Rome, March 3-4, 2026 . The headquarters of the National Research Council (CNR) in Rome hosted the Arctic Circle Rome Forum – Polar Dialogue. This event stands as one of the most prestigious international appointments dedicated to the future of polar regions, bringing together experts and decision-makers from over 35 countries.
Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and the CNR, the Forum places Italy at the heart of the global dialogue on the Arctic, Antarctic, and the “Third Pole.” It explores the role of science as geopolitical leverage and international cooperation as a fundamental tool for addressing the challenges of climate change.
The Forum facilitates international scientific cooperation through knowledge exchange between research institutes from various nations, oceanographic expeditions, and cross-border collaborations. High-level representatives from the European Commission (including the Fisheries and Oceans sectors) are participating to emphasize the importance of providing robust scientific data to support political decisions on sustainable ocean management. Throughout the Forum, science diplomacy is developed to champion research at international technical tables where the protection of extreme marine environments is discussed.
The Forum reaffirms that in-depth knowledge of the poles is essential not only for environmental conservation but also for global security and sustainable development. Gian Marco Luna, Director of CNR IRBIM, moderated the session “Arctic Fish: Sentinels of Climate Changes,” organized by colleagues Grazia Marina Quero and Monique Mancuso from the CNR IRBIM offices in Ancona and Messina, respectively.
Category: Ancona
The project UNDERSEA at Pescare Show
Rimini, February 13, 2026 – On the occasion of the Pescare Show, the international event dedicated to sport fishing and boating, the team from CNR IRBIM in Ancona officially presented new strategies to combat underwater noise pollution as part of the European Interreg Italy-Croatia project, UNDERSEA.
Noise pollution is one of the least visible yet most impactful pressures on marine ecosystems. Noise generated by human activities has direct effects on wildlife, particularly cetaceans, by interfering with their communication and navigation systems.
During the conference “Noise Cleanup: Boaters as Allies of the Interreg UNDERSEA Project Against Marine Noise Pollution,” the project’s innovative approach was illustrated, focusing on the active involvement of citizens and those who experience the sea daily.
Iole Leonori (CNR IRBIM) discussed the nature of underwater noise, identifying its primary sources and explaining how participatory data collection is essential for effective management of the phenomenon in the Adriatic Sea. Greta Di Martino (FishMed PhD student, UniBo-CNR IRBIM) presented a dedicated app for boaters. This technological tool allows users to report useful data, transforming every vessel into a “sentinel” of the marine environment. The meeting was moderated by Alice Pari (Fondazione Cetacea) and featured active participation from Antonio Palermino and Samuele Menicucci (CNR IRBIM).
This initiative represents a virtuous example of how technology, scientific research, and a passion for the sea can converge. Thanks to the contribution of boaters and coastal communities, the UNDERSEA project aims to reduce acoustic impact and ensure a quieter, safer future for marine species.
Activities for the MITICA project
The activities for the MITICA project—Integrated Mussel Farming for Protection, Innovation, and Adaptation Capacity to Climate and Environmental Change—are ongoing between Lesina and Ancona. The project aims to safeguard mussel farming in Taranto, which is currently threatened by marine heatwaves and deoxygenation. Through scientific innovation and advanced monitoring, the project seeks solutions to increase the resilience of mussels to climate change while promoting environmental sustainability and the circular economy in the Mar Piccolo. IRBIM is actively involved in several research lines crucial to the project’s success. Here a summary of the key research actions:
Task 1, Action 1A (Thermal Resistance): Led by R. Carlucci (CONISMA) and A. Miccoli (CNR-IRBIM Ancona), this involves “Heat-Hardening” experiments to study the thermal resistance of mussels.
Task 1, Action 1B (Oxygen Stress): Led by A. Specchiulli (CNR-IRBIM Lesina), this focuses on in vitro experimentation regarding stress induced by oxygen deficiency. The goal is to analyze the effects of hypoxia on Mytilus galloprovincialis, specifically measuring biological responses through oxidative stress biomarkers. The team in Lesina (A. Specchiulli, T. Scirocco, P. Augello, P. Schiavone, C. Sacchetti, and A. D’Amore) prepared tanks for samples collected from Taranto’s Mar Piccolo. After an acclimatization period, the mussels were transported to the laboratory in Orbetello for hypoxic stress testing.
