ISATEC - International Studies in Aquatic Tropical EcologyUniversität Bremen

The international M.Sc. study program ISATEC, originally established at the University of Bremen in collaboration with the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), prepares young professionals for research and practical work related to the management and conservation of tropical aquatic ecosystems and their resources. The courses are taught in English and follow the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). From winter term 2020/2021 onwards, ISATEC is a specific study profile within the revised M.Sc. Marine Biology program. ISATEC is a member of the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) scholarship program “Development-Related Postgraduate Courses” (EPOS), offering scholarship opportunities for citizens of developing countries. The main objectives of ISATEC are to understand the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems in the tropics, to learn theoretical concepts and methods for resource assessment and evaluation, and to learn approaches for coastal planning and management. By studying ISATEC-specific courses, participants will become experts in tropical aquatic ecosystem research and learn to reconcile the use and conservation of these ecosystems. They will be equipped to join or conduct multidisciplinary research or management teams working in tropical coastal zones or freshwater systems, as well as to pursue doctoral studies in aquatic ecology or integrated coastal zone management.

Since its inception in 1999, over 330 students from 62 countries have graduated from ISATEC. Many alumni now hold important positions in their home countries and maintain close collaborations with the ZMT and the University of Bremen. The ZMT Alumni Network, an extensive scientific network of over 800 alumni, facilitates information gathering, knowledge exchange, and networking through events and newsletters.