The Indian Goa University and the IOW will cooperate more closely in marine research in the future. On February 28, 2025, both institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Goa to formalize their partnership. The agreement aims to foster joint interdisciplinary research, focusing on the variability and long-term trends in estuaries and coastal waters.

The agreement identifies shared research interests in coastal marine and estuarine ecosystems and outlines joint research activities for five years that align with the scientific programs of both partner institutions. Key research topics include the effects of climate change, extreme events such as flooding, droughts, and marine heatwaves, as well as anthropogenic stressors and the vulnerability of important ecosystem services. Additionally, the collaboration will focus on advancing monitoring technologies, particularly in in-situ optics, remote sensing, and autonomous measuring robotics. It will also explore various aspects of modern data science and environmental modeling. Furthermore, the MoU establishes a framework for fostering academic exchange by promoting guest stays for researchers, faculty, and students, as well as the sharing of materials and research findings.

“In the face of climate change and other human-made pressures, both the IOW and Goa University are strongly committed to enhancing our understanding of coastal and estuarine shallow-water ecosystems over the next decade,” comments IOW director Oliver Zielinski on the occasion of the MoU signing. “Moreover, both institutions share a keen interest in developing new monitoring technologies and environmental modeling approaches for these ecosystems. This partnership provides an excellent basis for mutually inspiring, joint research, to which both parties can contribute their diverse yet corresponding perspectives,” he continues.

The MoU was signed by Oliver Zielinski and Goa University’s vice-chancellor and professor of marine science, Harilal B. Menon. The chief minister of Goa and registrar of Goa University, Sunder N. Dhuri, as well as Goa’s environment minister Shri Aleixo Sequeira honored the occasion with their addresses. More than 200 guest attended the ceremony, including Goa’s director of higher education, Malapati K Janarthanam, several members of the university’s executive council as well as school deans, professors, scientists and students form Goa University and affiliated research institutions.

The six-member delegation from IOW will remain in Goa until March 5 to participate in field excursions and working sessions related to the planned joint research activities.