SA IORAG
South African Chapter of the Indian Ocean Rim Association Academic Group
IORAG Early-career Professionals Network
IORAG Launches Early-career Professionals Network
The Indian Ocean Rim Association Academic Group supported the development of an early-career professionals network to connect young professionals across IORA member states to drive innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean Region.
The vision of the network is to promote the cooperation of Early-career Professionals within IORA through enhanced dialogue, research, and networking across all the IORA priority and cross cutting areas.
The Network was launched in 2024, with an inaugural Steering Committee comprised of professionals from Australia, Mauritius and South Africa.
Activities of the ECPN
Under the theme “Empowering Early Career Professionals: Innovating for a Resilient and Inclusive Indian Ocean”, the activities for 2025/26 aim to grow the network membership.
Contact details: ecpn@iora.int@iora.int
Meet the Team
Committee Chairperson (Mauritius)
Mrs. Padmini Gaya Gookool - Lecturer & Programme Manager at the Open University of Mauritius. Padmini is a PhD researcher in sustainability in education with strong academic leadership.
Secretariat (Australia)
Dr Bianca Haas- Research Fellow at the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS). She works on equity issues in tuna fisheries across the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Internal Stakeholders (Mauritius)
Dr Bhavna Mahadew - Law Lecturer at the University of Technology, Mauritius. She is an expert in international economic law, corporate law, and legal research.
External Stakeholders (South Africa)
Ms Yanga Malotana - PhD Candidate at the University of Pretoria. She works as a Program Manager at ESI, University of Pretoria. Her specialities include climate change, energy security and sustainability.
This space amplifies fresh voices and fosters dialogue on science, policy, innovation, and cooperation in support of IORA’s mission. Dive in to explore bold thinking and collaborative visioning from the next generation shaping the future of the Indian Ocean Rim.
Events
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2ND WEBINAR – Call for ECP Presenters!!!
20 May 2026 @ 2pm MAU (GMT+4)/12pm SAST
We’re excited to invite you to our second webinar, which will shine a spotlight on Maritime Security and Safety! The webinar will feature three speakers, each with a 15‑minute presentation—and we’re delighted to reserve up to two speaking slots specifically for ECPs.
Are you working in maritime security or safety and keen to share your research, ideas, or experiences? We would love to hear from you! Simply send us a one‑page outline of your proposed presentation by 26 April.
The Steering Committee will review submissions and select up to two ECP presenters.
If you’re not selected this time, please don’t be discouraged—this network is growing, and many more exciting opportunities to connect and engage with the IORAG ECPN are on the way.
Send your outline to: ecpn@iora.int