The European Ocean Research and Education Alliance (EOREA) is a European initiative coordinated by NTNU and Aix-Marseille Université, bringing together 12 leading research institutions across Europe: Aalto University (Finland), DTU (Denmark), ULB (Belgium), HCMR (Greece), Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden), CNR (Italy), University of Lisbon (Portugal), TU Delft (Netherlands), Jožef Stefan Institute (Slovenia), NIMRD (Romania), University of Southampton (United Kingdom), and CSIC (Spain).

EOREA aims to strengthen cooperation in marine research and education and to contribute to major European and international ocean agendas. At European level, the Alliance supports key initiatives such as the EU Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters, the future Ocean Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC), the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership, and JPI Oceans. Internationally, it contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the priorities of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030). Through these efforts, EOREA seeks to strengthen the coordination, visibility and impact of marine research and education governance at both European and international levels.

At the heart of EOREA’s approach are Collaborative Research and Education Programmes (CREPs). These programmes are designed to better align existing national research and education activities across participating institutions, foster collaboration across borders and disciplines, and reduce unnecessary duplication of efforts. CREPs are open to public higher education and research and innovation institutions wishing to contribute to their development.

Through the CREPs, participating institutions coordinate challenge-driven research activities, develop joint education and training initiatives based on the knowledge generated through collaborative research, and strengthen existing educational programmes by integrating the latest scientific advances. The programmes also provide a framework for developing strategic advice for European, national and international institutions and authorities, helping to bridge research, education and policy.

Launched in December 2022, with the direct support of Member of the European Parliament Maria da Graça Carvalho and European Commissioner Mariya Gabriel, EOREA has since established a strong governance framework and developed its first Collaborative Research and Education Programmes around three priority areas: Aquaculture, Underwater Robotics, and Climate Change Impacts on Biodiversity.