The event, held in Toralla and attended by more than one hundred people, highlighted their contribution to research, public policy and ocean knowledge
The Marine Research Centre (CIM) of the University of Vigo celebrated its tenth anniversary this Monday, marking a decade in which it has established itself as one of the most dynamic scientific hubs within Galicia’s CIGUS Network and as a leading reference in the European Atlantic region. The institutional ceremony also commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Toralla Marine Science Station (ECIMAT), a unique research infrastructure that is part of the European EMBRC network and supports a scientific community of more than 200 researchers dedicated to ocean studies.
Held under the motto “Two Decades Researching the Sea. One Decade Leading the Future”, the event featured remarks from Acting Rector Manuel Reigosa, who congratulated everyone involved in making CIM and ECIMAT what they are today. He reflected on the origins of the project and emphasized the need to continue strengthening marine research through new infrastructures and ambitious scientific initiatives linked to the University of Vigo’s future development.
The Secretary General for Universities of the Regional Government of Galicia, José Alberto Díez de Castro, highlighted the uniqueness of the CIGUS centres and described CIM as an example of how collaboration between public administrations can generate scientific excellence and tangible societal benefits.
CIM Director Daniel Rey stressed that the celebration honoured a shared project built over time through the vision, effort and commitment of many people. He noted that ECIMAT has become an internationally recognised infrastructure, while CIM has rapidly developed into one of the leading research centres within the Galician University System, attracting talent, funding and international collaborations.
Coinciding with World Oceans Day, the celebration brought together more than one hundred attendees, including representatives of regional and local institutions, researchers, technical staff, industry partners and members of the university community. The programme included a tour of ECIMAT facilities and the CIM UVigo research vessel, followed by a ceremony recognising the centre’s contribution to excellence in marine science, knowledge transfer and evidence-based decision-making.
A Decade of Scientific Excellence for the Ocean
Founded in 2016 to integrate and strengthen marine research at the University of Vigo, CIM currently brings together more than 200 people across 16 research groups. Over the past decade, it has become one of the most dynamic scientific hubs in Galicia and a recognised leader in the European Atlantic area.
Its research focuses on major ocean challenges, including climate change, marine pollution, biodiversity conservation, sustainable aquaculture, ocean observation, advanced modelling and the blue economy.
The celebration also marked the 20th anniversary of ECIMAT. Located on Toralla Island in the Vigo estuary, the station is a unique research infrastructure thanks to its location in one of Europe’s most productive marine environments and its capacity for controlled experimental research.
In recent years, CIM has strengthened this scientific ecosystem through new facilities, including an experimental mussel raft in the Aldán estuary, an advanced mesocosm system and a new hybrid plug-in oceanographic research vessel. As part of the European EMBRC infrastructure, ECIMAT serves as a strategic access point for researchers from across Europe interested in experimental marine ecosystem studies.
Former leaders of CIM, ECIMAT and the Strategic Ocean ECIMAT Group also participated in the ceremony, reflecting on the centre’s evolution and highlighting the scientific excellence, collaborative spirit and international impact that have shaped its success.
A Centre Connected to Society, Institutions and the Maritime Sector
Institutional representatives highlighted CIM’s importance as a scientific centre with a strong impact on Galicia and its capacity to provide knowledge that supports informed decision-making.
Carlos Botana, President of the Port Authority of Vigo, praised the applied research carried out at CIM and the long-standing collaboration between the Port of Vigo and the University.
Covadonga Salgado, Director of Intecmar and representative of the Regional Ministry of the Sea, described CIM as a pioneering institution and highlighted the value of unique infrastructures such as its mesocosm facilities.
Representing the City of Vigo, Deputy Mayor Elena Espinosa underlined the role of innovation and long-term commitment in building a scientific ecosystem that places Vigo at the forefront of marine research in Galicia and Europe.
David Regades, State Delegate for the Vigo Free Trade Zone Consortium, highlighted the University’s ability to generate and transfer talent and stressed the strategic role that future facilities at ETEA could play in strengthening marine research.
Under the motto “Two Decades Researching the Sea. One Decade Leading the Future”, the event celebrated the achievements of CIM and ECIMAT while reaffirming their commitment to addressing future ocean challenges through internationally impactful research, knowledge transfer and public service.
Outreach Activities
As part of the anniversary programme, Campus do Mar and CIM are organising three public outreach boat trips in the Vigo estuary on 9 June. The initiative aims to promote ocean literacy and bring marine science closer to society.
Participants will experience a mini oceanographic campaign, collecting plankton and sediment samples, observing marine organisms under the microscope and exploring the seabed in real time using an underwater robot.
CIM holds the CIGUS recognition awarded by the Regional Government of Galicia, acknowledging the quality and impact of its research, and its activities are co-funded by the European Union through the FEDER 2021–2027 Programme.
Source: DUVI
