“Be independent and realise your potential”

Enrolled in marine automation aged 15, the co-editor of JMET Prof Jin Wang is passionate about research and early career specialisation.

1 What should IMarEST members know about you?

I’ve been Co-Editor-in-Chief of the IMarEST’s Journal of Marine Engineering and Technology (JMET) since 2022.

I have authored/co-authored over 200 research journal papers in marine engineering and technology and supervised over 60 PhD researchers to successful completion. 

I was humbled to receive the Institute’s ‘Outstanding Contribution to Marine Safety award’ in 2017. Research produced by my colleagues and I has been awarded the IMarEST’s Denny Medal twice.

2 What inspired you to join the maritime industry – and why? 

When I started Marine Automation at Dalian Maritime University in 1979 at a young age (15), I came to realise just how important the marine industry is in terms of its contribution to the global economy. 

The Piper Alpha disaster in 1988 and the capsizing of the MS Herald of Free Enterprise in 1987 motivated me to look at how maritime safety could be improved by both design and operation, and also how safety can be considered as a key design criterion from the initial stages rather than for late-stage validation purposes. 

3 Describe your early career

After graduating, I spent five years at a mariners’ college as an assistant lecturer until 1988. With support from the IMO, I received my MSc in Marine Engineering from Newcastle University in 1989. I then worked as a Research Associate (RA) and did a PhD in maritime safety there through staff registration. Following a short period as a postdoctoral RA, I joined Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) as a lecturer in 1995 and have led the Liverpool Logistics, Offshore and Marine (LOOM) Research Institute since the early 2000s. 

4 How did you get to your current role?

After being promoted to Professor of Marine Technology in 2002, I started paying more attention to developing early career researchers and managing the research and knowledge exchange activities at LOOM. In 2015, I was appointed as Associate Dean (Research and Knowledge Exchange) of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at LJMU, with responsibility for research staff development and progression, and a thriving faculty research culture. The faculty has over 250 academic staff and 5,000 students. I’m particularly proud of the faculty’s increased research quality and output during this period.

5 Describe maritime’s biggest challenges.

One significant challenge is how the maritime industry can adapt to new technologies such as AI. Eventually, autonomous ships will be designed, manufactured and in operation. How can we deal with issues around legislation, design and operational requirements, safety and reliability, technologies and costs? Another major challenge is how alternative energy sources will be used for green shipping and carbon neutrality, and the risks associated with potential alternative marine fuels. How to ensure maritime safety remains a constant challenge, where risk assessment under uncertainty and a safety culture have an important role in ensuring that the maritime industry is safe, efficient, resilient and sustainable.  

6 What are you most passionate about in maritime today?

I’m passionate about training early career research specialists in ‘hot’ areas such as offshore renewable energy, maritime autonomous surface ships, smart ship design and operation, and maritime safety.

I’m also passionate about international collaboration. I’ve been Chair of the UK-Malaysia University Consortium developing collaborations in teaching, research and knowledge exchanges between the two countries since February 2022.

Professor Jin Wang receiving the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Marine Safety award’ in 2017 from Commodore Rob Dorey RFA, the 116th President of the IMarEST

7 When did you join the IMarEST and what does it mean for you? 

I joined as a student member in 1988. Membership provided me with much useful marine engineering information, industry contacts and broadened horizons. In addition, the Institute organised regular professional events in the North-West during term time, with tasty refreshments for appreciative students on a budget. Many students have benefitted from the Institute’s annual Stanley Gray Fellowships to support their studies, and I was very fortunate to be one of the early recipients. I’ve been a Fellow of the IMarEST since 1996.

8 What is the best career advice you’ve been given? 

‘Be independent and realise your potential’- given to me by two mentors and former IMarEST presidents, Professor Tom Ruxton and Professor Ray Thompson.

9 What advice do you give to those starting out?

Believe in yourself! If you are curious about finding solutions for challenges, the process can be a bit ‘tortuous’. A strong determination is absolutely necessary. 

10 What's next for you?

I’ll continue to try to make the maritime industry safer, more efficient, and more resilient through working with my colleagues at LOOM and external collaborators.

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