From Governance to Impact: AIR Centre represented the Atlantic & Arctic at the European Ocean Days 2026
The European Ocean Days 2026, held from 2 to 5 March in Brussels, brought together ocean science, policy, and innovation communities to take stock of progress and shape the future of Europe's ocean agenda. Among the key voices at the event was Valerie de Liedekerke, Head of Ocean Policy & Stakeholders' Engagement at the AIR Centre.
Tackling the Sargassum challenge with science, data and community action across the Atlantic
The scale and unpredictability of Sargassum blooms demand a coordinated, science-driven response – one that connects satellite data, in situ observation, forecasting systems, and local knowledge into a coherent whole. This is precisely the mission of the Sargassum Information Hub.
From Porto to Antarctica: a Portuguese researcher explores microbial life in extreme conditions
Antarctica is more than a frozen frontier. It is a living laboratory where resilient microbial communities thrive. In 2023, Sharath Chandra Thota earned a PhD scholarship at University of Porto (FCUP) and CIIMAR supported by the AIR Centre. That opportunity has now taken him to King Sejong Station on the Antarctic Peninsula, where he has just completed a month‑long scientific expedition.
Azores rocky shore dataset published on OBIS following first biodiversity data workshop
The Azores rocky shore dataset was published on the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS). This dataset represents the first scientific outcome of the Workshop Enhancing Marine Biodiversity Data Collection and Publishing, co-organised by the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON) and the AIR Centre.
AIR Centre and CPA-IA advance computational science and industrial AI in the Azores
The AIR Centre hosted the 16th Interdisciplinary Inter-Institutional Meeting in Sciences and Engineering (EI2CE) on February 19-20, 2026, in Terceira Island – the first time this Brazilian scientific series ventured outside Brazil.
AIR Centre researchers join European Leaders at SBEP Symposium to advance the Sustainable Blue Economy
On 10-12 February 2026, the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership (SBEP) held its second biennial Symposium in Bucharest, Romania, under the title “Full Sail Ahead Towards the Sustainable Blue Economy.”
Women scientists break barriers and inspire Azorean youth
Joana Soares, researcher at the AIR Centre, participated today in an educational panel organized by EB1,2,3/JI Ciprião de Figueiredo School in Terceira Island, to celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The initiative aimed at inspiring students to pursue scientific careers and promoting gender equality in science.
Meeting at UNAM advances transatlantic ocean and climate collaboration
The AIR Centre and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) convene today, February 10, 2026, for a two-day strategic meeting, advancing collaboration between European and Latin American institutions on ocean, space, and climate research.
AIR Centre team meets in the Azores for strategic planning and partnership building
The AIR Centre held its third Annual Meeting on February 3-4 in Faial Island, Azores, focusing on strategic planning and regional collaboration.