CIIMAR research programmes allow the discovery and study of new species and ecosystems, at different depths of the ocean or in other aquatic systems, and provide basic knowledge and tools to support the protection and management of marine, estuarine, and freshwater ecosystems. CIIMAR research leads to the discovery of marine products with potential biotechnological applications in multiple areas including environmental (bioremediation), human and animal health (drugs, cosmetics, nutraceuticals), and industrial (food and feed; paints and coatings). In addition, some research programmes are dedicated to optimizing the growth potential of current and alternative species for aquaculture and to providing high quality seafood for human consumption, which is vital for tackling nutrition and seafood quality issues.

While increasing ocean literacy is a key part of CIIMAR’s mission, the institute goes further by conducting responsible research innovation through research projects that engage diverse social actors as partners.
CIIMAR’s main headquarters are at the stunning Porto Cruise Terminal, in Matosinhos, however, its research community spreads across laboratories in 5 units of the University of Porto, at the Polytechnic Institute of Porto, at the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) in Lisbon and at the University of Madeira.
Its vibrant community is composed of around 660 people from 32 nationalities. More than 100 research projects are actively running, with CIIMAR participating in over 20 Horizon Europe projects, across Pillar 1 (Excellent Science), Pillar 2 (Global Challenges & European industrial competitiveness), and Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence actions, overseeing 7 of them as coordinators. In addition, CIIMAR is involved in several major technology transfer projects, and in projects funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan.

Frontier Research
The ocean is determinant of the planet’s health, absorbing excessive heat and energy that is produced, and is a source of food and economic activity for human populations. Climate change is taking a heavy toll on the ocean, causing ice melting, sea-level rise, and water acidification, among others, which ultimately impact marine biodiversity and the lives of coastal communities. Finding strategies to prevent or mitigate the impact of climate change in oceans, coastal environments, and freshwater ecosystems, is of utmost importance. At CIIMAR, several research groups explore different strategies and tools to effectively address these issues. Our diverse range of research activities spans from the Antarctic Peninsula to estuarine ecosystems, encompassing the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change, pollution, and invasive species.
CIIMAR is conducting fundamental research and field monitoring programs to enhance the physical, chemical, and biological knowledge of the marine environment and ongoing changes, while also addressing land/river/ocean and ocean/atmosphere interactions. The study of emerging toxins, the development of biosensors, and nature-based solutions for ecosystem recovery is actively pursued in CIIMAR. Using experimental approaches, CIIMAR is examining causality among stressors, and their long-term effects on organisms and ecosystems, including research on biological, chemical and physical pollution, and climate change drivers.
The knowledge about the (whole) ocean is still very narrow. 71% of our blue planet is ocean, which corresponds to an extremely vast area of Earth that is hard to scan. Adding to this complex scenario is the fact that 67% of the ocean is deep-ocean, i.e., it starts 200 meters below the surface and can go up to more than 10 km depth. Exploring the deepest secrets of the ocean is human and technologically challenging, and has been impossible until very recently. We are now living in the most exciting era to discover the ocean, as humanity is developing technology that allows its exploration, at different depths. CIIMAR is involved in this exploration, with state-of-the-art technologies and facilities, and combining their expertise with international partners. By exploring the richness of ocean resources, CIIMAR is discovering and characterizing new bioactive compounds with ecological, pharmaceutical, or industrial applications.
CIIMAR research is also elucidating and comprehending the underlying fundamentals of animal molecular physiology, enhancing understanding of species biodiversity, deciphering fish life cycles, contributing to exploitation management, promoting animal growth, health and welfare, and ensuring seafood quality and safety for human consumption. Meeting the challenge of increasing production amidst resources scarcity on an overpopulated planet requires prioritizing animal resilience, feed efficiency, circularity, and climate change mitigation in both fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

1- Impact of the microbiome on reproduction (Host researcher: Inmaculada Moreno) :
Focused on the endometrial microbiome and its clinical implications in infertility and obstetric complications such as implantation failure, recurrent miscarriage and preterm delivery

2- Maternal-fetal crosstalk (Host researcher: Felipe Vilella):
Focused on understanding the mechanisms of communication between the mother and the embryo and elucidating how the mother genetically modifies the preimplantation embryo.

3- Maternal contribution in obstetric pathologies (Host researcher: Tamara Garrido):
The main focus of our group is deciphering the origin and causes of pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia.

4- Gynecological tumors (Host researcher: Aymara Mas):
We focus on the development of accurate and non-invasive diagnostic methods for gynecologic tumors.

5- Menopause and ovarian rejuvenation (Host researchers: Xavi Santamaría-Felipe Vilella):
Focused on understanding the mechanisms of ovarian aging and developing new strategies to delay or prevent reproductive aging.

