Funding instrument: Interreg Euro-MED

Mission: Natural Heritage

Specific objective: Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution

Project duration: 33 months (April 2025 – December 2027)

Project budget: € 2.500.000

The biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea is under increasing threat from legacy and emerging contaminants, marine litter, noise and light pollution, invasive species and habitat destruction -all of which are driven by growing human activity and intensified by climate change.

In response to this challenge, MIRAMAR is bringing together fragmented knowledge to develop an integrated, cross-border approach to managing multiple environmental stressors. The project aims to generate robust, evidence-based insights to support long-term ecological stability and shared Mediterranean priorities.
Launched in April 2025, the 33-month project will design, test, and validate a new holistic monitoring method to identify suitable nature-based mitigation and restoration solutions.

GOAL

The aim of the MIRAMAR project is to develop a joint approach to improve our understanding of, and response to, the combined effects of different environmental pressures on three vital ecosystems in the Euro-Mediterranean region: seagrass meadows, wetlands and habitats of endangered species.
MIRAMAR will design, test, and validate a new holistic monitoring method to identify suitable nature-based mitigation and restoration solutions.
By aligning with regional and national monitoring strategies, as well as the management plans of protected areas, MIRAMAR will tackle the shared challenge of preventing, mitigating and restoring environmental degradation across these vital ecosystems.

ACTIVITIES

Working across nine pilot areas in six Mediterranean countries — Albania, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy and Spain — MIRAMAR will:
-monitor how multiple stressors affect vulnerable ecosystems
-test harmonised, innovative methods for data collection and analysis
-co-develop nature-based solutions for mitigation and restoration
-align actions with key European, Mediterranean and EuroMediterranean environmental policy frameworks

EXPECTED RESULTS

MIRAMAR will produce a set of concrete, high-value deliverables aimed at supporting environmental monitoring, management and policy action across the Mediterranean:

-Harmonised strategies to monitor the cumulative impact of multiple stressors in degraded ecosystems
-Toolkits for assessing combined effects of pollution, invasive species and habitat degradation
-Assessment on the cumulative impact of multiple stressors in the nine pilot areas
-Good Practices, developed through Living Labs, illustrating successful examples of restoration and mitigation
-Training on monitoring cumulative impact and identifying pollution mitigation and restoration solutions

The overall experience and lessons learned from MIRAMAR will be translated into strategic results, designed for long-term use and replication:

-Harmonised monitoring protocols
-Operational roadmaps for ecosystem mitigation and restoration
-Evidence-based tools and guidelines to support environmental governance
-Cross-sectoral engagement models (e.g. Living Labs, stakeholder co-creation)
-Policy-aligned frameworks to guide decision-makers in the Mediterranean region

PARTNERSHIP

-University of Siena (UNISI) – Italy
-Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development (MIO-ECSDE) – Greece
-Spanish National Research Council (IEO-CSIC) – Spain
-Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) – Greece
-Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn – Italy
-Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania – Albania
-Ruđer Bošković Institute – Croatia
-Corsican Environment Office (Office de l’Environnement de la Corse) – France

ACRONIMO: NBFC

RIFERIMENTI BANDO: Avviso n. 3138 del 16/12/2021 “Proposte di intervento per il Potenziamento di strutture di ricerca e creazione di “campioni nazionali” di R&S su alcune Key Enabling Technologies da finanziare nell’ambito del Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza”, Missione 4 Componente 2 Investimento 1.4 “Potenziamento strutture di ricerca e creazione di "campioni nazionali di R&S" su alcune Key Enabling Technologies” finanziato dall’Unione europea – NextGenerationEU.

CUP: C63C22000520001

CODICE PROGETTO: CN00000033

DURATA: 40 MESI (01.09.2022 -31.12.2025)

Coordinatore:HUB NBFC

Il National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC) è il primo Centro Nazionale di ricerca e innovazione dedicato alla biodiversità, finanziato dal MUR attraverso i fondi dell'Unione Europea - NextGenerationEU. Si tratta di una struttura di coordinamento che da un lato raccoglie e valorizza gli sforzi della ricerca, dall'altro rende accessibili le conoscenze e le tecnologie a diversi attori che operano sul territorio ed è organizzato in una struttura di HUB e SPOKE dedicati a MARE, TERRA, AREE UMIDE, CITTA e due trasversali dedicati alla formazione, comunicazione, condivisione della conoscenza, e all'innovazione e alle politiche anche grazie a connessioni internazionali.

