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Marine Labs as Workforce Development Centers for the Blue Economy

October 1 - October 2

NEAMGLL Biennial meeting, UMass Boston October 1-2, 2026

Agenda

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Marine laboratories serve as the centers for innovation in marine technology, marine operations, aquaculture, coastal resiliency practices and the broader blue economy. Our laboratories provide value-added programming to their institutions, including topic-specific workshops, micro-credentialing programs, and technology innovation.  We will have breakout sessions and panels around this general theme of workforce development and the blue economy, as well as other topics including financial sustainability in the face of the current enrollment and support challenges of our higher education members.

Highlights of the meeting will include;

  • Keynote address by our own Dr. Deborah Bronk to speak on R&D and the Blue Economy – Dr. Bronk’s talk will explore how innovation, partnerships, and investment in science and technology can strengthen ocean-based industries, enhance resilience, and support thriving coastal communities for future generations using the state of Maine as a case study.
  • Update on NAML’s new website and resources
  • NOAA NEFSC and NSF FSML program overviews
  • Student lightning talks
  • A series of talks on marine operations and marine technology training programs and microcredentials
    • A break out session for marine operations staff
  • An update from Federal Science Partners on government funding
    • A break out and panel session to discuss funding opportunities and challenges
  • An evening social overlooking Boston Harbor
  • Day two lab and field tours
    • Member lab visit – Northeastern University’s Marine Science Center & Coastal Sustainability Institute
    • Boston Harbor vessel tour with Stone Living Lab researchers
    • Tour of UMass Boston Research Labs

There will be a virtual option but in-person attendance is of course strongly encouraged – face to face networking is one of the greatest benefits of these meetings.

Housing options near UMass Boston. There is no room block established, please consider any of these hotels listed generally in order of convenience on the UMass site.
Travel to UMass Boston is easy from the Boston train stations (South Station) and Boston-Logan Airport.
The free UMass Boston shuttle bus stops at the campus center, it picks people up at the JFK MBTA (Train) stop as well as remote UMass Parking next to the Double Tree Hotel on Mt. Vernon Street. Boston is a beautiful city with many of our member labs within driving distance – consider staying longer for personal time or to visit colleagues at any of the many member labs within a few hours!

Details

Venue

  • UMass Boston