Ocean leaders: Marine Institute highlights the importance of international collaboration for Science Week 2025
In the final week of the Marine Institute's Science Week celebration, three professionals reveal how strategic project management and international co-operation build capacity for future ocean challenges.
Throughout November, the Marine Institute’s ‘Ocean of Careers’ video series will showcase the diverse careers that support Ireland's marine environment and blue economy. Aligned with Science Week's national theme “Then. Today. Tomorrow,” the campaign will also explore how marine science has evolved.
Then, Today, Tomorrow
Ireland has earned a strong reputation across Europe and internationally for excellence in marine research and innovation, and for driving collaboration. Research and innovation are central to developing a sustainable ocean economy for Ireland and enhancing our ocean knowledge.
Today, researchers in Ireland collaborate with experts across Europe and the globe, advancing knowledge in the areas of ocean observation, climate and polar research, and marine biotechnology. These collaborations are unlocking new discoveries and driving solutions to global ocean challenges.
The work of the Marine Institute has seen significant collaborations with industry and other research centres and universities in Ireland, Europe and international stakeholders, strengthening Ireland’s ability in providing a foundation for applied research and innovation.
A milestone came in 2013, with the signing of the Galway Statement on Atlantic Ocean Cooperation, creating the Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance (AORA). Recognised as a model of international science diplomacy, AORA stands as one of the Atlantic region’s greatest success stories.
This cooperation continues today through the OKEANO Coordination and Support Action (CSA). Led by the Marine Institute, the consortium includes 17 partner organizations from Belgium, Brazil, Cabo Verde, France, Germany, Ireland, Morocco, Norway, Portugal, South Africa and Spain and two Associated Partners, Argentina and Brazil.
Through the Our Shared Ocean programme, Ireland is supporting research, knowledge exchange and capacity building in partnership with Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Funded by Irish Aid and managed by the Marine Institute, this programme supports innovative projects and research initiatives from Jamaica to Haiti; Fiji to Cork and from Singapore to Belize.
Ireland’s commitment to international collaboration in ocean science strengthens global knowledge, drives innovation, and ensures Irish expertise helps to shape sustainable ocean policy.
Co-ordinating European marine research
Dr Ander de Lecea, Team Lead for EU Project Delivery, co-ordinates international marine research initiatives across Europe. His journey began with degrees in Marine Science and Marine Resources, followed by a PhD in Marine Biology. After extensive fieldwork from Antarctica to the Falkland Islands, he completed a Masters in Business Administration to transition into management while staying connected to marine research.
“My current role keeps me at the forefront of marine innovation. I work on multimillion-euro EU-funded projects, collaborating with Europe's leading marine researchers on groundbreaking initiatives,” Ander explains.
EU funding programmes like Horizon Europe provide a significant investment into ocean research and develop research partnerships, and an exchange of knowledge. “What I enjoy most is participating in the planning and development of cutting-edge marine research, discussing innovative ideas with international partners, and travelling across Europe for collaboration meetings. It's a perfect blend of marine science and project management.”
Managing ocean restoration programmes
Oliver Wilson, Programme Manager for BlueMission Atlantic-Arctic, works with European partners developing action plans to preserve and restore marine ecosystems. After studying Marine Biology and Marine Environmental Protection, Oliver added a Law qualification to better understand how research influences policy.
BlueMissionAA aims to restore ocean and water health by 2030. The Atlantic-Arctic programme covers waters critical to Ireland, addressing challenges such as marine renewable energy, ocean literacy and restoring healthy oceans.
“My daily work involves coordinating with European partners, writing reports, and planning engagement events. Though different from the fieldwork with marine mammals I imagined as a child, this work has meaningful impact,” says Oliver. “What I enjoy most is collaborating with diverse teams on multidisciplinary projects which blend natural science with social dimensions, understanding how communities interact with ocean resources.”
Building data infrastructure for innovation
Anthonin Lizé, Team Lead for Data Services, develops innovative ways to collect, process, and share ocean data, particularly for offshore renewable energy projects. After studying system and software architecture in France, Anthonin was drawn to IT through an interest in applied mathematics.
“My path to marine science was unexpected but rewarding. I started my career in France working on international marine science projects before moving to Ireland and the Marine Institute,” Anthonin explains.
His team develops data services supporting offshore renewable energy development, working closely with partner organisations. As Ireland expands offshore wind energy and explores tidal and wave power, robust data infrastructure becomes essential.
“We aim to provide efficient ways of acquiring, processing and distributing data, and future-proofing the Marine Institute infrastructure for new data streams. What I enjoy most is combining cutting-edge technology with marine science whilst collaborating with talented people from around the world. Working at the intersection of technology and ocean research creates endless opportunities for innovation.”
This was the final week of the Marine Institute's four-week 'Oceans of Careers' series celebrating Science Week 2025. View all the ‘Oceans of Careers’ Videos on the Marine Institute's social media channels: LinkedIn @Marine Institute, Instagram @marineinstituteireland, Facebook @marineinstituteireland, X @MarineInst and YouTube @marineinstituteIRL.
ENDS
For any media enquiries please contact:
Kathleen Sweeney e: kathleen.sweeney@marine.ie | m: +353 (0)87 094 5754
Sinéad Coyne e: sinead.coyne@marine.ie | m: +353 (0)87 947 7090
Communications Office, Marine Institute e: communications@marine.ie | t: +353 (0)91 387 20
About the Marine Institute
The Marine Institute is Ireland’s scientific agency responsible for supporting the sustainable development of the State’s maritime area and resources. The Institute conducts applied research and provides scientific knowledge, advice and services to government, industry and other stakeholders and users. www.marine.ie