IMarEST YOUNG MEMBERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT POSIDONIA

The Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology (IMarEST) is staging an IMarEST Young Members’ Network Student Conference today (Tuesday 3 June) on the opening day of Posidonia at the Hellenikon Exhibition Centre on the outskirts of Athens.

"I consider it a great privilege to be in the presence of so many Marine Students” explains IMarEST’s Chief Operating Officer Marcus Jones who will open the Student Conference and award the prizes. “Young members are the lifeblood of our industry and we are eager to encourage them in every way possible. I am delighted that we are staging this conference stream at what is widely regarded as the world’s most prestigious maritime event; and I am looking forward to a stimulating afternoon listening to their presentations and meeting many young members at the networking reception. I urge fellow delegates to Posidonia to help more students explore all the interesting and challenging careers opportunities in our industry!
“We are indebted to the Joint Greek branch and Mr John Prousalidis, Regional Coordinator of the Hellenic Joint Young Members’ Network and Assistant Professor of the Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, for his work on this conference.”

The Joint Branch IMarEST Young Members’ Network Student Conference will begin at 14.00 and, following a welcome address by Marcus Jones, will feature a presentation from Evangelos-Pavlos C. Rousos, the individual winning graduate, who will speak on “Developing a stochastic model to the aid of Flag State Maritime Policy Making: The Cyprus Flag Case Study”, the topic of his thesis.  Second prize is awarded to Vassilios Vassiliou and Joseph Papageorgiou, and third prize goes to Katerina Voutsithi.

Next on the agenda is a group project presentation by a 3-strong marine electrical engineering team (Nikolas Katzouros, Evangelos-Ioannis Avgoulas, and Dimitrios Peppas) on automation and control; and this will be followed by a presentation by Aris Bachos on applying artificial neural networks in the field of maritime transport. The prize giving ceremony will be followed by a guest speaker Mr Peter Leontis, Managing Director, Intership Maritime Inc and Chairman of the IMarEST Greek Joint Branch; and the afternoon will finish with a presentation by IMarEST on the benefits of membership of the Young Members’ Network, and then a networking session.

IMarEST runs an extremely active Young Members’ Network that connects students, graduates, postgraduates and professionals with the IMarEST. It is a vibrant group of individuals who are either studying a marine related course or working in shipping, offshore oil and gas or marine science related sectors; and its activities support education, lifelong learning and professional development connecting young members worldwide.

“We have a Chairman of the Young Members’ Network who works in industry and knows first hand what it’s like to study, leave college, find work and begin to build a successful career in marine engineering, science and technology” explains Abi Virjee of IMarEST’s HQ. “The Young Members’ Network is a vibrant group of young marine professionals and students.  Those who have just graduated find it extremely helpful when they first start work and the Network supports them during the early stage of their career. Our network is truly international; IMarEST members come from all over the world.  In addition to Greece, we have active young members’ networks in the UK; Houston, Texas; Singapore and Malaysia.”

Young members’ activities include technical visits and presentations; debates and forums; seminars and workshops; and social networking and events. It operates a graduate mentor scheme, facilitates lifelong learning and education; provides access to vital resources such as the IMarEST Employment service and Marine Information Centre; and offers support through IMarEST scholarships and Young Member Awards.
  
The IMarEST is the leading professional body for the global marine community. It promotes the scientific development and inter-disciplinary understanding of marine engineering, science and technology and has some 15,000 members in over a hundred countries. During Posidonia the IMarEST stand (251) features show offers on the Institute’s magazines including ‘Shipping World and Shipbuilder’ and ‘MER – Marine Engineers Review’; and also promote the benefits of membership of the Institute for individuals and of the innovative ‘Marine Partners’ scheme for companies.

Further information on all aspects of IMarEST’s work is available on Posidonia Stand 251, at www.imarest.org and from suki.kalsi@imarest.org or sarah.connolly@imarest.org

For further details please see www.imarest.org/ymn