Mission & Strenghts

The Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) is a multidisciplinary research institute that addresses societal needs and challenges through research, data stewardship, technological innovation and knowledge valorization.

To this purpose, VLIZ serves a broad range of stakeholders across the quadruple helix – science, policy, industry, and the public – at both national and international levels. 

VLIZ’s unique position across the full marine research value chain is instrumental in achieving these goals: from field observation and instrumentation to data analysis, infrastructure development, stakeholder engagement, and the translation of science into societal and industrial
impact.

VLIZ is widely recognized for its expertise in ocean data management and research infrastructure, but its mission extends beyond research. VLIZ advances our understanding and knowledge of the ocean (vital for all life on Earth) and ensures that scientific insights support informed decision-making across society, contributing to the sustainable management of marine and coastal ecosystems.