Rhea Shears was appointed as the Science, Technology, and stakeholder Engagement (STSE) Officer earlier this year, focusing specifically on the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region.
In her role, Rhea is a key member of the broader STSE team, driving the development and integration of scientific research and advanced technologies across the EMEA region. Her responsibilities include leading initiatives that align with regional stakeholder engagement goals, and ensuring that our membership services are not only innovative but also tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities within this diverse and dynamic area of oil spill response.
This role is at the forefront of engaging with a range of stakeholders across the EMEA region, including government agencies, non-profit organisations, academic institutions, and local communities. By building strong relationships and promoting collaborative efforts, they will ensure that our projects are reflective of the needs and priorities of our members within the region.
The STSE Officer, will play a critical role in integrating operational realism into academic research projects that we are supporting. Operational responders prioritise immediate, practical solutions during spill scenarios, whilst academic researchers often delve into detailed, specialised studies that may not always directly impact immediate response efforts. By ensuring that academic research aligns with the practical realities of spill response, Rhea will help produce outputs that are both scientifically rigorous and directly applicable to improving our response techniques.
Rhea’s journey with OSRL began in the response department, where she advanced from a responder to one of our duty managers. Her experience in frontline operations will be invaluable as she navigates the complex landscape of regional regulations and stakeholder expectations. This expertise will be a key driver for our STSE team’s mission going forward—ensuring that our response strategies are both effective and credible, enabling us to provide the best possible services to our members.
As our organisation continues to grow following the recent business restructure, Rhea’s leadership within the STSE team will be crucial to our success. We are confident that she will bring fresh insights and a dynamic approach to her role as STSE Officer for the EMEA region. Her contributions will not only enhance our response capabilities but also strengthen our relationships with regional stakeholders, ultimately contributing to the long-term success of our initiatives.