Researchers, policymakers and representatives of ocean-related institutions gathered at the University of Aveiro to discuss the challenges and priorities of marine science for the next decade, in a roundtable held as part of a special TSF programme dedicated to the Ocean Research Forum – Portuguese Marine Science in the Next Decade.
The debate featured Amadeu Soares, Director of CESAM – Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies at the University of Aveiro, Helena Canhão, Secretary of State for Science and Innovation, José Guerreiro, President of the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), Ruben Eiras, Secretary-General of Fórum Oceano, and Ramalho Marreiros, Counter Admiral and Director of the Hydrographic Institute. The discussion was moderated by TSF journalist Marco António Ribeiro.
During the discussion, several key issues for the future of marine research in Portugal were addressed, including scientific priorities for the next decade, access to research infrastructures, science funding, and the link between scientific knowledge, public policy and the blue economy.
Amadeu Soares highlighted the need to ensure better conditions for ocean research, identifying access to research vessels as one of the main challenges faced by the scientific community. According to the Director of CESAM, long-term data collection is essential to understand marine systems and address challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and marine pollution. “Access to ship time is one of the main bottlenecks in ocean research,” he stated, noting that the costs associated with these infrastructures may limit research beyond coastal areas.
The Director of CESAM also emphasised that strengthening scientific research requires more solid structural conditions, highlighting the need for greater stability of human resources within the scientific system. Many researchers are expected to retire within the next five to ten years, and the current rate of replacement is insufficient to ensure the continuity and quality of research. In this context, he argued for a clear increase in investment in marine research, a strategic area for the country.
Amadeu Soares also compared ocean research to space research, underlining its high level of complexity and cost, which requires consistent and long-term financial commitment. In this regard, he argued that funding should not depend exclusively on the Secretary of State for Science or the overseeing ministry, but should also involve other government areas, such as the Ministry of the Sea and the Ministry of the Environment.
In this context, he highlighted the potential of the Blue Fund, currently managed by the Ministry of the Environment, arguing that a significant portion of these public resources could be mobilised to support scientific research in the marine domain. Such an approach would strengthen the financial capacity of the scientific system and consolidate a domain that is clearly strategic for Portugal.
The Secretary of State for Science and Innovation, Helena Canhão, noted that the Government is currently working on defining new strategic domains for national science policy, in a process that involves the scientific community. She also highlighted that the creation of the new Agency for Research and Innovation will strengthen the link between scientific research and innovation, addressing major societal challenges and supporting a strategic vision for the coming decades.
José Guerreiro, in turn, highlighted the role of ocean observation and monitoring in the scientific and economic development of the maritime sector, referring to recent IPMA projects such as the geological and geophysical survey carried out to support offshore wind energy development. He also emphasised the potential of blue biotechnology and the valorisation of marine resources across various industrial sectors.
Ruben Eiras stressed the importance of strengthening the link between science and business innovation within the blue economy, arguing that Portugal has the scientific knowledge and talent needed to generate new investment opportunities and technological development.
Ramalho Marreiros highlighted the importance of deepening knowledge of the seabed and strengthening ocean monitoring systems through the use of new technologies, sensors and autonomous underwater vehicles. For the Director of the Hydrographic Institute, the collection of high-quality scientific data is essential to ensure the sustainable management of maritime space.
Throughout the discussion, participants agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation between research centres, public institutions and the business sector in order to enhance the role of science in the sustainable development of ocean-related activities. In a country deeply connected to the ocean, participants agreed that investing in science is essential to better understand marine systems and support informed decision-making about the future of the ocean.
Full interview available here.