Earth and related environmental sciences

Promoting research applied to the environment and the exploitation of resources, aiming to increase the well-being and sustainability of our society in the context of a changing world. 

Assessing and mitigating global changes and risks

Developing sustainable resource exploitation

Development and technological improvement of marine renewable energy

Improve knowledge on the processes that drive the dynamics and evolution of marine and coastal systems, aimed at a proper use and management of these environments 

Understanding oceans dynamics

Coastal and ocean observations and modelling

CIMA is a multidisciplinary centre of excellence of marine and environmental research. CIMA engages with society to implement important decisions about Blue and Green Growth at the national and international level, and thus contribute to the delivery of Sustainable Development Goals. The mission of CIMA is to deepen scientific knowledge of marine and environmental systems, to support and encourage innovation, and to provide training. CIMA integrates two main research areas: Ocean and Coastal Dynamics and Environmental Systems and Resources.

Two main areas are developed in UAlg: Sustainable Water and Resources Recovery area and Computation for Sustainability areas. In the Sustainable Water and Resources Recovery area we work in resource efficiency by ‘closing the loops’ through greater recycling and reuse, which is a cornerstone of sustainability policies where wastes and water are seen as resources.

Our main research topics are: (1) zoobenthos with a special emphasis on species as well functional diversity, (2) biology, ecology and ecophysiology of benthic invertebrates with a special emphasis on non-indigenous species and anthropogenic pressure (3) innovative aquaculture with a special emphasis on recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and invertebrates. We work in the field, mainly in coastal waters, and conduct laboratory research based on an experimental approach.