Momoko Kitada

Professor Momoko Kitada is a Full Professor and Head of Maritime Education & Training at World Maritime University in Sweden. A former seafarer with a PhD in Social Sciences from Cardiff University, she holds professional qualifications including a 3rd Deck Officer License. She coordinates WMU's MSc specializations in Maritime Energy Management and leads collaborations with the International Maritime Organization on gender integration in the maritime sector. A certified Gender Audit Facilitator and Monitoring & Evaluation expert, she integrates gender perspectives into maritime education, sustainable development, and digitalization research.

Her research focuses on maritime education reform, gender equality in ocean industries, seafarer well-being, and sustainable shipping. She has 18 years of experience studying gender dynamics in maritime environments and serves on scientific journal review boards.

Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on maritime workforce development, gender mainstreaming in ocean governance, and technology-driven solutions for crew welfare. Her work consistently addresses decarbonization challenges and educational innovations for next-generation maritime professionals.

Professor Kitada directs WMU's participation in global gender equality initiatives including the Empowering Women for the Ocean Decade programme. She coordinates the Summer Academy on Maritime Decarbonization and contributes to international policy frameworks through her IMO partnership.