Task 1, Action 3 (Physiological State): Led by A. Spagnolo with Co-representative F. Donato (CNR-IRBIM Ancona), this evaluates the physiological and gonadal status of the animals. Seasonal biological analyses are conducted at the Lesina laboratories to understand how environmental factors influence growth and reproduction, providing essential data for sustainable management.
Task 2, Action 3 (Carbon Sinks): Led by A. Specchiulli with Co-representative T. Scirocco, this investigates the role of bivalves as natural “carbon sinks.” The team studies how climate change affects their calcification capacity and the specific percentage of carbonate ions stored in the shells of mussels under stress
EM4SSF- Project to monitor small-scale fisheries in Europe
February 2026. The EM4SSF project (Enhancing Monitoring for Sustainable Small-scale Fisheries) has reached already few milestones. The initiative aims to improve knowledge of small-scale fisheries (SSF)—a fundamental sector often characterized by limited data—through the integration of advanced geo-spatial technologies and international cooperation.
EM4SSF will focus on five case studies, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Denmark, and Greece, through which a common framework for data processing will be promoted. The project will facilitate information exchange between research institutes and regions, aiming to support the adoption of advanced tracking systems in full compliance with the new EU Regulation 2023/2842. To stay updated on the project’s progress, the official project newsletter has been launched.
Cooperation Agreement between the CNR and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
The ceremony for the signing of the renewal of the Cooperation Agreement between the CNR and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) was held on September 18, 2025, in Tokyo, at the residence of the Italian Ambassador Gianluigi Benedetti. With this renewal, the National Research Council has once again taken significant steps to intensify and internationalize Italian research, consolidating the collaboration with important scientific institutions in Japan. The agreement was signed by the Director of the Department of Chemical Sciences and Materials Technology, Lidia Armelao, representing the CNR President Andrea Lenzi. Among those present were also the Director of the Department of Earth System Science and Environmental Technologies, Francesco Petracchini, and the CNR’s International Relations Office, as well as the Director of IRBIM, Gian Marco Luna. The Scientific Attaché and Ambassador Benedetti opened the ceremony, praising the agreement as an effective tool for promoting research exchanges between our countries and opening new perspectives for the future. Director Armelao recalled how the partnership between CNR and JSPS is a ‘reference partnership,’ founded on crucial values such as mutual respect and the training of young researchers. This appreciation was reiterated by the President of JSPS, Tsuyoshi Sugino, who expressed the hope that the collaboration can further expand in the future. Further solidifying the Italian presence and commitment, another significant bilateral agreement was finalized on the occasion of EXPO 2025 in OSAKA: the one between the CNR and JAMSTEC (Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology). The agreement for Italy was signed by the Department Director DSSTTA Francesco Petracchini, sealing an important collaboration in the scientific sector. These recent successes testify to the CNR’s constant commitment to the internationalization of research and the support and full participation of IRBIM in these activities.
DSSTTA Conference
On May 29th and 30th, 2025, the DSSTTA – Department of Earth Science and System and Technologies for the Environment conference took place at the Mole Vanvitelliana in Ancona. The event received logistical support from colleagues at CNR-IRBIM. Organized into two days, under the lead of the new director Francesco Petracchini, the conference was rich with presentations and guests and it brought together approximately 200 departmental colleagues in person, together with the directors of other CNR departments, as well as representatives from institutions and other research bodies. Plenary sessions and discussion panels addressed the most significant challenges facing the department’s future and the research conducted within it. From the future of strategic areas to open and accessible science, the conference facilitated a comparison between generations of researchers. It also delved into the infrastructures and technologies that form the research ecosystem, all within the broader European and international context of major global challenges. IRBIM’s direct involvement was important for the conference’s success, earning praise from the department. Meanwhile, the research Vessel was at the dock of Ancona, giving a chance to several collegues to visit this important DSTTA infrastructure. Below is the link to the Conference page where you can consult the program, the list of speakers and personalities invited to the discussion panels, and the recordings of the two days. Here is the link to the CNR-webtv.
