This initiative is a homage to Professor Mário Ruivo’s long-life commitment to ocean science and the sustainability of the ocean, and his significant contributions to the work of IOC, most notably ocean knowledge, governance, capacity development, literacy, and international cooperation.
In the first edition, held in 2022/2023, the distinguished early career ocean researcher presented their project during the UNESCO-IOC Assembly 2023.
In this second edition, 2024/2025, the selected early career ocean professional will present his/her/their project at the UNESCO-IOC Assembly in 2025.
The winner will be chosen through a public application process.
The application period closed on 23 February 2025.
Professor Mário Ruivo (1927 – 2017)
An expert in Biological Oceanography, Mário Ruivo was one of the pioneers of marine biology in Portugal.
Following an active research career in Portugal, Mário Ruivo became the director of the Division of Aquatic Resources and the Environment at the FAO, in Rome (1961-74). Back to his country in 1974, he held high political positions (Secretary of State for Fisheries, Minister for Foreign Affairs – 1974/75), and led the Delegation of Portugal to the United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (1974-79). In all these functions, he became internationally recognised for his key contribution to ocean governance and management.
Mário Ruivo was the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) from 1980 to 1989, and later on the delegate of Portugal to the IOC. His achievements at the IOC reinforced his prestige at the international level.
His role as scientific adviser of the Expo’98, “The Ocean: Our Future”, held in Lisbon, and coordinator of the Independent World Commission on the Oceans (IWCO), and as president of the National Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development (1997-2017) are testimony to his lifelong, exceptional commitment to the causes of the Ocean and sustainable development and of his integrated vision, which profoundly marked the global ocean science and governance.
With a deep ethical sense, Mário Ruivo had his eyes set on future generations, and with them, he established an unbreakable pact of responsibility, which gave him almost inhuman strength to persist and to fight for his ideals, without ever giving up. With the aim of promoting marine science and technology and ocean literacy, he was a crucial element in the creation of the EurOcean Foundation and of its scientific network, of which he was its founder and President.
Past Editions & Winners of the Mário Ruivo Memorial Lecture
1st Edition – 2022/2023
Winner: Aaron Eger, Program Director at Kelp Forest Alliance
Winning Project: Kelp Forest Alliance
Memorial Lecture IOC/UNESCO Assembly 2023): Watch the livestream here
Aaron Eger was selected from 24 applications as the winner of the inaugural Mário Ruivo Memorial Lecture in 2023.
As part of his award, he presented his project “Kelp Forest Alliance” to the 150 Member States at the 32nd Session of the IOC/UNESCO Assembly on 22 June 2023.
In his words:
“The Kelp Forest Alliance was created as a grassroots vision of what we want the world to achieve for our marine forests. The Mário Ruivo Memorial Lecture provides the opportunity to take it to a global stage and challenge the world to restore and preserve kelp forests.”
Aaron Eger presenting at IOC/UNESCO Assembly 2023
2nd Edition – 2024/2025
Winner: Vânia Baptista, Principal Investigator of Little Fish STP (São Tomé and Príncipe)
Winning Project: Little Fish STP
Memorial Lecture IOC/UNESCO Assembly 2025: Watch the livestream here
Vânia Baptista was selected as the winner of the second Mário Ruivo Memorial Lecture and delivered her presentation during the 33rd IOC/UNESCO Assembly on 30 June 2025 in Paris. Her award-winning project, Little Fish STP, empowers local communities in São Tomé and Príncipe by combining scientific research, fisheries assessment, and community engagement — promoting sustainable resource use, conservation of threatened species, and adaptation to global change.
In her acceptance, she stated:
“It is a profound honour to receive this award, which pays tribute to a remarkable man who played a pivotal role in advancing Portugal’s connection with the Ocean. As a woman and early career scientist, presenting this project at the IOC/UNESCO represents a valuable opportunity to underscore the vital contribution we make to scientific progress and ocean protection.”
Vânia Baptista (center left) receiving the Mário Ruivo winner certificate at the IOC/Unesco Assembly 2025. Salvador Malheiro, Portuguese Secretary of State for the Sea and Fisheries (left); Sandra Sá, Executive Director of EurOcean (center right) and Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of IOC/UNESCO (right).
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