OP-ED: University of Milano-Bicocca's MaRHE Center: Italian excellence in the Maldives

The following is an op-ed written by Professor Paolo Galli, Director of MaRHE Center Maldives.

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The Marine Research and High Education Center of the University of Milano-Bicocca is an outpost of Milano Bicocca located in Magoodhoo Island, in Republic of Maldives, born from collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Maldives and with the support of the Consulate and the Italian Embassy in Sri Lanka and Maldives.

MaRHE Center is the place where prospective and current students and community members can find dedicated workshops, thesis opportunities in many marine related issues (such as marine ecology, marine zoology, marine biology, marine geology, human geography, anthropology, etc.), events, fascinating scientific exploits, and research breakthroughs. The multidisciplinary nature of tropical marine sciences and the interconnectedness of tropical marine processes and systems always lend to collaboration:  MaRHE Center - in fostering collaboration at different levels around the world - has expanded its network that now includes universities and research institutes from all continents.

In 2019, MaRHE Center hosted 43 professors and researchers, and 223 students. The affiliated staff published 12 articles in international journals, participated in 15 scientific congresses, took part in three international expeditions, supported 23 Master’s thesis, and organized 17 national and international events. The increasing number of workshops offered by MaRHE Center continues to attract high quality passionate students.

MaRHE Center is engaged in strengthening its ties with external partners, including the Harvard University, the United Nations Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Maldives, and Maldives Police Service. In February 2019, at the presence of Mr. Mohamed Nasheed – former President of the Republic of Maldives - MaRHE Center celebrated 10 years of activities in the Maldives.  During the ceremony, the University of Milano-Bicocca and the Government of Maldives signed a new agreement to extend MaRHE Center's presence and collaboration for the next ten years. In 2019, MaRHE Center enhanced its communication network, through an improved web presence, which includes accessible information on any activities offered, a lively Facebook page (with 3000 followers), and an Instagram profile (with 1500 followers). In addition to its own channels, MaRHE Center has been often mentioned on the institutional website. and on Bicocca social networks, and general and specific news have been published about the internships offered by the departments of science, sociology and education. MaRHE Center and the presence of the University of Milano-Bicocca in the Maldives have been mentioned in 92 articles/reports by the national press review.

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Paolo Galli is the founder and Director of the Marine Research and High Education (MaRHE) Center Maldives, an outpost of the University of Milano-Bicocca in Faafu Magoodhoo. He is full professor of ecology at the University of Milano-Bicocca, and co-founded the Postgraduate Course in Marine Sciences at the University of Milano-Bicocca together with the Maldives National University.