The 7th edition of the Blue Think Conference (BTC) reuniu investigadores em início de carreira das áreas das ciências marinhas e ambientais na Universidade do Algarve, em Faro, nos dias 3 e 4 de setembro. Organizada pelo Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMAR), a edição de 2026 deu continuidade a uma tradição de colaboração entre as comunidades de doutorandos do CCMAR e do CIIMAR – Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, strengthening the links between the two research centres and their early-career researchers.
Traditionally held in Matosinhos, the Blue Think Conference alternates between CIIMAR and CCMAR as venues, reflecting the ongoing collaboration between the two institutions. This year’s edition brought the conference to the Algarve, providing two days of scientific exchange, interdisciplinary discussion and networking within the CIMAR-LA community.
The programme covered a broad range of topics in marine science, organised across three scientific sessions: Biology, Aquaculture & Seafood Quality; Marine Biotechnology, Biomedicine & Biochemistry; and Global Changes, Ecosystem Services & Human Impacts.
Three keynote speakers opened the scientific sessions, bringing complementary perspectives from different areas of marine and environmental research. Professor Dr. Sadasivam J. Kaushik, from the University of Las Palmas, addressed topics related to aquaculture and seafood quality, with the talk: “Strengths and limitations of “Bluefood” production”; Ana Grenha, from the CCMAR and the University of Algarve, focused on marine biotechnology and biomedicine with the talk: “New therapies growing on the basis of natural (marine) materials “; and Tasman Crowe, from University College Dublin, explored ecosystem services and human impacts on marine ecosystems with the talk: “Expanding Ireland's network of Marine Protected Areas – an evidence-led participatory approach”.
Alongside the keynote presentations, the programme featured a series of scientific communications and poster sessions, giving participants the opportunity to present their research, exchange ideas and receive feedback from colleagues working across different disciplines.
The conference also extended beyond the scientific programme. A talk by Patrícia Nogueira, from AIMM - Marine Environment Research Association explored the Marine Protected Area of Pedra do Valado, while a round table brought together Jorge Gonçalves (CCMAR), Alberto Queiruga and António José Correira (Oceano Azul Foundation) and Miguel Rodrigues (DiveSpot) for discussion and exchange. Participants also had the opportunity to visit CCMAR laboratories, offering a closer look at the research taking place at the host centre.
Social and networking activities, including kayaking, volleyball, an icebreaking activity and a sunset on the beach, complemented the conference programme and created further opportunities for participants to connect in a more informal setting.
The involvement of external partners and sponsors, ranging from technical laboratorial suppliers, aquaculture and fisheries industry, scientific networks and municipal entities, also highlighted the importance of connecting research with businesses and society at large. More than a scientific conference, the Blue Think Conference provides a space for early-career researchers to build connections, share knowledge and develop new collaborations across disciplines and institutions.
The 7th edition once again demonstrated the value of bringing the CCMAR and CIIMAR communities together and the role of CIMAR-LA in fostering collaboration across the marine and environmental research landscape.
Here are some photos from the two days of the Blue Think Conference