Conference on Green Transition in the Maritime and Port Sector
Ancona, May 28, 2025 – The city of Ancona hosted an important initiative dedicated to the green transition in the maritime and port sector: the conference titled “Climate Change: the maritime perspective, contributions from the Shipping industry and Ports in advancing towards the green transition.”. The event particularly focused on the challenges and opportunities generated by climate change. Co-organized by the Port Authority, the Marche Region, the Marche Chamber of Commerce, and the Municipality of Ancona, the conference saw the participation of CNR-IRBIM, which illustrated its contribution to research and innovation in this crucial field. The day was structured into two distinct panels, designed to involve both civil society and industry professionals. The morning panel, “Awareness and Dialogue with Citizens,” was open to citizens and university students, with the aim of increasing awareness of the effects of climate change and the role of the maritime sector in the energy transition. For CNR-IRBIM,Pierluigi Penna presented “The CNR’s contribution to the first marine CCS (Carbon Capture and Sequestration) project in Italy: ENI CCS Ravenna,” while Antonello Sala discussed “Technological innovations for the decarbonization of fishing in the Mediterranean and Black Sea.” Numerous speakers from the Università Politecnica delle Marche participated, introduced by the Magnificent Rector Gianluca Gregori and the Director of DVSP-Politecnica delle Marche Francesco Regoli, as well as the Director of IRBIM Gian Marco Luna. The Director of OGS, Paola Del Negro, also offered her valuable scientific contribution to the study of climate change. The afternoon panel, “In-depth Analysis and Interaction for the Sector,” was dedicated to maritime cluster professionals, both at local and national levels. This section allowed for interaction with the leaders of major category associations, including Confitarma, Assarmatori, Alis, Assocostieri, Assoporti, Federazione del Mare, as well as representatives from RINA, Fincantieri, AdSP of Ancona, and the Port Authority, in the presence of the Councillor for the Marche coast, Goffredo Brandoni.
The CNR-IRBIM played a central role in the initiative, presenting its scientific contribution to the ENI-CCA technological plant, its environmental compatibility, and monitoring methodologies. The event offered an overview of the reality of climate change, identifying the phenomenon and focusing on maritime transport and the port industry. The initiative was coordinated by the Port Authority and both the panels and the talk were moderated by journalist Morena Pivetti, with conclusions delivered by the Mayor of Ancona, Daniele Silvetti, preceded by a closing address from the President of the Region. Finally, the event concluded with a visit to the Gaia Blu, the CNR’s research vessel, for its first time in Ancona. Here is the link for the program, more information, and other press news. .
IRBIM Day 2024
From 7 to 9 October 2024, Milazzo hosted the sixth edition of IRBIM DAY, the annual conference that brings together the staff of the four CNR IRBIM Institute’s Mazara, Messina, Lesina and Ancona locations. The main objective of the event is to promote the sharing of research and operational activities between the different locations, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and uniformity of objectives, despite the geographical distance. The first day was dedicated to an internal discussion on administrative and planning issues. Representatives of the administrative offices, the Grant Office and the competition office intervened, illustrating the news and future challenges of the Institute. IRBIM DAY was not only a moment of internal discussion, but also an opportunity to involve the local community. The Municipality of Milazzo sponsored the event and the students of the Majorana Higher Technical Institute participated in the institutional greetings. The inaugural evening took place at the MuMa, Museum of the Sea in Milazzo, thanks to the collaboration of the founder and colleague Carmelo Isgrò. The following days were dedicated to plenary sessions with internationally renowned experts, such as Rainer Froese and Geert Wiegertjes, who addressed highly topical issues in the field of marine science. A round table on “Research and Training on the Sea” saw the participation of Paola Del Negro (OGS-Trieste) and Teresa Romeo (Stazione Zoologica “Anton Dohrn” and Alessandro Sarro (Captain of the Coast Guard). The poster session offered young researchers the opportunity to present the results of their research and finally the IRBIM Poster Prize 2024 was awarded to Pamela Lattanzi. The organization of the IRBIM DAY was possible thanks to the valuable work of a group of collaborators coordinated by Gian Marco Luna, director of the Institute. To learn more: Detailed agenda and video of the works:
Sharper 2024, The European Researchers’ Night
On Friday 27 September 2024, Ancona was one of the Italian cities to light up with science during the SHARPER 2024 European Researchers’ Night.
