SAMK strengthens IAMU collaboration through visiting academic programme at AMC, Tasmania, Australia

In February 2026, Professor, Dr. Minna Keinänen-Toivola from Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK), Finland, completed a two-week visiting academic programme hosted by the Australian Maritime College (AMC), University of Tasmania (UTAS). The visit, hosted by Director Stephen Hurd (Centre for Seafaring and Maritime Operations), significantly strengthened the long-standing collaboration between SAMK and AMC within the framework of the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU).

The visit began at AMC’s Newnham campus in Launceston, where Professor Keinänen-Toivola participated in AMC’s 2026 Student Orientation Day and held stakeholder meetings with the Principal, Associate Head of Research, and Centre Directors. These discussions focused on joint research initiatives in maritime digitalization and the green transition, Arctic and polar maritime operations, future collaboration and supervision models, and the renewal and expansion of the Memorandum of Understanding.

The collaboration between SAMK and AMC has grown through IAMU networks, mutual trust, and shared commitment to high-quality maritime education. This visiting academic programme demonstrates how IAMU membership enables structured academic mobility, supports joint research development, connects institutions with industry stakeholders, and strengthens global maritime education ecosystems.

The visit reaffirmed that IAMU is not only a network of institutions but a living platform for meaningful cooperation across continents. SAMK and AMC aim to continue and expand their collaboration with each other, and with other IAMU members to advance sustainable, safe, and future-oriented maritime education worldwide.

Minna M. Keinänen-Toivola and Stephen Hurd
Satakunta University of Applied Sciences and Australian Maritime College