La biodiversità svolge un ruolo cruciale nel funzionamento di tutti gli ecosistemi del nostro Pianeta e la conseguente fornitura di beni e servizi ecosistemici. Questi ultimi supportano il benessere delle società umane e del singolo individuo. L’incremento della crescita della popolazione umana, raddoppiata solo negli ultimi 50 anni, e le legittime aspirazioni per livelli sempre maggiori di standard di qualità di vita, hanno determinato ad una pressione costante e crescente sulla biodiversità, che si è tradotta in sovra-sfruttamento degli ecosistemi, alterazione climatica globale e estinzione delle specie. Per contrastare lo stato “di fatto” emergenziale attuale e per riportare l’azione dell’uomo ad un livello di sostenibilità, è necessario intervenire con strumenti appropriati, basati su solide conoscenze scientifiche e tecnologiche, e capaci di ottemperare alle disposizioni europee previste per il 2030: ridurre la perdita di biodiversità del 30% e recuperare almeno il 15% gli equilibri ecosistemici per mezzo di azioni di ripristino ecologico degli habitat. Vi è quindi la necessità di agire velocemente sui diversi livelli di organizzazione biologica che comprendono i processi, le funzioni e le interazioni essenziali tra gli organismi e il loro ambiente.

In questa idea moderna di biodiversità funzionale gli esseri umani devono essere componente integrate e non preponderante degli ecosistemi. Il PNRR offre una grande opportunità per rendere concreta questa visione in un Paese come l’Italia che è parte dell’Hot Spot di biodiversità del Mediterraneo data la ricchezza in specie endemiche e la grande variabilità ecologica e di habitat. Nonostante questa ricchezza, il nostro Paese ha subito consistenti perdite e fenomeni di erosione della biodiversità nei confronti di numerosi taxa (45% delle specie animali e quasi il 55% delle specie vegetali sono a rischio di estinzione) e habitat (circa il 30%), soprattutto a causa di fattori antropici e ambientali connessi.

L’elevato tasso di estinzione di specie, abbinato alla perdita e frammentazione di ambienti critici, come la macchia mediterranea in ambito terrestre e le praterie di fanerogame in ambito marino, sono fenomeni irrecuperabili e hanno un impatto devastante anche sulle risorse naturali e i cicli degli elementi. Questi fattori minano l’efficacia dei servizi ecosistemici fondamentali per la resilienza degli ecosistemi e per il benessere dell’uomo.

Il Progetto si divide in Spoke e Linee di attività;

La SZN è coinvolta nei seguenti Spoke/Linee di attività:

Spoke 1 - “Mapping and monitoring actions to preserve marine ecosystem biodiversity and functioning” - Responsabile: Simonetta Fraschetti-Gianluca Sarà

1. Linea 1 - “Observatory reference database of genetic/molecular biological, ecological and taxonomic data”

Referente interno SZN Spoke 1 Linea 1: Priscilla Licandro

2. Linea 2 - “Biodiversity resilience and ecosystem functioning”

Referente interno SZN Spoke 1 Linea 2: Maria Cristina Mangano

3. Linea 3 - “Innovative strategies to conserve marine biodiversity and achieve EU targets” 

Referente interno SZN Spoke 1 Linea 3: Paolo Guidetti

Spoke 2 - “Solutions to reverse marine biodiversity loss and manage marine resources sustainably” – Responsabile: Mariachiara Cantore-Gianmarco Luna

1. Linea 1 - “Recognizing the value of biodiversity and ecosystem health toward a more sustainable fishery”

Referente interno SZN Spoke 2 Linea 1: Giacomo Melisenda

2. Linea 2 - “Restore biodiversity and ecosystems”

Referente interno SZN Spoke 2 Linea 2: Simonepietro Canese

3. Linea 3 - “Sustainable valorization of marine resources”

Referente interno SZN Spoke 2 Linea 3: Donatella De Pascale

4. Linea 5 – “Develop innovative Multi-Omics based technologies to address emergent biodiversity threats”

Referente interno SZN Spoke 2 Linea 5: Diana Sarno

Spoke 7 – “Biodiversity and society: communication, education and social impact” -

