Institut de Ciències del Mar (CSIC)

Description

The Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM) is the largest research institute dedicated to marine research of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the fourth largest research institute of the Council. Under the motto “Ocean Science for a Healthy Planet,” the ICM conducts frontier research and foster both knowledge and technology transfer on topics related to ocean and climate interactions, conservation and sustainable use of marine life and ecosystems, and impact mitigation of natural and anthropogenic hazards. In-depth knowledge, determined action, and coordinated management are essential to confronting these global challenges, thereby driving sustainable development of humankind. The major strength of ICM comes from its interdisciplinary character, its ability to broadly address numerous questions and challenges related to marine sciences and technologies. This multi- and inter-disciplinary focus has driven a sustained collaboration with many other national and international research groups. Nowadays, ICM is the first Spanish centre in scientific productivity on marine issues and one of the leading centres on the Mediterranean. 2020 – 2023 The ICM becomes the first research center in marine sciences to obtain the “Center of Excellence Severo Ochoa” Award. The oceans are fundamental to life on Earth. The oceans sustain natural systems and provide resources that make Earth habitable for humankind. Human activity, however, is causing rapid global changes that affect the ocean’s health and productivity. Global warming, changing weather patterns, sea level rise, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events, disrupt economies and deeply affect our daily lives. These environmental stressors modify the coastline and, along with pollution and fishery activity, alter marine populations, harm ecosystems, and threaten biodiversity. Moreover, oceans host the sources of devastating natural hazards, which episodically hit the coasts causing huge human and economic losses. Building the future we imagine for our oceans, through excellent marine research for a society in harmony with the blue planet, via creativity, through cooperation and with full commitment.