Dr Pauksztat's work focuses on understanding the social dynamics aboard ships and how they contribute to creating safer, more inclusive environments in an industry traditionally characterized by isolation and hierarchy.

In one of her current collaborations, Dr Pauksztat joins an international team of researchers from Sweden, Denmark, and the UK to analyze data on personal injuries and fatalities in the Danish merchant fleet.

The collaboration project started with a three-day meeting where the researchers analyzed the data and outlined a first draft of the research article. The meeting was hosted by the Swedish National Road and Transport Institute (VTI) in Stockholm and supported through a Short-Term Scientific Mission grant from the COST Action CA22122 “Rethinking the Blue Economy: Socio-Ecological Impacts and Opportunities” (RethinkBlue), supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology).

A New Project: Studying Social Working Environments on Norwegian Ships

In addition, starting from March 2025, Dr. Pauksztat will also be leading a groundbreaking new project to study the social working environments aboard Norwegian vessels. From 2025 to 2028, this project will involve several weeks of fieldwork aboard fishing, cargo, and passenger ships. The aim is to better understand how social norms and relationships between crew members contribute to creating a safe, supportive, and productive working environment.

In this project, researchers will be at sea for extended periods—up to five weeks at a time—to observe daily interactions and gain a better understanding of the complex dynamics of social relationships on board. "The maritime working environment is shaped by unique factors such as isolation, long periods away from family, and close collaboration," Pauksztat explained. "Psychological safety and social support are known to reduce stress, fatigue, bullying and harassment and improve mental health and resilience. But we still know little about the factors that facilitate the development of psychological safety and social support."

Dr Pauksztat and her team are also interested in how societal changes, such as the #MeToo movement and the increased focus on mental health, have affected the maritime sector, a traditionally hierarchical, male-dominated industry. The project will explore how these societal changes influence collaboration and leadership on ships.

"Thirty years ago, there was little discussion about mental health in the maritime industry," said Pauksztat. "Given the changes in society, we are interested to find out how this affects seafarers’ views, and whether for instance younger seafarers today expect different working environments and leadership styles. It's important to understand how these expectations shape social interactions on board."

From the Classroom to the Ship: Investigating the Role of Education

One of the core questions in the project is how norms and values related to psychological safety and social support develop and how they are passed on. The researchers will analyze whether maritime education programs play a role in instilling these norms in future generations of seafarers. Through observations of teaching and interviews with teachers and students, the team will map how these norms are passed on.

"There are no courses specifically on psychological safety or social support in maritime education, but norms and values can be conveyed in subtle ways, for instance through stories and examples used in teaching," Pauksztat explained.

The Role of Shipping Companies in Shaping Social Dynamics on Board

Another part of the project will examine how organizational policies, such as employment contracts and rotation systems, influence social relationships on board. "Shipping companies cannot dictate how relationships develop, but they can create conditions that either promote or hinder good social relationships," said Pauksztat. "Our research will provide valuable insights that can help companies to foster environments that encourage cooperation, safety and support."

Unique Fieldwork: Understanding the Social Fabric of Life at Sea

Dr Pauksztat's previous research at sea has shown the value of observing everyday work and life on board in understanding the informal dynamics at play on ships. By living aboard with the crew, researchers can gain insights that traditional interviews cannot capture.

"Being on board for extended periods allows us to see how crew members handle challenges like fatigue and stress," said Pauksztat. "We can observe how people interact and cooperate in practice, which helps us to identify norms that shape the social environment."

With fieldwork beginning  in 2025, the project is to provide valuable insights into how to create healthier, safer working environments at sea. By bridging the gap between academic research, maritime education, and industry practices, Dr Pauksztat's work has the potential to bring about meaningful change for seafarers in Norway and beyond.

"We hope that by understanding how psychological safety and social support arise, we can help to create safer, more inclusive workplaces for all maritime workers," said Pauksztat.