The Institute

Its primary mission is the research on the biology and ecology of marine organisms, the study of their biodiversity, the analysis of the fundamental processes of biology and the potential biotechnological applications. Marine life is investigated in close connection with the evolution and the dynamics of the marine ecosystems. The Stazione Zoologica undertake novel research in the field of marine bioresources with particular reference to the biotechnologies addressed to the exploitation of molecules of marine origin for industrial processes, for the pharmaceutics, nutraceutics and other fields of interest.

The SZN has 5 main research departments:

• Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms

• Integrative Marine Ecology

• Marine Animal Conservation and Public Engagement

• Marine Biotechnology

• Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources

My PP was inserted in the context of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI) department which, in turn, is divided in four functional areas: Molecular Ecology, Microbial Ecology, Plankton Ecology, Benthos and Necton Ecology.