The University of Liège (ULg)

The Laboratory for Oceanology MARE (Interfacultary Center for Marine Research) has developed a unique expertise in marine ecology and marine ecotoxicology. The Laboratory for Oceanology has acquired a recognized expertise in different areas including the study of seagrass beds, the reconstruction of food chains and ecology and ecotoxicology of marine mammals.

The Functional and Evolutionary Morphology Laboratory has a long tradition in eco-morphology, with a focus on mechanisms developed by the animals to live in their environment, functional morphology and adaption to a changing environment. The undertaken multidisciplinary approach includes expertise in Morphology, Ethology, Histology, Physiology, Ontogeny, Phylogeny and in Systematics.

The Department of External Relations and Communication is a general-purpose structure whose main mission is to promote the institutional image through e.g. the Press and Communication Department, the Culture Promotion and Diffusion Department. The Research Popularization Department is responsible for disseminating research results to a general and informed public. It organizes also the CORSICA challenge (in collaboration with the Laboratory of Oceanology).

The STARESO (STAtion de REchercherches Sous-marines et Océanographique) is the University of Liege´ scientific base for submarine and oceanographic researches based in Calvi on the northwest coast of Corsica in the Mediterranean Sea. This oligotrophic area is classified as a “pristine site” where environmental disturbances caused by anthropogenic pressure are exceptionally low. The Calvi Bay is characterized by healthy benthic and pelagic ecosystems associated with a high biodiversity close the Liguro–Provençal current where many cetacean species can be spotted.Within Marine Mammals, the University of Liege is responsible for the research coordination for the project. It conducts teacher trainings by a summer school in STARESO and organizes the Corsica contest (Corsica challenge) as a model for the project partners. One focus of its work within marine mammals lay on the development of 3D tools to better understand the biology and physiology of marine mammals. Within the project, the University´s Team also focuses on the role of chemical pollutants for marine mammals´ health. Furthermore, the University of Liege will organize symposia and conferences.

www.stareso.ulg.ac.be