Portugal’s tribute to Professor Mário Ruivo

Portugal has paid a very fitting tribute to Professor Mário Ruivo, by renaming the research vessel RV Mar Portugal to RV Mário Ruivo. Professor Ruivo, who passed away in 2017, was a biologist, an oceanographer and a champion of ocean issues throughout his long career.

He was also a gifted politician and held numerous leadership roles, including as Executive Secretary of IOC-UNESCO from 1980-1988.

Professor Ruivo was also actively involved in both the European Marine Board and EurOcean, serving as a delegate for the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) for many years. Our full tribute to Professor Ruivo can be found here.

RV Mário Ruivo is a 75.6m research vessel operated by Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), which conducts research on the Atlantic Ocean, contributing to increase scientific knowledge and understanding, leading to more informed policies and improving the management of the maritime space and its resources. The vessel was officially renamed by Portuguese Minister of the Sea, Ricardo Serrão Santos.