Associated laboratories and the five leading marine science research centres in Portugal — CESAM, CCMAR, MARE, CIIMAR and OKEANOS — brought together researchers, policymakers and high-level institutional representatives at the University of Aveiro. The event was attended by the Secretary of State for Science and Innovation and the Secretary of State for Fisheries and the Sea, as well as the President of IPMA, the Vice Admiral and Director of the Hydrographic Institute, and the Secretary-General of Fórum Oceano, among other key stakeholders in the sector. The 1st Ocean Research Forum, the result of several months of joint work, also marked the launch of a strategic guiding document for the next decade, aimed at supporting the definition of public policies, scientific priorities and investment in the ocean domain.
The meeting, whose concept emerged around 18 months ago during a joint mission to Macau, took place at a particularly relevant moment for the national scientific and technological system, in a context of restructuring and the definition of new strategic areas, in which the ocean stands out as a central domain for Portugal’s future.
Throughout the sessions, it was widely acknowledged that science will play a decisive role in building a sustainable blue economy, being essential to reconcile economic growth objectives with the conservation of marine ecosystems and the response to climate change. As highlighted during the event, it is through knowledge that the ocean can be valued as a strategic national resource.
A strategic document to guide the next decade
The Forum’s main objective was the development of a guiding document, the result of several months of collaboration between the country’s leading research centres, which is intended to serve as a structural foundation for the next decade.
Amadeu Soares, Director of CESAM, emphasised that this document aims to “be fundamental, a structuring document for the definition of scientific policies”, not only in the marine domain but also within the broader framework of the national scientific system, arguing that the ocean should be considered a strategic domain for national R&D&I.
This process comes at a critical stage in the reorganisation of the scientific and technological system, in which priorities, funding models and strategic domains are being discussed, reinforcing the role of the ocean as a central area for the country’s development.
National alignment and strengthened institutional collaboration
The Forum highlighted a new level of coordination among the main marine science research centres, reflecting an unprecedented effort towards national alignment.
Adelino Canário, Director of CCMAR, underlined this progress by noting that “we have already been able to define a common strategy for the ocean”, highlighting that this will strengthen collaboration between institutions, not only at the researcher level but also institutionally, enhancing Portugal’s participation in European programmes and international projects.
Pedro Raposo, Director of MARE, also emphasised the importance of this moment of convergence, noting that, for the first time, the main centres came together to discuss, in a structured way, research and investment priorities, reinforcing the ambition of positioning Portugal as a knowledge-based maritime power.
Science as the basis for decision-making and public policy
Strengthening the link between science and policymaking was one of the central themes of the meeting.
Helena Canhão highlighted that a structuring discussion is currently underway within the Agency for Research and Innovation, stressing that scientific contributions “will be used to inform decisions, from budget allocation to the selection of strategic domains”.
In this context, the importance of evidence-based decision-making was also emphasised. Counter Admiral Ramalho Marreiros emphasized that sound decisions require reliable data, warning that the ocean remains a largely unknown territory amid increasing anthropogenic pressure.
Knowledge, infrastructure and responses to ocean challenges
Coordination between institutions and the integration of expertise were identified as essential to address the complex challenges associated with the ocean.
José Guerreiro, President of IPMA, stressed the need for “coordination among the main research centres” in order to develop structured knowledge on ocean dynamics and improve the capacity to model and predict phenomena, particularly in the context of climate change, marine resource assessment and the creation of marine protected areas.
The importance of continuous investment in scientific infrastructure and in the collection of long-term data series was also highlighted, as these are fundamental to understanding phenomena such as Atlantic warming, ocean acidification and their impacts on marine ecosystems.
Gui Menezes, Director of OKEANOS, emphasised the strategic role of the Azores in this context, highlighting their vast maritime area and the region’s strong scientific potential. He also noted the long-standing tradition of marine research and the existence of unique infrastructures, positioning the archipelago as a key contributor to future ocean strategies.
Blue economy, innovation and knowledge valorisation
The economic dimension of the ocean was also addressed, with emphasis on the role of science in value creation and national competitiveness.
Ruben Eiras, Secretary-General of Fórum Oceano, stressed that the link between research and innovation is essential to generate new companies and strengthen marine-related value chains, arguing that business competitiveness depends on a strong scientific base.
Vítor Vasconcelos, Director of CIIMAR, also highlighted the potential of marine biotechnology and the blue bioeconomy, noting that the ocean represents a biological resource of enormous value, with applications in areas such as health, industry and agriculture, which should be explored sustainably and with the capacity to retain scientific talent in Portugal.
A collective contribution for the next decade
The 1st Ocean Research Forum established itself as a moment of convergence between science, policy and society, reflecting a collective effort developed over several months by the country’s leading research centres.
More than a meeting, the Forum materialised in the launch of a strategic guiding document aimed at supporting future decisions and structuring ocean research over the next decade, consolidating an integrated, collaborative and knowledge-based vision for the future of the ocean in Portugal.