Meet the BLUES researchers: Marina Pozzolini

Today we are finalising our "Meet the researchers" series dedicated to our colleagues and (by now) friends at the University of Genoa, with a section dedicated to Prof. Marina Pozzolini. Currently Associate Professor at the Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV) of the University of Genoa, she is in charge of the Marine Biotechnologies curriculum within the "Marine Biology and Ecology" Master's programme. 

Prof. Pozzolini kicked off her academic journey with a PhD in Biochemistry. Since then, she has developed strong expertise in cellular mechanisms and cell-environment interactions, with her research focusing on innovative marine model organisms, particularly marine sponges, investigating processes such as biosilicification. At the moment, her activity centres on the cellular and molecular biology of marine organisms, including marine sponges and cnidarians. She has studied and characterised collagen derived from the marine sponge Chondrosia reniformis and its potential applications in the biomedical and biotechnological fields. 

The author of numerous peer-reviewed articles in the fields of marine biology, cell biology, and marine biotechnologies, Prof. Pozzolini has been contributing greatly to the advancements of knowledge in marine-derived biomaterials and their sustainable exploitation. 

Within BLUES, Prof. Pozzolini leads the University of Genoa research group involved in the characterisation of the sponge extracellular matrix, three-dimensional structure, and optimisation of sponge cell cultures conditions. 

You can find out more details about her research here.