Research framework

The research division developed the VLIZ research framework. It describes how research will be conducted at VLIZ and specifies the research themes we want to actively pursue.

Download the VLIZ Research Framework

Through collaboration, VLIZ aims to strengthen the marine research community and to promote the accumulation of marine knowledge and excellence in marine research. Collaborations with other research groups may take various forms, depending on the needs and scale of the research activities. Examples are: 

• collaborative applications of research infrastructure and/or data,
• co-promotorship and/or supervision of MSc or PhD students,
• joint development and execution of sampling campaigns or experimental design,
• bringing together partners with complementary expertise,
• preparing joint project proposals for external financing at national and international level.

In the research strategy six large research themes are mentioned. All themes allow for a multidisciplinary approach to fundamental as well as applied research.

• Ocean Services in a Changing Ocean aims to improve our understanding of dynamic marine ecosystems and their services to society.
• Ocean Past includes prehistoric, archaeological and historical marine research.
• Ocean Observation covers research to improve technologies for the detection and identification of patterns and processes in the ocean.
• The Ocean and Human Health aims a better understanding of the effect of the seas, ocean and coastal environments on human health and wellbeing.
• Policy Driven and Responsive Mode Research addresses emerging topics of local, regional or international priority.
• Blue Sky Research supports excellent but high-risk research related to the ocean.