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.

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.

From Ocean Whirls to Global Partnerships: MARiS Joins the WHIRLS Cruise 2026 Celebration

On 30 July 2026, the UCT-MARiS team was honoured to be invited aboard the French research vessel Marion Dufresne II for a special conference marking the conclusion of the WHIRLS Cruise 2026.

MARiS Reaccredited for Another Five Years: Celebrating Excellence, Collaboration and Impact

MARiS has been reaccredited by UCT for 2026–2031, recognizing its impactful research, interdisciplinary collaborations, strong governance and international reputation — a collective achievement for the MARiS community.

UCT-MARiS at SCAR2026: Connecting South African Science with the Global Polar Community

UCT-MARiS researchers joined the global polar science community at the 12th SCAR2026 in Oslo, sharing research, building collaborations and showcasing South Africa’s contribution to Antarctic and Southern Ocean science.

MARiS Makes a Difference for Mandela Day Marina Clean Up 2026

UCT-MARiS, Biological Sciences and Partners Remove Over Half a Ton of Marine Debris During Collaborative Mandela Day Marina Cleanup from the the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) marina's Cat Corner on Saturday, 18 July 2026.

WHIRLSchool 2026: Training the Next Generation of Ocean Scientists at Sea

WHIRLSchool brought 11 students and early-career researchers aboard the R/V S.A. Agulhas II for an immersive ocean science experience, combining hands-on fieldwork, data analysis, research and scientific communication.

UCT-MARiS Researcher Joins African Round Table on Marine and Ocean Governance in Nairobi

Dr Louise Gammage represented UCT-MARiS at an African Round Table on Marine and Ocean Governance in Nairobi, contributing perspectives on small-scale fisheries, community participation and strengthening legal capacity for ocean governance.

Biological Sciences Oceanography Chemical Engineering Electrical Engineering Marine Ecology & Fisheries