Prof. Carlo CERRANO

Prof, Polytechnic University of Marche

Carlo Cerrano is professor in Zoology at the Department of Life and Environmental Science at the Marche Polytechnic University (Italy). He studies the biodiversity of marine zoobenthos with reference to Porifera and Cnidaria. His research has been conducted not only in the Mediterranean area but also in tropical and polar areas. It includes the exploration of the mesophotic zone, to evaluate the natural history and the ecological role of "ecosystem engineers" and the effects of climate change on their phenology. Part of his research is conducted in collaboration with volunteers in the frame of several Citizen Science projects. The results of his research are aimed at providing elements to support the development of conservation and environmental restoration strategies