Responsabile: Isabella Saggio - Luigi Bubacco

Referente interno SZN Spoke 7: Claudia Gili

1. Linea 1 - “Science communication and public engagement in biodiversity topics: new languages and formats”

2. Linea 2 - “Outreach: young people, schools, Universities”

3. Linea 6 - “Enhancement: global health”

4. Linea 7 - “Enhancement: Italian naturalistic museums and observatory”

5. Linea 4 - “Enhancement: the public administration”

6. Linea 5 - “Enhancement: the industrial and economic world”

7. Linea 8 - “Euro-Mediterranean Observatory on Biodiversity”

RESPONSABILE SCIENTIFICO SZN DEL PROGETTO : Teresa Romeo

RESPONSABILE AMMINISTRATIVO: Giorgio Carpino

Partner: CENTRO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE, UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DI PALERMO, STAZIONE ZOOLOGICA ANTON DOHRN, ISTITUTO NAZIONALE DI OCEANOGRAFIA E DI GEOFISICA SPERIMENTALE, POLITECNICO DI MILANO, UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DEL MOLISE, UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DELLA TUSCIA, UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DI FIRENZE, UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DI MILANO-BICOCCA , UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DI MODENA E REGGIO EMILIA, UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DI NAPOLI FEDERICO II, UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DI PAVIA, UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DI ROMA LA SAPIENZA, UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DI SASSARI, UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DI SALERNO, UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DI SIENA, UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DI UDINE, UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DI VERONA, UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI ROMA TRE, UNIVERSITÀ DEL SALENTO, UNIVERSITÀ DI BOLOGNA, UNIVERSITÀ DI GENOVA, UNIVERSITÀ DI PADOVA, UNIVERSITÀ POLITECNICA DELLE MARCHE, UNIVERSITÀ DI TORINO, ABOCA SPA SOCIETÀ AGRICOLA, CINECA, CMCC - CENTRO EURO-MEDITERRANEO SUI CAMBIAMENTI CLIMATICI, CORILA, CREA CONSIGLIO PER LA RICERCA IN AGRICOLTURA E L'ANALISI DELL'ECONOMIA AGRARIA, DOMPÉ FARMACEUTICI, ENEA, ENEL, ERSAF - ENTE DI RICERCA SCIENTIFICA ED ALTA FORMAZIONE, FONDAZIONE CIMA - CENTRO INTERNAZIONALE IN MONITORAGGIO AMBIENTALE, FONDAZIONE EDMUND MACH DI SAN MICHELE ALL'ADIGE, FONDAZIONE IMC CENTRO MARINO INTERNAZIONALE ONLUS, FONDAZIONE RI.MED, FS SISTEMI URBANI, HUMANITAS UNIVERSITY, INFRASTRUTTURE SPA, INNOMED SRL, ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI TECNOLOGIA, ISTITUTO SUPERIORE PER LA PROTEZIONE E LA RICERCA AMBIENTALE, NOVAMONT SPA, UNIVERSITÀ CAMPUS BIO-MEDICO DI ROMA, SCUOLA SUPERIORE DI STUDI UNIVERSITARI E DI PERFEZIONAMENTO SANT'ANNA, UNIVERSITÀ CATTOLICA DEL SACRO CUORE, INFN, ENI

The Electron Microscopy Hands-On Course: sample preparation and imaging of marine environmental samples arises from a very strong and active collaboration between the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn and the EMBL in Heidelberg.

The aim of the course is to provide a theoretical and practical training on electron microscopy starting from the basics to the preparation of samples with high pressure freezing and image acquisition using TEM and SEM.
The course will also include lectures on advanced and recently developed technologies as volume electron microscopy and correlative light-electron microscopy.
The course will be held at the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn in Naples on 8-11 April 2026 and will target in particular researchers and technicians from scientific institutions interested in the field of electron microscopy. No documented experience in electron microscopy is required.

