The Scientific Council, through its technical advisory role, now represents a bridge for the Stazione Zoologica between Anton Dohrn’s historical legacy and a forward-looking vision for the future of marine biology. Composed of a group of experts, it acts as a guarantor of scientific quality and an incubator of ideas, ensuring that each project is not merely an academic exercise, but a concrete step forward in the understanding and protection of our seas.
As provided for by the current Statute, the Scientific Council meets annually; for 2026, it was decided to include visits to some of the Stazione Zoologica’s branch facilities in the program.
From 16 to 19 March 2026, the meeting of the Institute’s Scientific Council took place. The members, Paul Falkowski, Paola Bonfante, André Le Bivic, Nicole Dubilier, and Raffaella Casotti, initially met in Naples and then continued with institutional visits to the Institute’s branch sites.
The proceedings opened on 16 March at the Darwin-Dohrn Museum, where the first council session was held. The meeting, introduced by the President of the Stazione Zoologica, Professor Roberto Bassi, and the President of the Scientific Council, Professor Paul Falkowski, was attended by the Heads of Department, who presented their respective scientific activities through reports and technical contributions from researchers belonging to the different units.
On the following day, the delegation visited the Sicily Marine Center at the Messina site. The session was opened by the Site Director, Dr. Teresa Romeo, who coordinated the presentations of the Principal Investigators (PIs) concerning ongoing projects at the Messina and Palermo sites. On this occasion, researchers from the Palermo site joined their colleagues in Messina, enabling direct interaction with the members of the Scientific Council.
On 18 March, after concluding the final working sessions, the Council moved to the Calabria Marine Centre – CRIMAC, at the Amendolara site, where members had the opportunity to visit the Institute’s laboratories and facilities. The Site Director, Dr Teresa Romeo, together with the project Principal Investigators (PIs), presented the strategic objectives and scientific mission of the centre, highlighting the importance of its geographical location for research activities..
The 2026 Scientific Council’s site visit program formally concluded in Calabria.
The Institute extends its sincere thanks to all staff involved and to everyone who contributed, through their organizational and scientific support, to the successful implementation of these activities.
