By Thomas Møller Christensen, AAU Communication and Public Affairs

The maritime sector is a cornerstone of the Danish economy, accounting for over a quarter of total exports and employing nearly 100,000 people. Now, the Department of Mathematical Sciences is launching an ambitious initiative to bolster the sector with mathematical expertise and build a stronger bridge between education and industry.

"Mathematicians can play a much bigger role in the maritime sector than they do today," says Costy Kodsi, Assistant Professor at the Department of Mathematical Sciences who led the grant application.

"With digitalization, automation, and green transition driving rapid change, there's a pressing need for skilled mathematicians to develop the theoretical solutions that will address the industry's challenges."

Research, education, and collaboration

The maritime initiative is propelled by a donation of DKK 10 million from the A/S Dampskibsselskabet Orient's Fund. The funding will fuel research and education in the maritime field at Aalborg University.

"Collaboration with industry provides us with invaluable insights into the current challenges and opportunities facing the maritime sector. This is crucial to ensuring that our research is relevant, while also facilitating the development of relevant educational programs," explains Costy Kodsi.

Maritime Careers Fair: Opening doors to exciting opportunities

Costy Kodsi points out that even though the maritime sector is an obvious career opportunity for candidates with a mathematical background, many students are not aware of this. To raise awareness of the diverse career paths available within the maritime sector, one of the first steps in the new maritime initiative is to organize a career fair with participation from companies in the maritime sector.

"The maritime sector holds immense potential for all students, and The Maritime Careers Fair is a unique opportunity for students to learn more about the sector and the exciting career opportunities it offers," states Costy Kodsi.

Costy Kodsi hopes that the career fair will inspire more students to pursue a future in the maritime sector.

"We want this career fair to be not only a source of information, but also a source of inspiration for the students. We hope that it will open their eyes to the many exciting opportunities and challenges that the maritime sector has to offer," says Costy Kodsi.