MarBioLab was founded in 1991 at the Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy promoted by the Faculty Dean Prof. Ettore Olmo and under the coordination of Prof. Mauro Fabiano within the Institute of Marine Sciences. In 2002 the MarBiolab passed under the supervision of Prof. Roberto Danovaro, who acted as Director of the Institute of Marine Sciences (2004-2010) and the nominated Director of the new Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DISVA) that incorporated the Insitute of Marine Sciences and the Institute of Molecular Sciences (till 2014).

Our laboratories were initially dedicated to advanced high-quality research and applied knowledge in marine biology and ecology, starting from the study of the particulate organic matter, trophic characteristics of the marine benthos and ecology of deep-sea ecosystems. Then MarBioLab expanded the research to the conservation of marine habitats, the role of microbes in ocean functioning and the restoration of marine habitats.

Our expertise currently spans from microbial and molecular ecology, including the study of the environmental DNA (eDNA) to the study of the connectivity of benthic and pelagic communities and the processes that sustain ocean functioning.

Over the years, MarBioLab has pioneered research on the role of viruses, bacteria, and meiofauna and expanded the study of holobionts and microbiomes in the deep ocean and extreme ecosystems.

The scientists of MarBioLab are committed to the investigation of marine biodiversity, its distribution, maintenance and role in ecosystem functioning.

The laboratory also contributes to developing ecological indicators, monitoring programs, and restoration strategies aimed at regenerating degraded marine habitats and supporting sustainable ocean management.

More recently, MarBioLab has expanded its research focus to include the socio-ecological blue economy and marine ecosystem services, exploring how marine biodiversity and ecosystem health drive sustainable tourism and coastal development.

Through strong collaborations with national and international research institutions, governmental agencies, and private organizations, MarBioLab combines fundamental science, technological innovation, and environmental policy to deliver integrated and effective solutions for the protection and sustainable use of our blue planet.