Description of Organisation
The Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) has been mandated by the Hellenic Republic Ministry of Development, General Secretariat for Research and Technology GSRT) to participate in the MarinERA project.
GSRT is the National Agency for scientific development through funding of National Plans of Research, Development and Technological Innovation. These plans have a duration of 4-5 years with annual public and competitive calls which are peer-reviewed.
HCMR is a governmental research organization operating under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Research and Technology (Ministry of Development). It has the mandate to promote basic research in all fields of aquatic environment and to deliver comprehensive scientific and technical support to the public. It was formed in 2003 following the merging between the National Centre for Marine Research (NCMR) and the Institute of Marine Biology of Crete (IMBC) and it is now composed by the following five Institutes: Oceanography, Marine Biological Resources, Inland Waters (based in Anavyssos), Aquaculture, Marine Biology & Genetics (based in Crete). The scientific personnel numbers 200 researchers-scientists and 90 technicians while 55 people support its administration. HCMR operates the 62m R/V Aegaeo, the 23m R/V Filia and the manned submersible THETIS with a total crew of 34 persons as well as two aquariums in Crete and Rhodes islands.
Marine RTD Funding Programme
The main programmes of GSRT related to the marine environment are in the framework of the operational programme “Competitiveness” (2000-2006) and include: “Natural Environment and Sustainable Development” and “Food-Agriculture development and Aquaculture” (www.gsrt.gr). Non-competitive research programmes are managed by the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (www.hcmr.gr).
