The Centre for Marine and Environmental Research (CIMA) is a R&D unit of excellence from the Portuguese national higher education system, through the University of Algarve (UAlg).
Supported by its relevance in the two main scientific research areas of Ocean and Coastal Dynamics and Environmental Systems and Resources, CIMA integrates the nationwide multi-institutional Aquatic Research Network Associate Laboratory (ARNET) and S2AQUA CoLAB. Together, these two national networks involve close to 800 researchers working within 27 different institutions from state laboratory to private companies, including higher education and public regional institutions.
CIMA and the University of Algarve integrate the INTERNATIONAL CAMPUS OF EXCELLENCE IN MARINE SCIENCE CEI·MAR, with some of the most important Marrocco and Spanish universities and institutions in the area of the marine research.
The multidisciplinary and excellence of CIMA also contribute to its integration in international research and expert networks such as the European Space Agency, the European Consortium for Ocean Research Drilling, the Future Earth ocean Knowledge Action, and the United Nation through the World Ocean Assessment.
Contributing knowledge towards a sustainable and resilient society” is the 4th research objective of CIMA and aims to: communicate scientific knowledge to diverse audiences; support authorities in planning, developing, and implementing coastal and maritime strategies; and participate in national and international organizations for the management of natural marine resources.