The Universidade Nova de Lisboa in collaboration with the Municipality of Oeiras officially launched the NOVA Oeiras Ocean Analytics Lab at the Portuguese Pavilion during Expo Osaka 2025. The laboratory focuses on applying data science and artificial intelligence to sustainable ocean management, directly contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
This initiative is part of the Oeiras Mar 2030 programme and already receives support from the Ocean Forum, Port of Lisbon Administration, and Infante D. Henrique Higher Nautical School, with plans to expand collaboration to other national and international partners.
Based at NOVA Information Management School (NOVA IMS) — Portugal’s only higher education institution dedicated solely to data science and AI — the laboratory develops technological solutions for critical maritime challenges, including:
- Environmental monitoring to ensure ecosystem health
- Digital twins of the ocean for modelling and scenario simulation
- Predictive risk analysis for navigation and beach safety
- Smart ports for operational and logistics optimisation
- Sustainable fishing practices
- Combating illegal maritime activities
The lab also promotes collaboration between academia, government, and industry, fostering talent development, applied research, and creation of innovative solutions in the blue economy.
Speaking at the launch, Miguel de Castro Neto, Director of NOVA IMS, stated: “Portugal now has its first data analytics laboratory for the oceans, uniting data science, AI, and ocean sustainability. The NOVA Oeiras Ocean Analytics Lab transforms data into knowledge with global impact and provides practical solutions to today’s major challenges.”
Isaltino Morais, Mayor of Oeiras, highlighted that the initiative reinforces the region’s strategy to become a centre of innovation and excellence, promoting both technological advancement and sustainability.
The launch solidifies Portugal’s leadership in ocean innovation and sustainable maritime solutions, positioning the country at the forefront of international research and development in the blue economy.
Source: Universidade Nova de Lisboa
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