Visiting Researcher Programme (VRP)
The CMRE fostered scientific exchange through its long-running visiting researcher programme (VRP), facilitating collaboration between CMRE scientists and researchers from NATO nations. The VRP offers the brightest students from NATO nations the opportunity to conduct research on subjects of interest to both the researcher and NATO. In addition to collaboration and networking opportunities, visiting researchers benefit by being able to access CMRE equipment, facilities, and data; the benefit to Allies is a strengthening of their own maritime S&T capacity. The number of participants in the programme has increased steadily over the last few years.
In 2025, the STO Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) funded additional VRP participants, who have contributed significantly to the Centre’s products across all projects. The programme has also funded seminars and visits to the CMRE from leading NATO subject matter experts.
Robotics Outreach
CMRE scientist Dr. Gabriele Ferri organises an annual workshop at the European Robotics Forum as Coordinator of the euRobotics Topic Group on Marine Robotics. This initiative aims to create a community focused on the future of European robotics through centralising materials, finding synergies for new projects, and facilitating meetings and collaboration.
On May 15th, CMRE supported the second edition of the Italian SeaPerch Challenge, which showcased the ingenuity of middle and high school students from La Spezia and Lunigiana. This underwater robotics competition, part of a global RoboNation program, challenges students to design and build their own ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) capable of speed, agility, and complex object manipulation.
The CMRE also holds an annual Robotics for Asset Maintenance and Inspection (RAMI) competition, which brings together industry judges and student participants. Participants benefit from expert mentorship, and develop their skills through real-world testing in CMRE’s sea-water basin.
NATO STO Women & Girls in Science 2025 (WGS25)
At the close of 2025, the CMRE hosted the winners of the NATO STO Women & Girls in Science 2025 (WGS25) challenge. The three scientists: Dr. Mirjam de Bruin-Hoegée, Dr. Beatrise Berzina, and Dr. Nicolette Moreau, spent months using the Centre’s specialised facilities and equipment to further their research. They enriched the Centre’s programme of work by contributing distinct expert perspectives from their respective fields.
The scientists gained insight into current technological challenges and associated future research opportunities, especially when it comes to operation and sensing in extreme environments, such as the Arctic or deep sea. They also saw how CMRE scientists build custom experimental setups and implement design changes on the go.
I’ve deepened my understanding of several technical areas within the maritime domain — from modelling and simulation to autonomy, ship management, and emerging quantum technologies. One of the highlights has been connecting with the incredible network of scientists and experts who were generous with their insights and enthusiastic about exploring the future impact of Engineering Biology.
NATO Climate Change and Security Course
The CMRE, sponsored and supported by the NATO STO Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS), successfully hosted the first edition of the NATO Climate Change and Security course from 29 September to 3 October 2025. The five-day course was co-developed and co-delivered by CMRE in close collaboration with the NATO International Staff, the NATO International Military Staff – Policy & Capabilities Division, and the NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence (CCASCOE).
A total of 33 mid-career government officials and military officers, representing 18 Allied and Partner nations, took part in the course. Several participants also represented organizations from the European Union and the United Nations. The course faculty comprised 17 international subject matter experts, both from NATO and from leading external institutions.
NATO leadership will require that military and policy expertise be merged with state-of-the-art scientific climate data to ensure that our capabilities are adapted for the operating environment of tomorrow. Events such as this course are crucial for bringing together professionals from across Allied and Partner organizations to build shared knowledge and collaborative solutions.
Collaboration with Fondazione Accademia Italiana Marina Mercantile (FAIMM)
In Autumn 2025, CMRE renewed its agreement with FAIMM. This collaboration was formalised in 2023, through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. The ongoing agreement allows students to complete specialized internships in the Marine Operations office and aboard the research vessels NRV Alliance and CRV Leonardo, offering a unique experience during the transition to the world of work. The cadets participate in daily and scheduled maintenance of ships and in the activities of the Ship Management office. This creates synergy between education and research, opening up new career opportunities and introducing students to advanced maritime technologies.
