UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO RIO GRANDE-FURG

Their core work

FURG is a Brazilian federal university located in Rio Grande, at the southern tip of Brazil, with deep expertise in marine and coastal sciences across the Atlantic. In H2020, they contribute primarily to Atlantic Ocean research — from marine ecosystem modelling and climate-driven fisheries prediction to sustainable aquaculture of low-trophic species like sea urchins, macroalgae, and shellfish. They also bring a unique historical ecology perspective, studying long-term human exploitation of marine vertebrates through zooarchaeology. Their position in southern Brazil makes them a strategic partner for any EU project requiring South Atlantic field sites, data, or aquaculture expertise.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

FURG's H2020 involvement began in 2019 with both foundational science (historical ecology, zooarchaeology in SeaChanges) and forward-looking ecosystem modelling (TRIATLAS). By 2020, their focus shifted decisively toward applied marine production — aquaculture of specific organisms (sea urchins, mussels, macroalgae) and ocean monitoring technology. The trajectory is clear: from understanding marine ecosystems historically and predictively, toward actively managing and farming them sustainably.

FURG is moving from marine science understanding toward applied aquaculture production and ocean monitoring — expect them to seek partnerships in blue bioeconomy, IMTA systems, and Atlantic observation infrastructure.

How they like to work

FURG exclusively participates as a partner, never as coordinator in H2020 — consistent with being a non-EU institution joining EU-led consortia. They work in large international consortia (150 unique partners across 34 countries), which means they are comfortable operating in complex, multi-partner environments. Their value proposition is clear: they provide South Atlantic access, field expertise, and data that European-led projects cannot obtain domestically.

Remarkably broad network for a non-EU partner: 150 unique consortium partners across 34 countries, built through just 5 projects. This reflects participation in large-scale Atlantic cooperation initiatives (TRIATLAS, AtlantECO, ASTRAL) that span Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

What sets them apart

FURG is one of the few Brazilian universities deeply embedded in EU Atlantic research programmes, giving it a bridge role between European and South American marine science. Located in Rio Grande — a major fishing port and coastal city — they offer direct access to South Atlantic ecosystems, aquaculture test sites, and long-term environmental data that European partners cannot replicate. For any consortium needing a credible, experienced South Atlantic node, FURG is a proven choice with an established track record in large EU projects.

Highlights from their portfolio

• ASTRAL
  Largest single EC contribution to FURG (EUR 684,562), focused on profitable and resilient aquaculture across the entire Atlantic — signals strong trust from the consortium.
• TRIATLAS
  Climate-based marine ecosystem prediction for the tropical and South Atlantic — positions FURG at the intersection of climate science and fisheries management.
• SeaChanges
  Unusual combination of zooarchaeology and marine ecology, studying historical thresholds of human exploitation — FURG participates as a third party, suggesting niche specialist expertise.