CIIMAR helped organise the 1st Ocean Research Forum, held on 13 March at the University of Aveiro’s Rectorate, which brought together various national research units to discuss the priorities for marine science in Portugal over the coming decade.
The initiative was jointly organised by CIIMAR, CESAM, CCMAR, MARE and OKEANOS, with the aim of helping to define a joint strategic vision for ocean research.
At this forum, the preliminary work of eight working groups was presented, involving researchers from the various units, with a view to characterising the national landscape and identifying priorities and lines of action up to 2030. The contributions resulting from this work will be consolidated into reports to be submitted to the respective supervisory bodies.
Among the main topics addressed were the need for stable and independent research funding, the organisation and long-term management of data, a focus on human resources and the development of scientific careers, the link between science, society and public policy, as well as the role of marine research in the context of climate change.
The importance of strengthening coordination between institutions was also discussed, particularly regarding access to scientific infrastructure, including research vessels, as well as the relevance of a mobilising programme for the sea that promotes coordination between different stakeholders and areas of intervention.
The results of the Forum will contribute to the drafting of strategic recommendations for the sector, with a view to supporting the sustainable development of marine science in Portugal.
The Forum was also attended by the Secretary of State for Fisheries and the Sea, Salvador Malheiro, the Secretary of State for Science and Innovation, Helena Canhão, and the Coordinator of the National Committee for the Decade of the Ocean, Luís Menezes Pinheiro.
