Ocean Research
for a Sustainable Future
Advancing knowledge through exploration,
education and scientific innovation.
Educate · Protect · Restore
Expeditions
Our research begins at sea: decades of expeditions across coastal and deep-ocean environments, from sampling campaigns to long-term observatories.
Fundamental research
From microbial and meiofaunal communities to ecosystems, our research investigates how marine biodiversity sustains ocean functioning, developing the indicators needed to monitor it
Applied research
Assessing human pressures on marine ecosystems and restoring what has been degraded, translating ecological evidence into indicators, impact assessments and guidance for a sustainable blue economy.
Featured Projects
Discover selected research projects addressing marine biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and ocean conservation across local and global scales.
Our Team
Researchers, faculty members, postdoctoral fellows and students working across marine biology and ecology.
Meet all researchers, faculty members, postdoctoral fellows and students.
Selected Publications
Recent peer-reviewed research outputs from the MarBioLab team.
Mediterranean Marine Biology
MarBioLab at UNIVPM explores marine biodiversity from coastal caves to the deep sea, investigating how climate change and human activities reshape ecosystems, species and ecological functions. Through long-term studies of meiofauna, nematodes, deep-sea corals, sharks and sea urchins, the group identifies refuge habitats, assesses ecosystem recovery and provides scientific foundations for marine restoration and conservation. 8 publications View publications →
Tropical Marine Biology
In tropical seas, MarBioLab investigates the ecological connections across marine animals, coral reefs, and oceanic sediments. Its research explores microbial and meiofaunal diversity, coral diseases and the environmental processes supporting ecosystem functioning. By combining field ecology, microbiology and experimental approaches, the group also develops innovative strategies for coral farming, reef restoration and conservation. 6 publications View publications →
Microbial Ecology
MarBioLab investigates the hidden microbial engines that sustain marine ecosystems and planetary health. Its research reveals how bacteria, archaea and viruses shape biodiversity, biogeochemical cycles, deep-sea food webs and even the geological record, from abyssal sediments to newly formed volcanic habitats. By uncovering microbes as habitat formers and ecosystem engineers, the group advances our understanding of climate feedbacks and their vital role in global sustainability. 9 publications View publications →
Deep-Sea Biology
MarBioLab explores life at the ocean’s greatest depths, revealing how biodiversity sustains ecosystem functioning in one of Earth’s least-known environments. From organisms thriving without oxygen and the role of extracellular DNA to hydrothermal vents and the effects of climate interventions, its research challenges established paradigms. The group turns discovery into global strategies for monitoring, conservation and restoration, helping safeguard the deep ocean before its hidden wealth is lost. 11 publications View publications →
Human Impacts
MarBioLab examines how human activities alter marine ecosystems, from tropical reefs and coastal sediments to the deep seafloor. Its research reveals the effects of microplastics, contaminants, mine tailings, sewage, aquaculture, sunscreens, ocean acidification and bottom trawling on organisms, microbiomes, biodiversity and ecosystem processes. MarBioLab supports prevention, remediation and ecosystem recovery. 12 publications View publications →
Climate Change Impacts
MarBioLab investigates how climate change is reshaping marine life, from Mediterranean coasts and coral forests to the deep ocean. Its research traces the effects of warming, marine heatwaves, food limitation and altered microbial and viral dynamics on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. By identifying early-warning signals, vulnerable habitats and mechanisms of biological resistance, the group provides knowledge to anticipate change and guide adaptation and conservation. 10 publications View publications →
Marine Technology
MarBioLab places biological knowledge at the heart of marine technological innovation, ensuring that technology serves ecosystem needs. Its research links flexible deep-sea sensor networks, digital twins and restoration toolboxes with ecological indicators to monitor change and scale up recovery. The group also tests eco-sustainable solutions for offshore infrastructure and transfers technologies between deep-sea and space research, turning advanced observation into practical tools for ocean management. 9 publications View publications →
Global Collaborations
International partnerships supporting marine research, education and innovation.
Partner Institutions
Latest News
Updates from MarBioLab, including research highlights, field activities, scientific achievements and upcoming events.
Da stasera, ogni giovedì alle 20:15 in collegamento dalla nave oceanografica, mentre la campagna attraversa Mediterraneo, Atlantico e Pacifico Il gruppo di ricerca MarBioLab in collegamento dalla nave oceanografica Laura Bassi racconterà la campagna oceanografica DEEP-FUN in diretta su Caterpillar di Rai Radio 2, ogni giovedì alle 20:15 circa. Non si tratta di un racconto a […]
Three MarBioLab Researchers Among the World’s Top Scientists for 2026 Roberto Danovaro, Cinzia Corinaldesi and Antonio Dell’Anno have been included in the newly published list of the world’s top scientists for 2026 in the field of Marine Biology. This recognition highlights the international impact of their work and MarBioLab’s contribution to advancing marine science. […]
Ahead of his talk “Oceano futuro e la maggioranza invisibile del pianeta” at the Festival della Mente in Sarzana, Roberto Danovaro spoke to Wired Italia about why the ocean deserves far more attention than it gets. The sea produces about half of the oxygen we breathe and absorbs most of the excess heat from global […]
Let’s connect
Interested in our research, collaborations or opportunities? Get in touch with the MarBioLab team.
Science moves forward through collaboration.