About us
ECMAR is the European voice of applied maritime research, connecting leading organisations to drive innovation, sustainability and strategic impact.
Bridging science, industry and policy to accelerate Europe’s maritime transition.
What is ECMAR ?
The Independent Voice of Maritime Applied R&D ECMAR (European Council for Maritime Applied R&D) is a non-profit association representing Europe’s leading maritime research institutes, universities, and technical organisations.
We serve as the essential link between fundamental academic science and industrial market application. Our network is dedicated to developing the technological building blocks required for a sustainable, digital, and competitive European maritime sector.
As an independent body, we provide evidence-based perspectives on the future of waterborne transport, distinct from purely commercial or political lobbying.
14+
countries represented
25%+
of Horizon Europe maritime projects coordinated by an ECMAR Member
24+
research organisations and institutes in the network
€15M+
leveraged EU fundings in Horizon Europe maritime R&D projects
Our story
A European vision built over time
Foundation of ECMAR
ECMAR was created to address the lack of representation of independent maritime research centres within the European innovation ecosystem and policy discussions.
A Missing Voice in Europe
At the time, research centres had no dedicated platform, unlike universities and industry players, limiting their influence on European maritime research priorities.
Building Representation
ECMAR worked to unify applied research organisations, strengthening their collective voice and securing their participation in early European research programmes.
Expanding Influence
The network grew in visibility and impact, contributing more actively to European research strategies and reinforcing the role of applied research in maritime innovation.
Horizon Europe Era
ECMAR became a key contributor to Horizon Europe discussions, ensuring that technology maturation and mid-TRL research gained recognition in EU priorities.
A Strategic European Actor
ECMAR is now a recognised voice in European maritime research, driving collaboration, influencing policy and supporting innovation across the maritime ecosystem.
Our Mission
Bridging the Gap for a Sovereign Blue Economy Our mission is to ensure that European maritime research translates into global industrial leadership. We achieve this by:
Influencing Policy
Providing technical expertise to the European Commission to shape the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA).
Targeting the "Missing Middle"
Focusing on Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3 to 6 to mature innovations from the laboratory to the sea.
Advocating for "Reship EU"
Promoting a coordinated research policy that secures European maritime sovereignty and strategic autonomy.
Fostering Excellence
Enabling our members to build high-impact consortia for EU-funded projects through dedicated brokerage and technical workshops.
Governance
A Member-Led Council for Strategic Excellence ECMAR’s governance is rooted in a democratic and transparent structure, ensuring that every member has a voice in shaping the future of European applied research.
The General Assembly (GA)
The supreme decision-making body, the GA meets annually to define long-term strategy, approve the budget, and elect the Council members.
The Council
Operational leadership is provided by a Council of five members, elected by the GA for a two-year term. The Council defines the political and technical vision and oversees strategic positions.
Chairmanship
Led by a Chairman and a Vice-Chairman (currently held by RISE, Sweden, and CETENA, Italy).
The Secretariat & Director
Managed by the ECMAR Director, based in Brussels (Rue de la Loi), handling daily operations and permanent links with EU institutions.
Strategic Working Groups
Instead of thematic technical groups, we focus on cross-functional impact:
- Scientific Collaboration: Fostering technical synergies and building project consortia.
- EU Influence: Coordinating advocacy and policy responses to EU institutions.
- Communication: Increasing the visibility of applied R&D and the ECMAR network.
Mattias Liefvendahl
RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Chair
Head of Computational Hydrodynamics at RISE, with a PhD in applied mathematics and expertise in fluid dynamics, propulsion and underwater technologies. Former research director at FOI, he has held academic roles in leading Swedish universities. His work focuses on advanced modelling and maritime engineering research. He has been elected as Chair-person in 2026.
Chiara NOTARO
CETENA-IT, Vice-Chair
Naval architect with extensive experience in ship design, manoeuvrability and simulation, Chiara Notaro has worked at CETENA since 2005. She has contributed to industrial and European research projects and maritime innovation initiatives. Active in European networks, she has been elected Vice-Chair, after 2 years as Chair person (2024-2026).
Florian CARRE
ECMAR Director
European affairs specialist with over 12 years of experience in EU-funded programmes such as Horizon Europe, Eurostars and LIFE. As ECMAR Director, he supports organisations in accessing funding and developing projects. He plays a key role in strengthening participation in European research and innovation initiatives.
Evangelos Boulougouris
Head of Department at the Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering, University Strathclyde, UK
Internationally recognised expert in naval architecture and maritime safety, with over 28 years of experience. Head of department and research leader, he has contributed to numerous EU and UK projects. Author of 200+ publications, he is actively involved in global maritime institutions and regulatory developments.
Ionel Chirica
SDG-RO
R&D manager and professor specialising in ship structures and naval engineering. With a PhD focused on hull torsion, he has been involved in EU research projects since 2004. Active in international maritime organisations, he contributes to both academic research and industrial innovation in ship design.
Igor Bačkalov
DST
Naval architect with extensive academic and research experience in ship stability, safety and dynamics. Former associate professor at the University of Belgrade, he has contributed to multiple EU programmes (FP6, FP7, Horizon 2020). His expertise includes autonomous ships and innovative vessel design. He joined ECMAR Council in 2022.
A Network of Leading Maritime Research Organisations
ECMAR membership is open to organisations involved in applied maritime research across Europe, including research institutes, universities and engineering companies.
Members benefit from:
Direct access to European institutions and policy discussions
Participation in EU-funded projects and strategic initiatives
Collaboration opportunities within a strong research network
Increased visibility at European level
Join a network driving maritime innovation in Europe
Be part of a collaborative ecosystem committed to excellence, sustainability and strategic impact.
Together, we accelerate innovation for a sovereign and competitive maritime Europe.