On 13 November 2024, the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI) and the Institutul Național de Cercetare-Dezvoltare Marină Grigore Antipa (NIMRD) of Romania signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a field visit conducted under the framework of Ex-AQUA. This agreement marks a significant milestone in fostering collaboration on marine and maritime research, innovation, and development.

The signing ceremony took place in Larnaca, Cyprus, at the CMMI headquarters, welcoming researchers in the marine and maritime sectors. Zacharias Siokouros, CEO of CMMI, and Dr. Florin Timofte, General Director of NIMRD, led the signing ceremony, solidifying a commitment to long-term research partnerships.

The MoU aims to advance the shared vision of CMMI and NIMRD to enhance research and innovation in marine science, particularly in areas crucial to sustainable development and ocean health. Through this partnership, both organisations will work together on projects that address key research areas, including aquaculture, ocean observation, climate impact, and marine pollution mitigation.

This partnership also marks a significant step toward achieving the objectives of EX-AQUA, which focuses on creating excellence in marine algae aquaculture, increasing capacity building for NIMRD to amplify their impact in research, development, and innovation, and establishing a foundation of scientific excellence in this vital field. By leveraging the collaborative framework of EX-AQUA, the partnership will foster cutting-edge research, support knowledge exchange, and drive advancements in sustainable aquaculture practices.

The MoU not only reaffirms both institutes’ dedication to innovation and sustainable development, but also strengthens regional and international collaboration on critical marine issues.