URGENT: DEADLINE 16 FEBRUARY

I need your help to make the dreams of an ambitious, hard-working young marine scientist from Ghana come true.

Comfort Opoku is an exceptional early career marine scientist from Ghana who has been selected from hundreds of applicants from all over the world to join EU's AQUARIUS research mission this summer.

But there's a catch: the research programme is funded, but the stipend has obviously been designed with European students in mind and would not cover all the costs Comfort would incur in joining a mission of this kind. She doesn't have wealthy family or friends to step in to cover her costs, and unless she can confirm access to the necessary funds by Monday 16th February, her supervisor will turn down the AQUARIUS position offer and her space will be given to someone else (no doubt another European).

Comfort is a recent MPhil graduate of Marine Sciences from the University of Ghana, hoping to start a PhD in September 2026.

Originally from Kumasi, Ghana, she moved to Accra with her parents in search of greater opportunities. A gifted student from a young age, Comfort had initially considered training as a midwife, but one of her teachers recognised her outstanding academic potential and encouraged her parents to support her entry into the then-new field of Marine Science at the University of Ghana. This decision has shaped her remarkable path.

With over three years of experience in phytoplankton research, primary productivity studies, and satellite oceanography, Comfort combines strong analytical skills with hands-on field expertise. She is one of the few students in her cohort with certified dive experience and is highly regarded by both faculty and peers for her dedication, leadership, and collaborative spirit.

Comfort’s selection for the AQUARIUS Cruise AR7E-2026 is a significant milestone, allowing her to gain advanced oceanographic experience, expand her global network, and bring valuable knowledge back to Ghana to support sustainable marine research and capacity building.

I first met Comfort when she was selected as a student ambassador for the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement. In a field of incredible talent, Comfort still manages to stand out. She's not just an amazing scientist, she is a kind, funny and creative soul whose diligence and commitment to working hard and following her dreams has made me feel optimistic for the future of our planet in a way that I've not felt for many years!

Her selection for prestigious international research opportunities speaks volumes. Comfort represents the next generation of African ocean scientists determined to protect and understand our changing seas, as long as she's given the support she needs to realise her potential.

The total expected cost of the research mission for a participant from Ghana is €2,580. Comfort would be provided with a €1,500 stipend for joining the mission and she's managed to raise some funds herself but she's still €700 short of her total.

A donation of €35 would cover a day of meals.

A donation of €110 would cover a nights accommodation.

A donation of €140 would cover the cost of Comfort's Personal Survival Techniques certificate (a requirement of participation).

The breakdown of her budget is in the photos attached.

Please join me in supporting Comfort with the funds she needs to make this research mission a reality. Any funds raised in excess of what she needs will be donated to Ghana Fisheries Resource Action, an NGO doing incredible work to support small scale fishers and their families in Ghana.

"Comfort Opoku is an exceptional early-career marine scientist whose technical skill, intellectual curiosity, and quiet determination set her apart. She combines strong analytical ability in phytoplankton ecology and satellite oceanography with hands-on field competence and a deep commitment to ocean stewardship. Comfort thrives in collaborative research environments and approaches every challenge with rigor and integrity. She would be an outstanding representative of Ghana and an invaluable contributor to the EU’s AQUARIUS project, should she secure the necessary funding to participate.” - Dr. Benjamin Osei Botwe, Head, Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, University of Ghana, Ghana.