Open-air laboratories, interactive experiments and meetings with researchers and experts involved citizens of all ages, demonstrating how scientific research is an integral part of our daily lives.
In particular, for the CNR-IRBIM from the Central stage, colleagues Andrea Miccoli and Fabio Campanella spoke about “Gaia Blu: the oceanographic ship of the National Research Counciland presented the activities of the PELASeam campaign.
For the occasion, the film of the campaign activities made by colleague Daniel Li Veli was screened.
In addition, on Radio Arancia in the “Researchers on Air” column, Andrea Petetta spoke on “Studying the impacts of recreational fishing at sea” and Martina Scanu on “the cultural value of the mussel”.
The square was also animated by various games: the “Who wants to be a marine biologist?” full of questions related to curiosities of marine organisms was conducted by Andrea Petetta, Martina Scanu, Greta Cerrone and Chiara Evangelista, while Enrico Cecapolli and Roberto Cacciamani led the game: “Don’t say fish if you don’t have it in the bag”.
Stands have been set up for: “Fishing for plastic waste: from pollutant to new resource” with Maria Chiara Catta and Ilaria Martino; the “Microscope with benthos” curated by Deborah D’Angelo and Adele Basho and the stand “Agrifish: Would you eat a trout fed with scraps?” curated by Monica Panfili; while the “Delphi” project was presented by Flavia Scocca.
Among the other colleagues of the IRBIM of Ancona who actively participated in the organization of the Researchers’ Night under the coordination of Monica Panfili, there are Maria Chiara Catta, Deborah D’Angelo, Federico Calì, Paolo Scarpini, Angela Freddi, Lorenzo Zacchetti and Enrico Armelloni.
The event has once again demonstrated the importance of creating a bridge between research and society, promoting the dissemination of scientific culture and stimulating new generations of researchers.
IRBIM course on scientific writing and management of bibliographic elements
From 28 to 30 May 2024, the IRBIM-Lesina hosted the first edition of the “Practical course on scientific writing and management of bibliographic elements” designed and dedicated to members of the Institute. The course, lasting a total of 16 hours, combined theoretical lessons (4 hours) with practical exercises (12 hours), offering participants a complete and up-to-date overview of best practices for the effective management of bibliographic sources and citations in the drafting of scientific reports and articles. The course was divided into three main modules, structured to provide participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to deal with each phase of the scientific writing process:
- pre-writing, with research and management of the bibliography, use of keywords and Boleani operators to make the search effective;
- writing, with the creation of a solid and original bibliography, Cite-while-writing in word and Latex, plagiarism self-assessment;
- post-writing, evaluation of scientific journals and selection of the most suitable publication venue, analysis of metrics and impact indicators.
In addition to lectures and practical exercises, the course included moments of sharing and discussion among the participants, with lunches and coffee breaks organized by the staff of the Lesina office, to encourage interaction between participants from different IRBIM locations, creating a collaborative and stimulating learning environment. The Scientific and Organizational Committee was composed of: Manuela Coci, Andrea Miccoli, Paolo Pezzutto, Antonella Specchiulli, Primiano Schiavone, Marco D’Adduzio and Gian Marco Luna. The course was a valuable opportunity for IRBIM researchers to deepen their knowledge and skills in the field of science communication. The course also provided participants with the necessary tools to produce high-quality scientific articles, compliant with international publication standards and to increase their chances of success in the competitive research landscape. It is possible to download the program and contact the organizers for interest, information and any other editions.