Theoretical lessons

Sample preparation for EM – Chemical fixations
Sample preparation for EM - High pressure Freezing- Freeze substitution
Image formation in TEM and SEM
Sectioning difficult marine organisms
Immunolabeling
Correlative Light Electron Microscopy
Volume Electron Microscopy
Case studies (lectures by Fellows from ZooCELL Doctoral Network)

Practical lessons

Sample preparation: from the sea to the tube
Sample preparation for SEM
Ultramicrotomy
High pressure freezing
Image acquisition at TEM
Image acquisition at SEM

Teachers

Giovanna Benvenuto, SZN
Alexandra Kerbl, COS Heidelberg
Karel Mocaer, COS Heidelberg
Viola Oorschot, EMBL, Heidelberg
Paolo Ronchi, EMBL, Heidelberg
Fellows from ZooCELL Doctoral Network

Keynote lecturer

Detlev Arendt, EMBL, Heidelberg (title TBD)

ORGANIZERS: Giovanna Benvenuto, Alexandra Kerbl, Karel Mocaer and Paolo Ronchi
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About the Winter School. Understanding how global changes affect marine biodiversity requires powerful model systems. The Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis has long been a key species in environmental research and is now gaining increasing relevance in evolutionary and developmental biology. Recent advances in genomic and technological resources have made M. galloprovincialis a unique model to study biological processes with unprecedented precision in marine biology, bridging ecological (ECO), evolutionary (EVO) and developmental (DEVO) perspectives. The MytEED Winter School aims to bring together researchers working on M. galloprovincialis to share expertise, harmonize methodologies, and foster interdisciplinary collaborations.

Objectives & Topics. MytEED aims to provide in-depth training on M. galloprovincialis as a model organism, highlight ECO-EVO-DEVO approaches in marine biology, strengthen interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration, and discuss the impact of global climate change on marine biodiversity.

Program Overview

Day 1. Welcome, Registration & Poster Session
Day 2. Development, Ecology & Toxicology
Day 3. Epigenetics, Nervous System & Bioinformatics
Day 4. Immunology, Aquaculture & Single-cell
Day 5. Genomics & Concluding remarks. Aquarium and Darwin-Dohrn Museum visit, Social Dinner.
(Detailed program will be provided upon registration)

Practical Information

Location. Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Francesco Caracciolo, 80122 Napoli (NA), Italy

Accommodation: A list of suggested hotels and guesthouses will be provided.

Meals: Lunch and coffee breaks are included in the registration fee.

Fees & Registration. The participation fee is €300 per person. The fee includes lectures, course material, coffee breaks, lunches, and social events. Accommodation and travel are not included.

Join the First Edition of the International Summer School in Bioremediation of Aquatic Environments (SSBIOREM1) which will be held at Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn of Naples!

Are you a graduate student, PhD candidate or early-career researcher passionate about aquatic ecosystems and sustainable solutions to decontaminate polluted ecosystems? 

The International Summer School in Bioremediation of Aquatic Environments, is an intensive four-day experience blending cutting-edge science, practical training, and rich cultural immersion in one of Italy’s most iconic scientific institutions.

Taking place from 7–10 October 2025 at the Department of Ecosustanaible Marine Biotechnology (BLUBIO) sited at the Molosiglio seat (Via Acton, 55) in Naples, this school offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn directly from leading experts in environmental science, microbiology, and biotechnology. The four days of summer school will be focused on current interdisciplinary approaches used in the bioremediation field, focusing on the exploitation of microbes to remove or neutralize pollutants from contaminated sites. It can be considered a promising alternative to conventional chemical methods, which usually foresee high investment costs and do not exclude the formation of toxic byproducts.

The Summer School program organized by researchers and technologists of the Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology Department of the SZN will enhance current knowledge in bioremediation techniques, contribute to habitat restoration efforts, and highlight the need for innovative, environmentally friendly solutions. Lectures, short communications, and practical afternoon sessions will create a stimulating environment for participants and give them skills and tools on the most updated methodologies in the remediation field.

What You’ll Learn

Bioremediation – the use of living organisms to clean up pollutants from the environment – is one of the most promising solutions to aquatic contamination. This summer school provides a comprehensive overview of the theory, techniques, and current innovations in this rapidly growing field.

