+ATLANTIC CoLAB

+ATLANTIC CoLAB: Driving Earth Observation-based Marine & Climate Applied Science Towards Innovation

Executive Overview

+ATLANTIC CoLAB is a non-profit applied research institution based in Portugal. Established as a designated Collaborative Laboratory (CoLAB) by the Portuguese Government in 2018, +ATLANTIC operates at the intersection of ocean science, space-based Earth observation, numerical modelling, and data science. Its primary mission is to translate complex marine, coastal, and atmospheric data into actionable digital intelligence that drives the sustainable growth of the blue economy, enhances climate resilience, and supports evidence-based policymaking across the Atlantic basin and adjacent seas.

Origins, Vision, and Institutional Mandate

+ATLANTIC was created as part of Portugal’s national strategy to bridge the gap between academic research and market/societal application. By bringing together leading research universities, industrial leaders, state laboratories, and international partners, +ATLANTIC functions as an agile innovation hub.

The CoLAB’s vision is centred on a sustainable, data-driven relationship with the ocean. Recognising that the ocean is a single, interconnected global system facing unprecedented pressures from climate change, habitat degradation, and intense human activity, +ATLANTIC develops digital technologies that empower decision-makers to monitor, forecast, and manage coastal and marine environments effectively.

Core Scientific & Technological Pillar Capabilities

1. Ocean & Coastal Dynamic Modelling

   +ATLANTIC develops high-resolution, multi-scale hydrodynamic and wave models tailored for complex coastal zones, estuaries, and open-ocean environments. These numerical tools provide critical forecasts for coastal erosion, wave run-up, storm surge hazards, and sea-level rise impacts, enabling coastal municipalities and harbour authorities to plan robust adaptation strategies.

2. Earth Observation & Remote Sensing

   Leveraging data mainly from the European Space Agency (ESA) and various Copernicus Services, +ATLANTIC processes multi-source remote sensing data to monitor ocean health, water quality, sea surface processes, coastal dynamics, and climate change impacts on ecosystems and inland territories in near real-time.

3. Data Science & Visualisation

   +ATLANTIC builds interactive, digital data platforms that integrate Earth observation, machine learning, cloud computing, and real-time sensor streams with ocean and climate models. Through Atlantic SENSE, +ATLANTIC allows users to visualise data and extract information, helping them to use research and innovation products for monitoring, planning and management purposes.

4. Strategic Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation (CDE)

   +ATLANTIC places equal emphasis on the societal adoption of technology. Through dedicated CDE expertise, we translate dense scientific and technical outputs into clear visual storytelling, interactive web tools, policy briefs, and stakeholder workshops. This ensures that research results deliver real-world impact, drive user adoption, and align with societal needs.

Key Application Areas & Societal Impact

• Climate Adaptation & Coastal Risk Management: Assisting local and regional authorities in assessing coastal vulnerability, predicting extreme events, and implementing nature-based solutions to protect communities and infrastructure.

• Sustainable Blue Economy: Supporting offshore renewable energy site selection, aquaculture optimisation, and sustainable maritime spatial planning.

• Ocean Literacy & Global Alignment: Endorsing and executing initiatives aligned with the UN Ocean Decade, promoting the foundational truth of "One Global Ocean" and fostering ocean literacy among youth, educators, and policy-makers.

• European Project Leadership: Actively leading Work Packages in Horizon Europe (Cluster 6, Mission Ocean), ERASMUS+, and INTERREG programs, serving as a trusted Atlantic bridge for international research consortia.

Collaborative Ecosystem & Strategic Value

Headquartered in Lisbon with a strong operational footprint across Portugal’s mainland and autonomous regions (Azores and Madeira), +ATLANTIC serves as a neutral, trusted partner for industry, academia, and public administration. By synthesising multidisciplinary expertise (from physical oceanography and software engineering to strategic communication and climate impacts), +ATLANTIC CoLAB is open to helping to consolidate research and innovation initiatives.