Launching the NEB Ocean, Coastal and Island Communities Lab in Oeiras
On September 25, Oeiras hosted the launch of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) Ocean, Coastal and Island Communities Lab, a pan-European ecosystem bringing art, science and policy together in service of the ocean, in Portugal. The event took place during the European Researchers’ Night, Europe’s largest science celebration, bringing together dozens of research institutions for an evening of hands-on science open to the public.
Developed through a partnership between the Municipality of Oeiras, Técnico’s Interactive Technologies Institute and TBA21 Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary, the Lab builds on the legacy of Bauhaus of the Seas Sails, a Horizon Europe lighthouse project exploring new ways to connect culture, scientific research and coastal communities.
The Lab contributes to the societal engagement pillar of the EU Ocean Observation Initiative (OceanEye), marking an important step in mainstreaming the New European Bauhaus approach—at the intersection of art, science and policy—within a major European ocean initiative.
Supported by the Spanish Embassy in Portugal and the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation of Portugal, the launch brought together leading Iberian ocean observation institutions to discuss European initiatives and explore how artistic and cultural practices can make ocean data more accessible, meaningful and relevant to citizens and policymakers. The roundtable addressed ocean observation as strategic infrastructure, Iberian cooperation, and the art-science translation of data for citizens, with the participation of Commander Delgado Vicente, Hydrographic Institute (IH); Doctor Miguel Santos, Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA); Doctor Rafael González-Quirós, Gijón Oceanographic Center and Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO); and representatives of the Lab.
The Lab will develop in two phases: first, consolidating a pan-European community of practice, partnerships and shared knowledge; and second, delivering a program of public-facing artistic, scientific and cultural initiatives that encourage citizen participation in ocean observation and governance.
With a strong Iberian dimension connecting Mediterranean and Atlantic perspectives, the Lab seeks to reimagine Europe’s relationship with the ocean, foster ocean literacy and position culture as an active contributor to ocean knowledge and stewardship.
By carrying forward the legacy of Bauhaus of the Seas Sails, the Lab aims to establish a lasting platform for collaboration across disciplines, territories and communities.