Each day focuses on a key theme:

• Day 1: Impact of Pollutants and Introduction to Bioremediation – Begin with a welcome from the BLUBIO Department, followed by engaging lectures on the impacts of pollutants on human health, and the foundational roles of bacteria and microalgae in bioremediation. A hands-on lab will guide you through isolating microalgae and fungi suitable for cleaning aquatic environments.
• Day 2: Bioremediation Strategies using Microorganisms – Dive deeper into the microbial players involved in pollutant degradation, including bacteria, fungi, and algae. Learn how communities of these organisms interact in real-world remediation scenarios. In the afternoon, you’ll construct your own bioremediation microcosm, simulating contamination treatment on a small scale.
• Day 3: Innovative Approaches – Explore novel technologies like MICP (microbially induced calcite precipitation), plastic degradation using microbial enzymes, and bioleaching. Evaluate microcosm performance in the lab while discovering next-generation strategies for environmental restoration.
• Day 4: Case Studies & Success Stories – Wrap up with lectures on real-world bioremediation projects, such as the LIFE SEDREMED initiative, and discuss how lifecycle analysis and biological treatments are reshaping environmental policy and practice. The school concludes with awards for the best student presentations and posters.

Practical Learning

Beyond theoretical knowledge, this summer school is designed to equip you with hands-on experience. Daily lab sessions give you the chance to apply what you've learned, guided by leading researchers in bioremediation. You’ll practice key techniques, from microbial isolation to experimental setup and evaluation of bioremediation performance.

Meet Experts and Build Your Network

You’ll learn from renowned scientist expert in the field. Here the list of speakers that will give a lecture whose expertise covers medical ecology, molecular microbiology, and environmental chemistry and biotechnology:
The summer school also includes student presentation sessions, offering a unique platform to share your own research and receive feedback from experienced mentors and peers.

Cultural & Social Program in Beautiful Naples

When you’re not in the lab or lecture hall, enjoy the vibrant life and history of Naples! Optional evening activities include a visit to the Bagnoli-Coroglio SIN (Sites of National Interest) in the Gulf of Pozzuoli, the stunning Castel dell’Ovo, and social dinner and aperitifs – all designed to foster networking and relaxation.

Why Attend?

• Learn the science behind one of the most critical environmental challenges of our time
• Gain hands-on training in laboratory techniques
• Network with top researchers and fellow participants from across disciplines
• Discover Naples, one of Italy’s cultural treasures

Download the program 

Register now and secure your spot at the International Summer School in Bioremediation of Aquatic Environments! Write an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Download the registration form at “link”

Registration fee (coffee and lunch breaks)
In-person: 330 €
Remote: 100 €
Number of participants: min. 20 (in-person), max. 2-3 (remote)
Deadline: 8th september, 2025

The Systems Biology Approach To Discover Marine Life: From A Big Eye To A Microscopic Picture

27th - 30th October 2025

Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Naples - Darwin-Dohrn Museum

Villa Comunale, Naples

Systems biology aims to achieve a holistic view of biological phenomena by integrating information of different natures and studying the network of dynamic connections existing between organisms, organisms and their environment, and the molecules that underpin these dynamics (genes, proteins, secondary metabolites). To understand how each element interacts with others and influences the system, an integrated interdisciplinary approach is necessary, encompassing various scientific disciplines and expertise. Biological systems possess the extraordinary ability to adapt in response to environmental stimuli, stress, lack of food, or developmental stage, as well as the fascinating ability to correct their errors, such as gene mutations. From this perspective, given their high biodiversity, oceans represent a perfect example of a complex system whose functioning can only be understood through an interdisciplinary approach.

Systems biology thus integrates knowledge obtained through traditional approaches with that generated by the use of innovative technologies that allow for the collection of large amounts of data. These latter include, for example, genomic and transcriptomic sequencing, proteomics, and metabolomics used on an oceanographic scale (metagenomics) but also at a single-cell level (single-cell genomics). The combination of new technologies, bioinformatics software for data management, and integrated biomolecular and biochemical methods allows for the study of extremely complex biological systems with unprecedented resolution.

Based on the above description, this course aims to provide students with the foundations to develop an understanding of the study of oceans and their biodiversity through a systematic approach.

Target Audience

Open to Graduate and PhD students, postdocs and early career researchers.

