 2023, successfully concluded in December 2025, producing scientific syntheses and a policy-oriented study that led to the SHE Gender Compact, a framework promoting safe participation of women in at-sea activities.
Why It's Important?
This program is crucial for fostering gender equality and enhancing scientific capacity in the critical field of deep-sea research and ocean governance. By empowering women in developing nations, it addresses historical underrepresentation and provides essential skills for assessing cumulative impacts in marine environments. Cumulative impact assessments are vital for ensuring the sustainable use and protection of the marine environment, especially in areas beyond national jurisdiction, which are increasingly under pressure from various anthropogenic and natural stressors. The initiative contributes to a more inclusive and diverse scientific community, bringing varied perspectives to complex environmental challenges. The focus on cumulative impacts aligns with international ocean governance priorities, including the BBNJ Agreement, which defines these impacts as significant for marine biodiversity. Strengthening the scientific basis for such assessments through this mentorship program will lead to more robust environmental management plans and guidelines, ultimately benefiting global marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
What's Next?
Applications for the second cohort of Scientific SHE are open until October 31, 2026. Following the selection process, mentees will be notified by November 30, 2026, with mentee-mentor matching and onboarding scheduled for December 2026. The mentorship cycle is set to commence in January-February 2027 and will run for one year. Mentees are expected to meet with their mentors monthly, participate in group meetings bi-monthly, engage with relevant course material, and develop a case study. The program's outcomes are anticipated to further strengthen the scientific basis for cumulative impact assessment within the ISA context, potentially leading to the development of practical toolboxes and guidelines. The continued success of this program could also inspire similar initiatives to promote diversity and capacity building in other critical scientific fields globally.
Beyond the Headlines
The Scientific SHE program transcends mere professional development; it addresses systemic issues of gender disparity and capacity gaps in marine science, particularly for developing countries. The emphasis on cumulative impacts highlights a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of environmental stressors and the need for holistic assessment approaches. This initiative contributes to a broader global effort to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) by building a more equitable and scientifically capable workforce. By fostering a community of practice and providing visibility for female scientists, the program helps dismantle barriers and create pathways for women to assume leadership roles in ocean governance. The long-term implications include not only improved scientific understanding and policy-making but also a more inclusive and representative global scientific community, better equipped to tackle the complex challenges facing our oceans.
