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
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Bandi attivi 

Bandi scaduti

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: Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo.
· 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)

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.