The Sea – Åbo Akademi University

Åbo Akademi University has long maintained a high profile in Baltic Sea research. Marine biology is a research-intensive subject with a strong international orientation. Since June 2017, The Sea has been one of our four focal areas in research. The profile area is a collaborative effort with the University of Turku. The research has a particular focus on marine biology, regulation and other steering mechanisms as well as maritime logistics and trade, with the Baltic Sea serving as a global model.

Within the cross-disciplinary entity, researchers collaborate in environmental and marine biology, public administration and the industrial economy.

The overall objective of The Sea is to establish a world-leading marine Centre of Excellence with a focus on the Baltic Sea and the Nordic maritime areas, including Arctic marine ecosystems.

Special focus is given to the following: marine ecology development in coastal regions in relation to an ever-changing environment; analysis and evaluation of the impact that political and administrative institutions has on the Baltic Sea region; development and implementation of sustainable, large-scale infrastructure systems, especially in the transport and energy sectors; and multidisciplinary expert advice for society, decision-makers, national and international advisory bodies, NGOs and the business sector.