The Centre for Macaronesian Studies (CEM) is a Pluriannual Unit created in 1994 by the University of Madeira (UMa) and the Department of Biology (actual Centre of Competences of Life Sciences) in order to promote the development of Earth and Life Sciences with special emphasis on Islands Ecosystems and their sustainable management.

The research performed by the Centre focuses on the biodiversity of the Macaronesian region (Madeira, Azores, Canary Islands and Cape Verde), its conservation and valorisation of biological resources. In parallel, geological and oceanographic studies are also conducted in order to better understand the factors that gave origin to this biodiversity and to support monitoring programmes on biodiversity changes in terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

Madeira’s high population density and burgeoning tourism and construction sectors constitute major threats to the preservation of the Madeiran ecosystems. CEM’s research activities have contributed significantly to the delineation of strategies to overcome these problems in these sectors, through studies of the region's biodiversity, water resources and the sustainable use of agricultural crops and native plants.

Thus CEM plays a key role in assisting public entities responsible for the conservation of the Laurel forest (UNESCO, Nature Mankind Legacy - in 1999), and the Biogenetic Reserve of the Desertas Islands and Natural Reserve of Selvagens Islands (NATURA Network 2000) and in promoting new strategies forms of diversification of local bio-economy.

The research team comprises several members, as indicated in Members Section. These are organized into two main research areas, namely Biodiversity and Environment (BE) and Biotechnology and Genetic Resources (BGR). The Centre has expertise in Zoology, Botany, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Geology, Oceanography, Chemical Engineering, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Marine Biology and Parasitology. Most members are staff of the University of Madeira as well as staff of Regional Governmental Institutions. Members collaborate with national and international institutions, in particular, the Universities of Porto, Azores and Lisbon (Portugal), Barcelona, Las Palmas and La Laguna (Spain), Kiel (Germany) and the Alberta Research Council (Canada).

General Objectives

The general objectives of CEM can be summarized as follows:

1. Contribute to the development of research and scientific knowledge and the achievement of the national policy in our specific areas of intervention.

2. Develop programs and projects for basic or applied research.

3. Contribute to the scientific exchange between organizations and entities related to scientific research.

4. Develop research networks.

5. Collaborate with the University of Madeira and other institutions of higher education in post-graduations and advanced training.

6. Undertake activities to provide services to the community complementing the scientific research carried out within the Unit.

7. Promote activities and the diffusion of scientific knowledge.