The Centre for Marine Research (CIM) at the University of Vigo recently held its fourth annual CIMentos assembly, bringing together over 120 researchers and technical staff to share scientific advancements, exchange knowledge, and foster new collaborations across various disciplines.
This year's event, coordinated by the CIM-Renova programme aimed at supporting postdoctoral researchers, featured 11 oral presentations and over 30 scientific posters. The assembly also included the presentation of the CIM 2026 Award to Liliana Rusu, a researcher from the Dunărea de Jos University of Galați in Romania.
The fourth edition of CIMentos marks a new chapter for the research centre, following the recent appointment of Elsa Vázquez Otero as its director. Vázquez, a professor of Zoology, expressed her gratitude during the opening remarks, stating, “This is my first assembly as director of the CIM, which comprises 143 members, and I want to thank you all for the warm welcome.” She noted that this assembly, along with an upcoming Open Doors day, aims to engage with the public and strengthen internal teamwork.
Manuel Martínez Piñeiro, the Vice-Rector for Research at the University of Vigo, highlighted the significance of the event, which has become a tradition over the past four years. He remarked, “This allows us to have a day each year where the centre pauses its activities to share what we do.” He further emphasised the importance of the assembly's name, stating, “Foundations support the building; they are not visible, but without them, nothing stands.” This sentiment reflects the often unseen work of researchers who contribute to the university's global reputation in marine sciences.
The scientific programme included two morning sessions focusing on physics, oceanography, meteorology, and climatology, as well as biology. Topics discussed ranged from atmospheric and marine heatwaves to the reconstruction of past oceanographic changes and the development of an experimental fish farm. Biological research presented included studies on the effects of pollutants on fish larvae, the influence of bacteria on toxic microalgae growth, and advancements in the cryopreservation of marine organisms.
The assembly also featured a session dedicated to the CIM's leadership in European projects, showcasing initiatives that enhance the international profile of the centre's scientific activities. Following the award presentation, Rusu delivered the inaugural lecture of the assembly, drawing on her extensive research career in wave dynamics and marine energy resources.
In the afternoon, discussions focused on the CIM's future strategy, scientific capabilities, and the development of research talent. Vázquez outlined the key objectives of her new leadership team, which includes Moncho Gesteira as Deputy Director of Scientific Strategy, Eva Teira as Deputy Director of Internationalisation and Society, and Damián Costas as Director of the CIM's main infrastructure, Ecimat.
Citizen science was also a key theme, with Jaume Piera from the Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC) presenting the Minka platform, which encourages public participation in research through collaborative biodiversity and environmental observations. This initiative exemplifies how collaboration between the scientific community and society can enhance environmental knowledge.
The afternoon session concluded with a presentation on the CIM's technical capabilities and the European Marine Biological Resource Centre (EMBRC), led by Estefanía Paredes, the scientific director of EMBRC Spain. The session wrapped up with insights into the CIM Renova programme, which supports the professional development of postdoctoral researchers and aims to strengthen the centre's scientific talent.
