The Science Council comprises the chairs of the six Scientific Committees, elected by Congress participants for a three-year term. They provide independent, expert advice on the Commission’s scientific priorities, ensuring that guidance remains free from political influence. The Science Council drives CIESM’s mission through active engagement in workshops and round-table discussions. By leading collaborative efforts and sharing data and perspectives on emerging scientific topics, they enhance the Commission’s pivotal role in advancing marine and coastal research.
Marine Geosciences
This committee explores the dynamic processes shaping the ocean floor, including geodynamics, active tectonics, and submarine hazards like landslides and tsunamis. The committee also delves into sedimentary processes, volcanic activities, and the intersection of marine science with archaeology.
Chair: Francesco Latino Chiocci
University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy
Physics & Climate of the Ocean
This committee focuses on understanding the physical properties and climatic factors influencing the ocean, covering water mass dynamics, thermohaline circulation, and air-sea interactions, alongside studies on waves, sea levels, and operational oceanography.
Chair: Katrin Schroeder
CNR-ISMAR, Venice, Italy
Marine Biogeochemistry
This committee examines chemical interactions within marine environments, including trace metal speciation, sediment geochemistry, and the impacts of contaminants on water chemistry and bioaccumulation.
Chair: Vlado Cuculić
Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
Marine Microbiology & Biotechnology
This committee investigates the biodiversity of marine microbes, including Archaea, Bacteria, and viruses, as well as their roles within the microbial food web and potential as microbial pathogens.
Chair: Monia El Bour
INSTM, Salammbô, Tunisia
Living Resources & Marine Ecosystems
This committee studies the biodiversity of marine life, from water column to seabed, focusing on exotic species, life history adaptations, and dynamics of commercially important species, contributing insights for sustainable aquaculture.
co-Chair: Hichem Kara
Univ. Annaba, Algeria
co-Chair: Juan Gil Herrera
IEO-CSIC, Cadiz, Spain
Coastal Systems & Marine Policies
This committee addresses the complex interactions at land-sea boundaries, exploring coastal processes, erosion, and the scientific underpinnings of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), while assessing the impacts of climate change and human activities on coastal zones.
Chair: Christian Gorini
Sorbonne University, Paris, France