Vigo hosted on 27 and 28 May the CSIC Marine Research Meeting: Towards more connected, collaborative and strategic marine science, an initiative organised by the Institute of Marine Research (IIM-CSIC) as part of the commemoration of its 75th anniversary.
Over two days, researchers from different centres and areas of knowledge linked to marine science gathered in the city to share results, experiences and future challenges, consolidating a space for dialogue aimed at strengthening scientific collaboration and promoting new synergies within CSIC.
The opening session included the participation of Marta Villaverde, Regional Minister for the Sea of the Xunta de Galicia; Abel Caballero, mayor of Vigo; Carlos Closa, CSIC vice-president for Organisation and Institutional Relations; and Beatriz Novoa, director of IIM-CSIC, who all highlighted the importance of marine research in addressing the environmental, social and economic challenges associated with the ocean.
The meeting made it possible to reflect on the role of marine sciences in a context marked by global change and highlighted the need to reinforce cooperation between centres, disciplines and scientific infrastructures in order to address complex challenges from an integrative perspective.
The programme was structured around three major thematic blocks. The first, “The ocean in motion: understanding the system that regulates the planet”, addressed the physical, chemical and biogeochemical processes that determine how the ocean functions and its role in global change. The second, “Life in the sea: biodiversity, ecosystems and ocean resilience”, focused on understanding marine ecosystems and their capacity to adapt to environmental pressures. Finally, the block “Ocean and society: science for the sustainable use of the sea” focused on the sustainable management of marine resources, aquaculture, fisheries, the blue economy and the transfer of knowledge to society and public policy.
In addition to the scientific sessions, the meeting encouraged the exchange of experiences between researchers from different generations and specialities, helping to identify opportunities for collaboration, share capacities and infrastructures, and explore new avenues for the development of joint projects.
The holding of this first CSIC Marine Research Meeting highlighted the strength and diversity of marine research carried out within the institution, as well as Vigo’s role as one of Europe’s main hubs for research and innovation linked to the ocean.
A forum that strengthened the connection between science, society and territory, fostering a more cohesive, collaborative marine scientific community prepared to address the major ocean challenges of the present and the future.
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