Dear Marmam community, At the upcoming conference we will expand our work in the field of wellbeing and mental health in Marine Mammal Science through two workshops. Both workshops are free for ECS members, as part of the society’s ongoing commitment to addressing mental health in academia. The afternoon workshop is intended for students only, while the morning workshop is intended for all interested participants. Both workshops will take place on Tuesday, April 21st: _____ 1. 21AM1 – Morning workshop Improv(e) wellbeing – Performance techniques for greater confidence in the academic journey Do you often feel stressed or overwhelmed? Does imposter syndrome sound familiar? Do you struggle with participation in workshops? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, this workshop is for you. Improvisation and acting require participants to be present, focused, adaptable, and accepting of failure. In this workshop, we’ll introduce tools from both disciplines that can help you improve focus, handle unexpected challenges, and feel more comfortable with your own capabilities in day-to-day academic life. Through simple exercises, participants will learn techniques to relax the body and mind, allowing greater focus on upcoming tasks—whether acting or scientific. We will also guide participants through activities designed to reduce discomfort with themselves and others and use improvisation “games” based on the principle of “Yes, and…” to build skills in quick thinking and adaptability in a supportive environment where failure is embraced rather than penalized. Say “Yes, and…” join us for the first steps toward becoming a more confident and self-compassionate researcher. _____ 2. 21PM1 – Afternoon workshop (students only) Student workshop – Stress, wellbeing, and performance in academic journeys Feeling overwhelmed by deadlines, academic pressure, and the constant drive to succeed? You’re not alone. This half-day workshop is designed for students who want to better understand and manage the stressors of academic life. We will explore challenges such as short-term contracts, competitive funding, student–supervisor dynamics, and performance expectations, all of which can contribute to burnout, self-doubt, anxiety, and imposter feelings. The workshop includes a presentation on mental health and a personal story from a fellow researcher, highlighting the shared human experiences behind the statistics. Through a mix of talks and interactive group exercises, participants will learn to recognize stress triggers, reflect on academic challenges, and practice evidence-informed strategies to manage pressure, improve focus and work-life balance, and protect wellbeing. Practical tips and resources will also be provided, including guidance on when and how to seek support. Delivered in a supportive, non-judgmental environment, this workshop aims to normalize conversations about mental health in academia and equip participants with tools for a healthier and more sustainable scientific career. Students are also encouraged to attend the morning workshop, which complements and builds on the themes covered here. _____ Interested? Register now: https://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference-workshops-37 Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions! Yaly Mevorach Andrew Wright Maddalena Fumagalli Michael Dähne