From 9b4ea934fc87ef555d644a3b1483a5042fc5bd31 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: j-atkins <106238905+j-atkins@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:31:07 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 1/2] update learner tab to point to expedition proposal as
 first step

---
 docs/user-guide/user-profiles/learners/index.md | 15 +++++++++++++++
 1 file changed, 15 insertions(+)

diff --git a/docs/user-guide/user-profiles/learners/index.md b/docs/user-guide/user-profiles/learners/index.md
index fafb2095..93a83f86 100644
--- a/docs/user-guide/user-profiles/learners/index.md
+++ b/docs/user-guide/user-profiles/learners/index.md
@@ -6,6 +6,17 @@ Welcome aboard the VirtualShip! Here you will conduct a research expedition in a
 
 Along the way you'll find out how challenging it can be to measure the ocean. The software uses a digital twin of the ocean from the [Copernicus Marine Data Store](https://data.marine.copernicus.eu/products) alongside simulated instruments which behave as in real life.
 
+## Expedition proposal
+
+Start out by writing a short expedition research proposal. This will help you clarify your research question, and decide what instruments to deploy and where to sample. You can use the Research Proposal template below to get started.
+
+```{nbgallery}
+---
+maxdepth: 1
+---
+../../assignments/Research_Proposal_only.ipynb
+```
+
 ## Sail the ship
 
 The **Sail the Ship** guide is the main guide for your expedition. It takes you step by step from planning your route and configuring your instruments, to running the simulation and reporting your results.
@@ -33,6 +44,10 @@ Sail the Ship
 
 ::::
 
+```{tip}
+If you have not already installed the VirtualShip sofrware, see the [Technical set up](#set-up-your-programming-environment) section below for instructions on how to set up your programming environment before you start.
+```
+
 ## Technical set up
 
 ### 1) Register with the Copernicus Marine Data Store

From 0d39e8c300e99a9c40c71103900b406fbfd4266c Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: j-atkins <106238905+j-atkins@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:38:41 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 2/2] tighten up phrasing

---
 docs/user-guide/user-profiles/learners/index.md | 2 +-
 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-)

diff --git a/docs/user-guide/user-profiles/learners/index.md b/docs/user-guide/user-profiles/learners/index.md
index 93a83f86..6a36a7d9 100644
--- a/docs/user-guide/user-profiles/learners/index.md
+++ b/docs/user-guide/user-profiles/learners/index.md
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ Along the way you'll find out how challenging it can be to measure the ocean. Th
 
 ## Expedition proposal
 
-Start out by writing a short expedition research proposal. This will help you clarify your research question, and decide what instruments to deploy and where to sample. You can use the Research Proposal template below to get started.
+Start out by writing a short expedition research proposal. This will help you clarify your research question, decide what instruments to deploy and where to sample. You can use the Research Proposal template below to get started.
 
 ```{nbgallery}
 ---