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 - SAMOS Masters course. Follow all the necessary steps. If there are any queries, please contact the AOS course conveners: aos.maris@uct.ac.za. Applications close 31 August 2026!

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.

On the Ice: Learning from the field at Saroma Sea Ice School in Japan

UCT-MARiS and SAPRI Research Assistant, Dayna Collins, attended the Saroma Sea Ice School 2026 in Japan, gaining hands-on polar sea ice research experience, building global connections, and advancing her journey in sea ice science.

Exploring False Bay's Seafloor Through Innovation: MARiS Collaboration MarBEL x ARU

MARiS researchers: MarBEL x ARU successfully tested an ROV in False Bay, combining marine ecology and robotics to unlock new insights into seafloor habitats and benthic ecosystems.

From Cape Town to Brazil: Diving into Ocean–Atmosphere Science with SOLAS

UCT-MARiS PhD student Christiaan van Niekerk represented UCT-MARiS at the 2026 SOLAS Summer School, joining 45 early-career researchers to explore ocean–atmosphere science, international collaboration, and science communication.

From Antarctic Research to the Classroom: Inspiring Future Women Engineers

Celebrating World Engineering Day, UCT-MARiS ECRs Sarah Tallack and Tristyn Ferreiro inspired Springfield Convent learners by sharing their engineering journeys and challenging Women in STEM stereotypes.

MARiS Explores the Tools Behind Ocean Discovery

UCT-MARiS ECRs enjoyed an inspiring tour of Sea Technology Services, exploring cutting-edge ocean robotics and research instruments. Thank you to Sean Lavis and Sandy Thomalla for an engaging glimpse into ocean science in action.

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

MARiS Meet 2026 kicked off the year with over 20 ECRs and academics connecting, welcoming new members, and strengthening community ties. A fantastic start to an exciting year of MARiS events and engagement!

Biological Sciences Oceanography Chemical Engineering Electrical Engineering Marine Ecology & Fisheries