As the maritime sector undergoes rapid transformation to meet the demands of decarbonisation, digitalisation, and sustainability, the need for forward-thinking research is more critical than ever. The WEGEMT VISIONS Best PhD Thesis Award responds to this need by recognising and promoting the most promising young minds across Europe.

What sets this award apart is its strong academic and industrial relevance. It encourages cross-sectoral thinking by inviting PhD candidates to showcase how their work contributes not just to theoretical advancements but also to real-world impact. Whether through zero-emission ship technologies, smarter port operations, or innovations in marine safety and logistics, the award celebrates research that has the potential to shape the future of the WATERBORNE domain.

Moreover, the structured evaluation process—based on originality, academic rigour, societal impact, and clarity—ensures that the selected winners are truly exemplary in their field. By incorporating bonuses for industrial involvement and international collaboration, the award also recognises the value of practical engagement and global academic mobility.
This initiative reaffirms WEGEMT’s pivotal role in cultivating a vibrant, collaborative ecosystem for maritime education and research. It sends a powerful message to both academia and industry: investing in young researchers is investing in the sustainable future of European maritime innovation.

Stay tuned as we highlight past winners, showcase thesis topics, and share interviews with the researchers shaping tomorrow’s maritime world.