The Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN) is a public research organization controlled by the Ministero dell’Istruzione dell’Università e della Ricerca.
The mission of SZN is to conduct and promote research in marine sciences, with particular emphasis on the biology, ecology, oceanography, biodiversity and evolution of marine organisms and ecosystems, through an integrated and interdisciplinary approach.
SZN combines biological and ecological research with physical, chemical and biogeochemical ocean observations, technological development and the operation of advanced marine research infrastructures. This integrated approach contributes to improving our understanding of marine ecosystem dynamics and their response to environmental and climate-related pressures.
SZN is actively involved in major European and international research infrastructures and observing networks, including:
- EMBRC-ERIC – European Marine Biological Resource Centre, with SZN coordinating the Italian Joint Research Unit EMBRC-IT;
- EMSO-ERIC – European Multidisciplinary Seafloor and Water Column Observatory, with SZN participating in the Italian Joint Research Unit and contributing expertise, data, infrastructures and technological capabilities for marine observation;
- LTER – Long-Term Ecological Research, through the long-term MareChiara site (LTER-MC) in the Gulf of Naples;
- EMOBON – European Marine Omics Biodiversity Observation Network, through the NEREA ecological observatory;
- LifeWatch ERIC, contributing to biodiversity observation, data management and ecosystem research;
- GOOS – Global Ocean Observing System, including participation in the Biology and Ecosystems (BioEco) Panel.
