Europe’s Outermost Regions: Geographically distant, scientifically vital!
What if the future of ocean science wasn’t at the centre of Europe, but on its edges?
That’s the vision behind REMORA, a Horizon Europe project (2024–2027) that is unlocking the full research and innovation potential of three of Europe’s most remote yet powerful ocean systems : La Réunion, Madeira, and the Azores.
Together, these regions represent over 1.7 million km² of European waters across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Their volcanic origins, unique biodiversity and geostrategic locations make them living laboratories for ocean and climate science, from deep-sea ridges to coral reefs, from marine megafauna to cutting-edge technologies.
REMORA’s Trio of Excellence – Meet the powerhouses driving global ocean research from the “so-called” periphery:
OKEANOS (Azores) — 50 Years of Deep-Sea Leadership
Already recognized within European networks for its excellence, OKEANOS brings proven deep-sea expertise with enhanced capabilities through REMORA. Their innovative biologging technologies, world-class DeepSea Lab facilities, and strategic Mid-Atlantic Ridge location make them ideal partners for deep-sea research collaborations. With established connections to major European institutions, OKEANOS demonstrates the caliber of science emerging from these regions.
Connect: https://www.okeanos.pt
OOM (Madeira) — Frontier Ocean Technology at Your Fingertips
OOM offers European researchers access to cutting-edge ocean observation technologies. Their innovative Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) systems extracting data from submarine cables up to 125 km, plus advanced autonomous vehicles reaching 6,000m depth, provide unique research capabilities. For institutions seeking technological partnerships or access to ultra-deep Atlantic environments, OOM represents an untapped resource.
Connect: https://oom.arditi.pt
CITEB (La Réunion) — Your Gateway to Indian Ocean Science
CITEB opens doors to tropical marine research opportunities that most European institutions cannot access independently. Their unique PHYTOBANK collection of 300+ microalgae strains, combined with expertise in tropical ecosystems and biotechnology, offers collaboration possibilities for researchers working on biodiversity, biotechnology, or climate impacts in tropical systems.
Connect: https://www.citeb.re
What These Partners Bring to Your Research
Access to Unique Environments:
- Mid-Atlantic Ridge hydrothermal systems and seamounts (Azores)
- Ultra-deep Eastern Atlantic waters with easy coastal access (Madeira)
- Pristine Indian Ocean tropical ecosystems and coral reefs (La Réunion)
Cutting-Edge Technologies Available for Collaboration:
- Submarine cable monitoring offering low-cost, real-time observation
- Advanced biologging systems and environmental DNA techniques
- Autonomous vehicles and smart sensor networks
- Climate change experimental facilities with controlled conditions
Established Scientific Excellence:
- Long-term datasets spanning decades of ocean observations
- Proven track record in international collaborations
- Publications in high-impact journals and policy contributions
- Advanced facilities and experienced research teams
Global Recognition and Research Impact
These partners are already making waves in international ocean science:
- Contributing to major policy frameworks (UN, CBD, ISA, ICES)
- Leading innovative research like the Jellyweb Madeira expedition
- Providing critical data for global climate and biodiversity assessments
- Developing cost-effective technologies that solve real-world research challenges
Their scientific output and international connections demonstrate the quality of research partnerships available to European institutions seeking to expand their capabilities or access new research environments.
Dive Deeper: Explore Our Comprehensive Research Portfolio
Want to discover the full scope of capabilities, facilities, and expertise available through REMORA’s partners? Our detailed research portfolio provides an in-depth look at:
- Specific research infrastructures and laboratory facilities at each site
- Ongoing major projects and recent scientific breakthroughs
- Detailed equipment specifications and technical capabilities
- Human resources, expertise areas, and collaborative networks
- Success stories and partnership opportunities
Download the complete REMORA Portfolio of Key R&I Assets to explore how these institutions can enhance your research goals and discover specific collaboration possibilities tailored to your research interests.
Multiple Pathways to Connect and Collaborate
Discover how partnering with these institutions can enhance your research:
Regional R&I Symposia : Experience their capabilities firsthand at our La Réunion symposium (October 6-10). See cutting-edge facilities, meet the research teams, and explore collaboration possibilities in a dynamic, hands-on environment.
Contact: Evelyne.tarnus@cellule-europe.re
1-Week Networking Fellowships: Send your researchers for intensive collaboration visits. Seventeen fellowship opportunities provide direct access to unique research environments, specialized equipment, and expert teams ready to collaborate.
Contact: Evelyne.tarnus@cellule-europe.re
Horizon Europe Partnerships: Join forces for competitive European funding. These institutions have proven success in securing Horizon Europe grants and offer compelling partnership opportunities for ambitious research proposals.
Contact: Evelyne.tarnus@cellule-europe.re
Why European Researchers Are Taking Notice
Forward-thinking European marine researchers are discovering that collaboration with these outermost region institutions offers:
- Access to research environments impossible to find elsewhere in Europe
- Cost-effective solutions to expensive research challenges
- Experienced partners with international networks and proven capabilities
- Opportunities to differentiate their research through unique geographic perspectives
These partnerships represent strategic advantages for European researchers seeking to enhance their international profile, access cutting-edge technologies, or study phenomena only observable in these unique ocean environments.
Ready to Explore Collaboration?
REMORA is revealing the hidden potential of Europe’s outermost regions for marine research partnership. These institutions offer European researchers access to unique capabilities, environments, and expertise that can transform research projects and open new scientific horizons.
For marine scientists seeking fresh collaboration opportunities, access to unique research environments, or partnerships with institutions that combine scientific excellence with practical innovation, these outermost regions represent untapped potential worth exploring.
Discover opportunities: https://remora.arditi.pt
Start conversations: remora@arditi.pt
Stay connected: LinkedIn
Advisory Excellence REMORA is honored to have Ingrid Puillat, Director General of EMSO ERIC, as a member of our Advisory Board. Her strategic guidance and expertise in coordinating European ocean observation networks has been invaluable in shaping REMORA’s approach to fostering collaboration across Europe’s marine research community.
Spread the word: Europe’s Outermost Regions: Geographically distant, scientifically vital!
Photo 1: Researcher attaching a tracking device to a sea turtle for monitoring purposes in the Azores, near the Condor seamount on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Credit: OKEANOS UAc
Photo 2: View from Ponta do Poiso, Madeira Island — a Portuguese volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, 800 km off the southwest coast of Europe. Credit: Simon Dannhauer
Photo 3: View of La Réunion’s lagoon — a French volcanic island in the Indian Ocean, located 900 km east of Madagascar. Credit: aymeric bein
Authors: REMORA coordination team