Theoretical and practical lesson on:

• Ecosystem Scale Modeling
• Omics Workflows
• Evolutionary;Genomics & Eco Evo Devo
• Biotech & Synthetic Biology

Lecturers

• Chris Bowler CNRS ENS Paris, France
• Juan Pascual Anaya University of Malaga, Spain
• Klaas Vandepoele Ghent University , Belgium
• Ferdinando Boero University of Naples , Italy
• Periklis Paganos MBL, Woods Hole , USA
• Luca Ambrosino, SZN Naples, Italy
• Lucia Campese, SZN Naples, Italy
• Domenico D’Alelio, SZN Naples, Italy
• Gerardo Della Sala, SZN Naples, Italy
• Giacinto De Vivo, SZN Naples, Italy
• Giovanna Romano, SZN Naples, Italy
• Monia Teresa Russo, SZN Naples, Italy

The course is open to a maximum of 30 participants and will be held with a minimum of 20 participants.

Important Information

Application deadline:

Early Bird: July 15, 2025
Late: August 31, 2025

Apply through the website:

https://isssb2022.wixsite.com/isssystemsbiology25

Fee per person:

Early, 350 euros;
Late, 400 euros.

Organizers:

Valeria Di Dato, Rossella Annunziata, Angela Sardo, Lucia Campese, Ida Orefice
info: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

After the success of the first edition, which was widely attended and enthusiastically received by all the trainees, it is with pleasure that we would like to propose The Second Edition of the ISS-SEEA Summer School.

It will take place in 2025, from September 22nd to 25th (optional excursion and sampling experience on the 26th), at the Sicily Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Messina. The school will maintain its multidisciplinary approach, combining the ecological and biotechnological approach for the exploration of extreme environments, and will extend its training topics by deepening other specific extreme ecosystems and new research fields. In this vein, the school will be implemented with lessons covering the concepts of bioacoustics in extreme environments, oceanographic dynamics, astrobiology, and anoxic basins. Moreover, a special focus will be devoted to the Strait of Messina and its extreme dynamics. All the training activities will be treated day by day through a combined perspective, merging ecology and biotechnology.

The summer school is a renewed opportunity to enhance cross-disciplinary collaboration and to improve skills and expertise in the knowledge of extreme ecosystems in taxonomy, high molecular approaches, bioprospecting, oceanography, and bioacoustics.
Professors and researchers will give lectures about their research and will share their experiences with the students during group discussion sessions. Practical sessions are envisaged, i.e., observation of mesopelagic species, taxonomy, laboratory experience for the treatment of samples for biotechnological purposes (production of bioactive compounds), and observation of the bioluminescence phenomenon. The second edition of the school will have, as its strong point, the involvement of young researchers from SZN-SMC, who will actively participate in the course's scientific offering, fostering exchange, interaction, and the consolidation of new networks.

· The school is open to students, PhD students, and early career researchers working in the fields of marine ecology and biotechnology.
· All students will be allowed to present their research through either a short talk or a poster.

You can find detailed program and registration information for ISS-SEEA 2025 at: https://summerschoolextrem.wixsite.com/iss-seea

Registration fee

Early bird: € 350 (in-person), € 100 (remote)
Late: € 400 (in-person), € 150 (remote)

Deadlines

· June 10: Send CV and motivation letter to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
· Before payment: After receiving the acceptance notification, please complete the registration form following the instructions provided. Your registration will be confirmed by email once we receive and verify your completed form.
· June 30: Complete the Payment (early registration)
· July 31: Complete the Payment (late registration)

Bandi attivi 

Bandi scaduti

A multidisciplinary approach to the study of Symbiosis in Marine ecosystems: from taxonomy to potential biotechnological applications

SymbioMar will be the second edition of the annual ‘CRIMAC International School’ and will be held from November 4th to 7th, 2025, at the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn-Calabria Marine Centre (CRIMAC), located in Amendolara (CS). In alignment with the mission of the CRIMAC project— to serve as a hub for fostering exchanges between Italian and international marine research centers—this immersive event will focus on marine symbiosis: the complex interactions that shape the physiology, ecology, and evolution of marine organisms.

The international school adopts a multidisciplinary approach, covering diverse aspects of marine symbiosis, including taxonomy and evolution, biology, adaptation, climate change, ecological interactions and biotechnology. By examining these topics, the program provides a comprehensive understanding of the key factors influencing marine symbiotic relationships.

