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The University of the Azores was established, along with its Department of Oceanography and Fisheries (Departamento de Oceanografia e Pescas), known as DOP-UAç, located on Faial Island. The primary goal of DOP-UAç was to advance research in marine sciences, facilitate graduate-level education, and support the newly formed Government of the Autonomous Region of the Azores concerning the public policies on marine affairs.

The University of the Azores, in collaboration with eight other Portuguese universities, founded the IMAR – Instituto do Mar, a non- profit scientific association dedicated to promoting marine research throughout the country. IMAR Azores was based at DOP-UAç.

The Regional Government of the Azores acquired the research vessels RV Arquipélago and LI Águas-Vivas and enlisted IMAR Azores to oversee the management of these scientific platforms.

The DOP-UAç / IMAR Azores received accreditation from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) as a research centre.

In response to the FCT's new multi-year funding requirements, DOP-UAç / IMAR Azores joined forces with other national research centres to establish the LARSyS – Associated Laboratory.

DOP-UAç / IMAR Azores relocated to newly built facilities housed within a historic building in the city.

DOP-UAç / IMAR Azores, in collaboration with other aquatic research organizations, founded the MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, a multiple-location, nationwide R&D Centre.<br> The University of the Azores underwent reorganization, separating its academic component (offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees) from scientific research. The DOP-UAç was integrated into the Faculty of Science and Technology to focus on academic functions. The OKEANOS R&D Centre was established to house scientific research activities on the Horta campus.

The OKEANOS R&D Centre earned accreditation from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and was classified as «EXCELLENT».

In accordance with the new statutes of Azores academia, the OKEANOS R&D Centre transformed into OKEANOS - Institute of Marine Sciences, becoming an organizational unit of the University of the Azores.