IMarEST Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are voluntary groups which operate to the benefit of a specialist field. SIGs are governed by a committee of members but all SIGs are open for all members to participate in as corresponding members.

What do SIGs aim to achieve?

SIGs are developed to act as an enabler for the creation, transfer and sharing of knowledge. They utilise 'Nexus', the IMarEST's members-only collaboration and networking platform , enabling SIG members to discuss technical topics and to address conflicts and synergies within sectors. SIGs act as a portal for members and organisations seeking to improve their knowledge about the large variety of disciplines within the marine sector.

Special interest groups aim to:

• Advance the expertise and status of members working in the field, and to provide help and advice to expand their knowledge of the subject.
• Act as a clearinghouse for up-to-date, relevant information and make it available to members.
• Maintain and expand a network of members and affiliate organisations working in that area or simply interested in keeping up to date.
• Develop conferences, seminars and other events related to specialist issues.
• Produce information and position papers on related topics.
• Provide impartial, timely and technically sound information to governments and Intergovernmental Organisations.
• Provide expertise and advice to those in the early stages of their careers.

How can you get involved in SIGs?

Becoming a member of a special interest group will give you access to news and research updates which will be emailed to all members on a quarterly basis providing a platform to discuss issues with other members.

IMarEST Members

• To join a SIG, sign in to the MyIMarEST member portal, click on My Special Interest Groups and tick the boxes of the SIGs you would like to join. Doing so will add you to a SIG's correspondence group.
• After joining a SIG via the MyIMarEST member portal, you should then join the relevant SIG's group on Nexus, the IMarEST networking and collaboration tool. This will enable you to connect and engage with the SIG.
• Potential Committee Members: If you would like to get involved in the running of SIGs, you can sign up to become a member of the committee. Please email with your committee membership request(s) or to find out more.

Non-members

• To join a Special Interest Group, you need to first become a member of the IMarEST
• IMarEST membership is open to all, with a range of membership grades to choose from depending on your career level, experience or interest.
• IMarEST membership is complimentary for all marine students, cadets and apprentices.

Guidance for SIGs

The following document has been created as a guide for anyone wishing to run an IMarEST Special Interest Group (SIG) and contains support on how to begin the process of creating a new SIG, how to successfully run a SIG, get funding and make a real impact on policy and regulation.

pdf Guidance for Special Interest Groups (1.67 MB)