Designed to foster both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the SymbioMar International School will offer lectures from leading experts in the field, alongside hands-on training sessions. Students will be engaged in practical activities such as applying advanced microscopy techniques, laboratory methods for extraction and sequencing, and working with bioinformatics tools to analyze various aspects of symbiosis.

The primary goal of this school is to equip the next generation of researchers with a holistic understanding of symbiosis. Participants will gain valuable skills through a multidisciplinary approach, enhancing their ability to tackle current research challenges. Moreover, it provides a unique platform for networking, allowing new connections with some of the world’s foremost experts in marine symbiosis.

The program is open to graduate students, PhD candidates, and early-career researchers with an interest not only in marine symbiosis but also in the modern techniques used to study it that can be applied in many other research fields.

Course Objective

The SymbioMar International School offers an interdisciplinary and comprehensive program focused on the study of symbiosis in marine ecosystems. By bringing together leading experts in marine biology, ecology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, the course provides participants with in-depth knowledge of symbiotic relationships, their role in marine biodiversity, and their potential for biotechnological applications. The program emphasizes hands-on training, offering students a unique opportunity to learn advanced techniques and explore the ecological and evolutionary significance of marine symbiosis.

Theoretical Lessons

The theoretical lessons are designed to provide participants with a strong foundation in the study of marine symbiosis, covering topics such as taxonomy, evolution, host-symbiont interactions, and ecological dynamics. Key lectures include:

• Understanding the evolution of symbiotic relationships across marine ecosystems.
• Exploring how symbiosis drives biodiversity and evolutionary processes in marine life.
• Investigating the role of symbiosis in ecosystem processes and their ecological significance in marine environments.
• Examining the impact of climate change on marine partnerships.
• Exploring the potential biotechnological applications.

These lessons offer participants a deep dive into the latest research, enriching their understanding of symbiosis from multiple scientific perspectives.

Practical Lessons

The practical lessons focus on applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, with hands-on experience in the laboratory. Students will:

• Learn sediment sorting, microscopy analysis, and extraction of biological samples to study symbiotic relationships in marine organisms.
• Learn about different bioinformatics pipelines used to study microbiomes and taxonomy and evolution.
• Learn statistics for meta(prote)omics encompassing a brief intro to R, concepts, and coding.

Lecturers

Dr. Daniela Pica, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn- CRIMAC, Calabria Marine Centre
Dr. Christian Galasso, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn- CRIMAC, Calabria Marine Centre
Dr. Chiara Giommi, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn- CRIMAC, Calabria Marine Centre
Dr. Ulisse Cardini, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Genoa Marine Centre
Dr. Carmen Rizzo, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily Marine Centre
Dr. Maria Vittoria Modica, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Rome – Institutional Interdepartmental Centre
Dr. Laura Núñez Pons, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn
Prof. Harald Gruber-Vodicka, University Kiel (Germany)
Prof. Marco Oliverio, Università la Sapienza, Roma (Italy)
Prof. James D. Reimer University of the Ryukyus (Japan)
Prof. Paul C. Sikkel, University of Miami (USA)
Dr. Didier Aurelle, Université de Toulon (France)
Dr. Grazia Marina Quero, CNR IRBIM (Italy)
Dr. Claudia Pogoreutz, Université de Perpignan (France)
Dr. Davide Maggioni, University of Milano-Bicocca (Italy)
Prof. Davide Seveso, University of Milano-Bicocca (Italy) and MaRHE Center, Magoodhoo, Faafu (Maldives)
Dr. Silvia Bulgheresi, University of Vienna (Austria)
Dr. Tjorven Hinzke, University of Greifswald (Germany)
Dr. Claudia F. Vaga, Smithsonian Institute (USA)

Registration fee (coffee breaks, lunches, and Social Happy Hour included)

Early bird: 350€
Deadline: June 15, 2025

Regular: 400€
Deadline: July 6, 2025

Max Number of Participants: 20
Working Language: English

For more information about speakers and how to participate, visit:
https://crimacszn.com/symbiomar/

Organizing Committee

Daniela Pica, Chiara Giommi, Christian Galasso, Roberto Firmamento, Rosario Balestrieri, Salvatore Urso, Enrica Terranova, Francesca De Domenico.

Appointment act

Curriculum Vitae