Keynote Speaker - Marco Giovine

KEYNOTE

Marco Giovine

University of Genova, Italy

The University of Genoa, through its Sea Center, has created an internal hub to coordinate responses to highly complex requests regarding marine research and training. The Center operates as a cross-disciplinary structure whose primary goal is to promote synergy and integration among the different research and teaching areas that deal with the marine environment and its many implications. Its main strength lies precisely in its strong interdisciplinary nature.

The Sea Center is not limited to a sectoral view but embraces a wide range of disciplines. In fact, experts from seemingly distant sectors that are intrinsically connected to the marine world coexist and collaborate within it. These range from marine biology, marine geology, and oceanography, which study marine ecosystems and natural processes, to naval and maritime engineering, which deals with the design and construction of boats and port infrastructures. There are also skills in maritime law, which is crucial for regulating activities at sea, the blue economy, which analyzes opportunities for sustainable development related to the sea, especially in high-impact areas such as transport and port facilities, languages, an essential tool for communication between peoples, with specialized insights into terminology related to the sea and navigation, sports, with UniGe's unique research and training in marine sports, and even history, with its study center on great explorers and navigators of the past.

This interdisciplinary nature translates into a unique ability to address the complex challenges that the sea presents: from the sustainable management of marine resources to the protection of ecosystems, from the development of innovative technologies for responsible exploration and exploitation, to understanding the impacts of climate change. By creating research networks, promoting joint projects, and offering integrated training courses, the University of Genoa's Sea Center aims to be a national and international point of reference for maritime research, training, and innovation, enhancing the richness and diversity of knowledge present at the university.

Among the projects coordinated by the Sea Center is a remarkable interdisciplinary research project carried out in collaboration with the Naval Hydrographic Institute and the Italian Navy. This project involved activities aboard the Amerigo Vespucci training ship during its 2023-2025 World Tour. This unique project was a brilliant example of cooperation between organizations where expertise and resources were pooled. In addition to the significant scientific results, some of which are the specific subject of presentations at this conference, it is important to highlight the significant outcome in terms of science diplomacy and the collaboration between the crew and researchers. The interaction grew over time and led not only to scientific contributions but also to mutual human growth, which opens the door to future collaborations.

Professor Giovine's scientific and academic journey began with a Degree in Biological Sciences and a PhD in Biochemistry. He progressed through academic positions at the University of Genoa, becoming a Full Professor of Molecular Biology in 2024. His research primarily focuses on marine molecular biology and marine biotechnology. He has led various national and international research projects on marine biotechnology and his scientific activity is documented by more than 80 scientific publications on peer reviewed international journals. He is also a co-inventor in various national and international biotechnology patents and a co-founder of 2 university spin-offs. Prof. Giovine has held various academic appointments, including president of a Master on food biotechnology and Rector’s delegate for student orientation. At the current moment he holds the position of President of UniGE Sea Study Centre a strategic hub in advancing marine research and initiatives.