MARiS home | Marine and Antarctic Research for Innovation and Sustainability

The Marine and Antarctic Research Centre for Innovation and Sustainability (MARiS) at the University of Cape Town is a vibrant hub for discovery, learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration in ocean and polar science. By bringing together experts and early career researchers from different fields — including Biological Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Oceanography, we explore the many dimensions of marine environments, while highlighting the vital role of oceans for climate, biodiversity, and human well-being, develop innovative solutions to global challenges, and contribute to South Africa’s role as a leader in marine and Antarctic research.

Welcome to UCT-MARIS!

MARIS is an interdisciplinary center at the University of Cape Town that promotes Marine and Antarctic Science research projects, involving multiple departments within UCT and external research associates.

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MARiS Outputs

Here we will share all of MARiS research outputs, including publications, reports and radio and podcast interviews about marine and Antarctic related research done within the MARiS Centre and with our associated partners. Stay tuned!

Master in Applied Ocean Sciences Course

Apply for the multi-disciplinary Applied Ocean Sciences Masters course. Follow all the necessary steps. If there are any queries, please contact the AOS course conveners: aos.maris@uct.ac.za.

African Marine Ecosystem Modelling Hub (UCT)

The African Marine Ecosystem Modelling Hub is core to the Marine Sustainability research group of MARIS, and its home is in the UCT Department of Biological Sciences, where the team undertakes trophic modelling of African marine ecosystems.

MARiS Meet 2026: A Warm and Welcoming Start to the Year

A Living Legacy for Ocean Science - launching the new UCT Mathieu Rouault Research Centre

A new resource centre at the University of Cape Town honours the late Professor Mathieu Rouault while advancing interdisciplinary ocean and climate research for future generations.

UCT-MARiS Researchers Engage in South Africa’s 7th SANAP Symposium

UCT-MARiS researchers and early-career scientists engaged at the 7th SANAP Symposium, strengthening collaboration across polar and Southern Ocean research, sharing new insights on sea ice, ecosystems and climate, and building networks.

Prof Lynne Shannon Makes History as First Global South Recipient of the Prince Albert I Grand Medal for Ocean Science

Prof Lynne Shannon becomes the first Global South recipient of the Prince Albert I Grand Medal for Ocean Science, awarded in Paris on 8 December 2025.

UCT-MARiS Researchers Contribute to Global Ocean Microbiome Science at AtlantECO Hackathon and Legacy Conference, Azores

UCT-MARiS researchers Dr Emma Rocke and PhD student, Yameen Badrodien, represented South Africa at the AtlantECO Hackathon and Legacy Conference in the Azores, advancing Benguela Upwelling microbiome science and global collaboration.

A Successful 2025 AOS Masters Proposal Showcase!

The 2025 AOS Masters Proposal Showcase brought together 11 students presenting diverse ocean research topics. Thank you to everyone who joined and contributed valuable feedback—your support inspires our emerging ocean scientists!

Biological Sciences Oceanography Chemical Engineering Electrical Engineering Marine Ecology & Fisheries