UNIVERSIDADE TECNICA DO ATLANTICO

Their core work

Universidade Técnica do Atlântico is a higher education institution in Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) focused on marine science, ocean governance, and sustainable development in the tropical and South Atlantic. They contribute regional expertise on marine ecosystems, fisheries, and natural resource management from a Small Island Developing State perspective. Their work spans marine spatial planning, ocean toxin monitoring, climate-driven ecosystem prediction, and trans-Atlantic research cooperation — serving as a critical African partner bridging EU and South Atlantic marine research communities.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

UTA's early H2020 involvement (2017-2018) centered on marine spatial planning, cartography, nature conservation, and marine toxin monitoring — essentially mapping and understanding ocean resources and risks. Their later projects (2018-2019) shifted toward trans-Atlantic cooperation policy, climate prediction, and ecosystem services, reflecting a move from local marine science toward strategic international ocean governance. This evolution mirrors Cabo Verde's growing role as a bridge between European, African, and Brazilian Atlantic research agendas.

UTA is positioning itself as a key African node for trans-Atlantic ocean research coordination, moving from technical marine science toward policy-relevant climate and ecosystem work.

How they like to work

UTA has never coordinated an H2020 project, participating exclusively as a partner or third party — consistent with a smaller institution contributing regional expertise to large EU-led consortia. With 81 unique partners across 23 countries from just 4 projects, they operate in very large international consortia rather than tight bilateral collaborations. This makes them an accessible partner: experienced in multi-country projects, comfortable in supporting roles, and well-connected across the Atlantic research landscape.

Despite only 4 projects, UTA has built a remarkably wide network of 81 partners across 23 countries, reflecting their participation in large trans-Atlantic consortia spanning Europe, Africa, and South America. Their geographic position in Cabo Verde makes them a natural connector between EU and African/South Atlantic research communities.

What sets them apart

UTA offers something rare in H2020 consortia: genuine Small Island Developing State (SIDS) expertise from the mid-Atlantic, positioned between Europe, West Africa, and Brazil. For any project requiring tropical Atlantic fieldwork, local ocean governance knowledge, or African coastal perspectives, they are one of very few credible academic partners in the region. Their Cabo Verde location provides direct access to tropical Atlantic marine environments that European institutions cannot replicate.

Highlights from their portfolio

• TRIATLAS
  Their largest funded project (EUR 67,211), focusing on climate-based marine ecosystem predictions across the tropical and South Atlantic — directly relevant to global climate adaptation.
• PADDLE
  An EU-Africa-Brazil trilateral project on marine spatial planning in tropical waters, showcasing UTA's role as a bridge between continents on ocean governance.