The first phase of the COSYS-Med International Joint Laboratory (LMI COSYS-Med) came to an end in 2018. During this first five-year period, the actions undertaken made it possible to establish solid links between Tunisian and French laboratories, as well as the formation of a consortium of researchers around the issue of contaminants in marine ecosystems in the southern Mediterranean basin. This group of multidisciplinary scientists met on 28, 29 and 30 November in Hammamet to launch phase two of the LMI. Several MIO researchers travelled to take part in this KickOff, including Thomas Changeux, who represented the management team, François Carlotti, Marc Pagano, Thierry Thibault, Marianne Quémeneur, Mélanie Ourgaud and Olivier Pringault.
More than 70 researchers were present in Hammamet to launch phase 2 of the LMI COSYS-Med. This new phase was launched in the presence of the LMI's three supervisory bodies: the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MESRS) represented by Mrs Samia Charfi Kaddour, Director of the General Directorate of Scientific Research (DGRS), the Institute of Agricultural Research and Higher Education (IRESA), in the presence of its President Mr Elyes Hamza, and the Institute of Research for Development (IRD) with Mr Mohamed Ali Marouani, IRD representative in Tunisia. During the opening ceremony, the success of this equitable scientific partnership formed by the consortium was underlined, "a good example of scientific cooperation on essential subjects", said Ms Samia Charfi Kaddour.
A broader scientific ecosystem
During this initial phase, a large amount of data was collected by the consortium of Franco-Tunisian researchers. A network of players was also consolidated, enabling large-scale bilateral research projects to be set up (e.g. the MERITE-HIPPOCAMPE campaign), as well as recognition of the expertise acquired by LMI members in certain areas such as bioremediation.
On the strength of this first scientific partnership, the consortium has expanded to include 9 laboratories: INSTM, IPEIT, INRAP, INAT and UMR HSM are the new entrants, joining CBS, FSB, UMR MIO and UMR MARBEC. In addition, going beyond scientific networks, the governance of the LMI COSYS-Med will henceforth involve a users' committee in order to put science at the service of local stakeholders to best meet the needs of local populations.
Towards the creation of a Marine Environment Reference Centre
Ultimately, all the research carried out by the LMI's member teams should form the basis for the creation of a Centre for the Mediterranean Marine Environment (CREM). This centre of scientific excellence will be a support centre for innovation through research, research infrastructures and training, as well as a place for sharing knowledge with other players. It will therefore support public policies on the Mediterranean marine environment to preserve this fragile area.
Science at the heart of the next Blue Season
To close the kickoff, a partnership agreement was signed on Saturday 30 November 2019 between the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the association La Saison Bleue, to promote research projects focusing on the economic, ecological and societal challenges linked to the Mediterranean in general and the Tunisian coastline in particular.
The aim of this partnership is to involve all Tunisian research structures in the 2020 Blue Season, the theme of which will be "Science at the service of the sea". LMI COSYS-Med will be sharing its scientific expertise at various events organised during the Blue Season, including the 3rd Sea Forum to be held in July, where science will be at the heart of the event.