CIESM: International cooperation for research in the Mediterranean Sea

The Mediterranean Science Commission (CIESM) was founded in 1919 by Mediterranean coastal states to advance scientific exploration of the Mediterranean Sea. Switzerland joined the CIESM in 1971.

© Photo courtesy of TUDAV (Turkish Marine Research Foundation).

The CIESM covers all areas of research relating to the Mediterranean Sea, providing coastal countries with a collaborative forum for scientific cooperation and intellectual exchange.

It operates through six specialised scientific committees: Marine Geosciences, Physics & Climate of the Ocean, Marine Biogeochemistry, Marine Microbiology & Biotechnology, Living Resources & Marine Ecosystems, Coastal Systems & Marine Policies. These committees meet every three years for a congress.

The CIESM organises conferences and workshops, publishes scientific monographs and supports the participation of early career researchers (ECRs) from financially disadvantaged countries.

Swiss participation

As a landlocked country, cooperation within the CIESM is very valuable for Switzerland. SERI is responsible for Switzerland's membership, including payment of the annual membership fees of approximately CHF 50,000. SERI has delegated Swiss representation to the Commission of Oceanography and Limnology (COL) of the Swiss Academy of Sciences. This commission represents Switzerland on the CIESM Board and at the CIESM Congress and General Assembly.