REMORA Symposium in Madeira: Beyond the edge – the Outermost Regions in Horizon Europe
From 12 to 14 May 2026, Madeira will host the second REMORA Symposium, bringing together researchers, policy-makers, and innovation actors from across Europe and beyond to accelerate collaboration in marine research and innovation. Organised under the Horizon Europe project REMORA – Small fishes in a big pond, the event will reinforce the role of Europe’s Outermost Regions — Madeira, the Azores, and La Réunion — as strategic platforms for global ocean science..
Building on the first symposium in La Réunion, this second edition will focus on operationalising partnerships, advancing Horizon Europe participation, and strengthening the international positioning of the three partner institutions (OOM, OKEANOS, CITEB). The event directly contributes to REMORA’s objective of transforming these organisations into Horizon Europe “champions” through enhanced networks, capacities, and strategic alignment with EU priorities.
The symposium will combine high-level discussions, proposal-oriented sessions, and practical collaboration formats, including networking activities and targeted exchanges with leading European institutions. It will also serve as a key milestone for advancing the Joint Internationalisation Strategy and Horizon Europe Incubator pipeline, supporting the development of competitive proposals and long-term partnerships.
Agenda Overview
Day 1 – 12 May | Mobilising the Outermost Regions’ assets | Outermost Regions as active HEU actors | Site visit #1
The first day will set the strategic framework of the symposium, focusing on:
- Presentation of REMORA progress and positioning within the European Research Area (ERA)
- High-level sessions on EU ocean priorities, including Mission Ocean and blue economy strategies
- Showcasing of the scientific assets and infrastructures of Madeira, the Azores, and La Réunion
- Exchanges with European “champion” institutions and networks
Operational focus:
- Align partners with EU priorities
- Strengthen visibility and positioning
- Create entry points for collaboration
Online participation in Opening Session & Plenary Session 1 (12th May, 10AM to 2:10PM CET): we’ll be pleased to provide you with the Zoom link.
Online participation in Oceanic Observatory of Madeira (OOM) researchers’ snapshots (12th May, 03:30PM to 04:45PM): we’ll be pleased to provide you with the Zoom link.
Day 2 – 13 May | From Strategy to Collaboration & Proposals | Seizing Horizon Europe opportunities | Site visit #2
The second day will shift to implementation and collaboration:
- Thematic workshops on joint research priorities and EU-added value niches
- Horizon Europe proposal clinics and ideation sessions, linked to the REMORA Incubator
- Hands-on concrete selection of priority calls
- Matchmaking sessions with potential partners and consortia
Operational focus:
- Generate concrete proposal ideas (Incubator pipeline)
- Strengthen partner matchmaking
- Translate strategy into actionable collaborations
Day 3 – 14 May | From projects to systems: Policy and Governance
The final day will focus on consolidation and long-term impact:
- Sessions on policy, funding synergies (ERDF–HEU), and exploitation pathways
- Synthesis of key outcomes and identification of next steps for partnerships and proposals
- Steering Committee meeting and Final plenary session
Operational focus:
- Anchor collaborations in real infrastructures and capacities
- Strengthen policy and funding alignment (synergies logic)
- Define post-symposium actions and responsibilities
Strategic Role of the Symposium
This second symposium is not only a dissemination event but a core implementation instrument of REMORA, contributing to:
- WP2 (Internationalisation): strengthening EU integration and partnerships
- WP3 (Networking & Incubator): generating Horizon Europe proposals
- WP5 (CDE): increasing visibility, stakeholder engagement, and impact
- WP6 (Management & Coordination): consortium meeting
It directly supports REMORA’s ambition to:
- Increase participation in Horizon Europe
- Build sustainable partnerships with leading EU institutions
- Position the Outermost Regions as essential contributors to global Ocean science and innovation
Dates: 12–14 May 2026
Location: ARDITI, Madeira islands, Portugal
