The Marine Molecular Bioengineering (MBB) research group integrates a range of cross-disciplinary expertise that focuses on the integration of biology with biophysics and bioengineering.

The current main objective of the MMB group is the development and application of nano- and bio-technological tools and materials, including their toxicological assessment, to marine sciences.

The main objectives of the group are to contribute to the improved management and sustainable exploitation of the multi-species resources of the Algarve coastal waters.

Development of heterocyclic compounds applicable in medicine, environmental remediation or aquaculture. Investigation of structure, reactivity and activity of compounds obtained from synthesis or natural sources.

The team BEE (Biogeographical Ecology and Evolution) studies patterns and processes mediating population biology from ecological to evolutionary scales.

Molecular determinants and regulatory mechanisms (transcription and post transcription regulation, alternative and trans-splicing events, RNA editing, epigenetics) affecting gene expression during onset of skeletogenesis and maintenance of bone and cartilage integrity throughout life.
 

We conduct research on ethology and welfare of aquatic animals. Other activities include developing an open-access database on the welfare of farmed fish, providing consultancy services for fish farms and organizing training actions at scientific and industry levels.

Our aim is to investigate the processes that regulate marine plant production at different organizational levels: molecular, plant, community and ecosystem.