Our main activity is biomedical research in the field of reproductive medicine and women’s health, focusing on clinical translation. As a multidisciplinary team of more than forty professionals, we are proud to be linked to the University of Valencia and the INCLIVA Health Research Institute (IIS INCLIVA). INCLIVA is a prestigious research center accredited by the Carlos III Health Research Institute, Spain’s leading national body for promoting health research. This prestigious affiliation enhances our institutional capacity, fosters academic careers, and ensures that our research meets the highest national standard. Together, we work to create a world where pathologies affecting the UTERUS will no longer be an impossible barrier.

Frontier Research
Our research at the Carlos Simon Foundation for Research in Women’s Health qualifies as frontier research due to its innovative approach to addressing critical and globally impactful challenges in women’s health. We are dedicated to deciphering the complex molecular, genetic, and microbiological mechanisms of the human uterus in both health and disease, with a strong emphasis on translational research that directly benefits clinical practice.
Women’s health, particularly in the areas of infertility, pregnancy complications, uterine tumors, and menopause, is often under-researched despite its profound impact on global health:
-Infertility affects up to 186 million individuals worldwide, with approximately 35% of cases attributed to uterine dysfunction.
-Preterm birth impacts 10% of pregnancies, while preeclampsia results in the death of millions of infants and mothers annually.
-Menopause affects 50% of the world’s population after age 50, leading to significant changes in women’s health and well-being.
-Uterine tumours, which are present in 70% of women globally, and ovarian cancer, the deadliest gynaecological cancer, pose immense public health challenges.

Our institution tackles these issues through cutting-edge research programs, leveraging the latest scientific advances in microbiome research, maternal-fetal communication, obstetric pathologies, gynaecological tumours, and ovarian rejuvenation. Each of our research lines is aimed at uncovering new insights into these conditions and developing innovative, evidence-based solutions that can transform clinical outcomes for women worldwide.
Moreover, the interdisciplinary nature of our research, involving experts in molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, and clinical practitioners in our projects allows for a direct connection between research and patient care, offering journalists the opportunity to engage with both scientists and clinicians, gaining insights into the real-world applications of our work.

The Carlos Simon Foundation embodies the characteristics of frontier research: high-risk, high-reward investigations that push the boundaries of current knowledge to achieve breakthroughs in women’s health. In this context, the Carlos Simon Foundation is well-positioned to host journalists under the FRONTIERS initiative by integrating cutting-edge scientific methodologies with a patient-centered approach, our research not only addresses fundamental biological questions but also aims to develop novel therapeutic approaches, thus contributing to the advancement of healthcare.

In fact, GIMM’s structure includes two core components: GIMM Discovery, which focuses on fundamental research and the pursuit of scientific breakthroughs, and GIMM Care, which emphasizes the application of scientific knowledge to improve healthcare and quality of life. Through the Care initiative, GIMM aims to revolutionize clinical and translational research by creating a pioneering Center of Excellence in Portugal. This people-centered, data-driven model brings together a diverse range of stakeholders to collaboratively address key health challenges, accelerate the translation of research into clinical practice, and foster innovative solutions that respond to the most urgent healthcare needs.

Through these efforts, GIMM stands at the forefront of global efforts to enhance scientific understanding and improve human health, making it an ideal partner for those committed to supporting cutting-edge research with profound societal impact.

Frontier Research

At GIMM, we position our science at the forefront of frontier research by embracing a bold and transformative approach to discovery that integrates fundamental and applied research. Our unique structure, divided into GIMM Discovery and GIMM Care, embodies this vision by unifying curiosity-driven exploration with a focus on real-world healthcare solutions.
GIMM Discovery is the heart of our fundamental research, where scientists are encouraged to pursue groundbreaking ideas that push the boundaries of our understanding of biology and human health. This component thrives on curiosity-driven research, fostering a culture where curiosity, innovative thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration are encouraged. By nurturing this exploratory spirit, GIMM Discovery not only advances our knowledge but also lays the groundwork for future innovations that can have profound impacts on science and society.
GIMM Care, on the other hand, is dedicated to translating these fundamental discoveries into practical applications that directly address healthcare challenges. By focusing on clinical and translational research, GIMM Care aims to shorten the path from fundamental scientific discoveries to real-world health solutions. This component brings together a diverse network of stakeholders, including clinicians, researchers, patients, and industry partners, to co-create innovative, data-driven approaches that enhance health outcomes and promote equity.
The synergy between GIMM Discovery and GIMM CARE ensures a dynamic flow of knowledge and innovation, where fundamental research informs applied projects, and practical needs inspire new scientific questions. This interconnected approach enables GIMM to rapidly adapt to evolving healthcare challenges, driving both scientific excellence and societal impact. By bridging the divide between curiosity-driven research and its application, we position GIMM not just as a leader in molecular medicine but as a catalyst for transformative change in global health.
Beyond the walls of GIMM, we actively shape the national and European R&D landscape through collaboration, promoting excellence in research and training, and engaging society in scientific and cultural development. Our efforts extend beyond traditional boundaries, pushing the limits of scientific knowledge and making a profound impact on global health and well-being. By focusing on ensuring these values and aims, GIMM stands at the forefront of frontier research, driving transformative change and advancing the frontiers of molecular medicine.