Brussels, March 2026 – During the EU Ocean Days, held as part of the 4th Annual Mission Forum, the iMERMAID project showcased how innovative solutions to chemical pollution in the Mediterranean must go hand in hand with societal engagement and behavioural change. Among the iMERMAID team members present, Naomi Timmer played a key role in bringing this human dimension to the forefront.
Connecting Innovation with People
Naomi’s contribution focused on translating iMERMAID’s scientific and technological work into narratives that resonate with society. Building on her expertise in capacity building and societal impact, she emphasized that long‑term reduction of chemical pollution depends not only on monitoring and remediation technologies, but also on informed choices, behavioural change, and empowered communities.
At the booth, she highlighted iMERMAID’s work on communication, education, and stakeholder engagement, discussing how schools, young professionals, and local actors can become part of the solution. These conversations reflected iMERMAID’s broader ambition to shift perceptions around chemical use and pollution across the Mediterranean basin.
Representing iMERMAID’s Societal Impact
Together with Project Coordinator Rodrigo Sedano and fellow team members Ellie Shtereva, Serena Amico, and others, Naomi helped represent the project’s integrated approach: combining science, policy, and people. The strong interest from Mission Forum participants confirmed the relevance of iMERMAID’s focus on behavioural change as a cornerstone of the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters”.
In her own reflections shared during and after the Ocean Days, Naomi emphasized the value of dialogue across disciplines and sectors. She pointed to the importance of creating spaces where innovation meets real‑world practice, and where European projects can learn from one another while aligning toward shared impact.
Looking Ahead
The presence of iMERMAID at the EU Ocean Days demonstrated how collaborative and human‑centred approaches can accelerate progress toward cleaner seas. Naomi Timmer’s contribution underscored a central message of the project: protecting the Mediterranean is not only a technological challenge, but a societal one.
As iMERMAID continues its work across pilot regions, the insights and connections made during the Ocean Days will help strengthen future activities in education, communication, and community engagement—ensuring that scientific advancements translate into lasting change for Europe’s oceans and waters.