About IIM

The Institute of Marine Research (IIM-CSIC) is one of the main marine research centers in the Iberian Peninsula. Looking at the Atlantic from Vigo, a city with a strong connection with the sea, the IIM-CSIC faces the challenge of increasing our knowledge about the ocean, from its physical characteristics to the food we take from it and the processes that bind the whole system together.

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Research

Research is at the core of the Institute of Marine Research's work. Working along 3 Core Research Themes, which intertwine and connect to each other, the researchers and technicians at the IIM-CSIC look for answers within 9 different research lines.

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Innovation

While our research provides us with new knowledge about our sea and shores, at the Institute of Marine Research we are committed to go a step further, creating new collaborations with the industry and other economic activities, be they already 'established' industries, such as fisheries or aquaculture, or 'emerging' ones, such as ocean observation.

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Society

Science is not complete until it is shared with society. As a public research institution, the IIM understands that its commitment is with society, fostering a two-way relationship with its surrounding community and an open perspective on science.

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Work & Study

Marine scientists, lab technicians, biologists, chemists and engineers, but also economists, lawyers or communicators (both working and in training) contribute to the interdisciplinary nature of our center. With more than 200 employees, the IIM-CSIC is a large community of people who work together for the sake of science, knowledge and sustainability.

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News & Events

Do you want to be aware of the latest at the IIM? The Institute has a whole team involved in communication & outreach, sharing all news that arise and organizing events to reach all sectors of society: from other peers working in science to children in schools or our neighbors from Vigo.

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Biological Systems and Process

Food from the ocean: traceability, health & safety

Nutrition, food safety and sustainable development of food systems are high-level priorities in the ODS agenda. Sustainable and nutritious diets will guarantee a healthier future for humanity and decrease the risk of chronic non-infectious diseases while ensuring an efficient use of resources. To make actual progress, various scientific disciplines must work together to protect public health and the environment.

The ocean, as an important dietary source, cannot be ignored on this task. The consumption of fish, shellfish and other marine products provides various health benefits, which make them key to achieve these goals.

Our research aims to develop and use new technologies such as multi-omics, sensors, block-chain, emerging processing technologies or predictive modeling to create value along the seafood chain. 

While providing this added value, we ensure an eco-friendly food system that integrates food safety and quality, building trust and transparency for consumers. 

We address issues caused by microbes, food allergens and other emergent risks to achieve food safety. In the same way, we remain vigilant by protecting consumers against food fraud and by providing new ways to guarantee product traceability. Our work along this line also focuses on food processing monitoring, design and optimization while providing new human health-centered solutions.

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Inside this Research Line
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