Florida International University has launched the FIU Cruise Excellence Center. It’s led by the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, to serve as a global hub for cruise industry research, talent development and executive education, the university said in a press release.

“The launch of the FIU Cruise Excellence Center signifies an historic partnership right here in Miami, the Cruise Capital of the World, and offers FIU an opportunity to engage with an industry that has enormous importance to our region and to the global economy,” said Jeanette Nuñez, president of FIU.

The launch happened alongside the inaugural meeting of the center’s Cruise Executive Advisory Board, a founding group of presidents, chief executives and other senior leaders from cruise lines and organizations spanning travel distribution, destinations and maritime services, according to the university.

Board members will help FIU identify industry challenges, set research priorities, strengthen curricula and expand internship and executive education opportunities. Potential research areas will also include future cruise workforce, emerging technology, environmental responsibility and crew well being, the university said.

Larry Pimentel, FIU distinguished cruise executive-in-residence and chair of the advisory board, explains the center is meant to be more than a ceremonial partnership, it’s supposed to actually do the work too.

“This is intended to be a working partnership, not an advisory board in name only,” Pimentel said. “It is to build a resource for the global cruise industry that is relevant, independent, connected and useful, one that brings together industry experience, academic rigor and the next generation of talent.”