DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY

Their core work

Dalhousie University is a major Canadian research university contributing ocean science, marine ecosystem assessment, and biogeochemical expertise to European research consortia. Their work spans Atlantic ocean observing systems, deep-sea ecosystem mapping, fisheries science, and climate-ocean interactions. They bring a North American Atlantic perspective to EU marine projects, providing complementary oceanographic data, modelling capabilities, and expertise in environmental DNA and ecological time-series analysis. They also contribute to food and aquaculture research, particularly around sustainable intensification and spatial planning for aquaculture.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2015–2017), Dalhousie focused on applied marine spatial planning — tools for aquaculture siting, GIS-based decision support, and socio-economic analysis of ocean use conflicts (AquaSpace, AtlantOS). From 2018 onward, their work shifted decisively toward large-scale ocean science: deep-sea ecology, oceanographic modelling, biogeochemistry, environmental DNA, and climate-ocean tipping points (iAtlantic, COMFORT, EuroSea). The trajectory shows a clear move from applied planning tools to fundamental ocean system science with climate relevance.

Dalhousie is deepening its focus on ocean-climate interactions and molecular marine monitoring (eDNA, genomics), making them a strong partner for upcoming Mission Ocean and climate adaptation calls.

How they like to work

Dalhousie never coordinates H2020 projects — they consistently join as a participant or international partner, which is typical for non-EU institutions bringing complementary expertise. With 197 unique partners across 33 countries, they operate within large, multi-national consortia (most of their projects involve 15+ partners). This broad network and consistent participant role means they are easy to integrate into large consortia and bring transatlantic connectivity without competing for coordination.

Dalhousie has collaborated with 197 unique partners across 33 countries, giving them one of the broadest international networks for a non-EU institution. Their partnerships span the full Atlantic basin, connecting European marine research groups with Canadian oceanographic capabilities.

What sets them apart

As a Canadian university, Dalhousie offers something most EU partners cannot: direct access to western Atlantic oceanographic data, research infrastructure, and expertise. They are one of Canada's leading ocean science institutions, located on the Atlantic coast in Halifax — ideally positioned for transatlantic marine research. For consortium builders, they satisfy the international cooperation dimension while bringing genuine scientific depth in ocean observation, deep-sea ecology, and biogeochemistry.

Highlights from their portfolio

• iAtlantic
  A flagship integrated assessment of Atlantic marine ecosystems where Dalhousie serves as international partner, bridging North American and European ocean science with environmental DNA and genomics work.
• COMFORT
  Addresses critical ocean-climate feedbacks (carbon cycles, deoxygenation, acidification) — positions Dalhousie at the intersection of oceanography and climate policy.
• SponGES
  Focused on deep-sea sponge ground ecosystems in the North Atlantic — a niche but high-impact area for marine biodiversity and conservation policy.