Marc Rius Viladomiu

Director| Scientific Researcher

Department

Marine ecology

Research group

Molecular ecology of the marine benthos

Contact

mrius@ceab.csic.es

Phone

(+34) 972336101

Publication profiles

NºORCID:

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2195-6605

Marc Rius Viladomiu

Director| Scientific Researcher

My career has developed across several institutions around the world including the Universities of California Davis, Cape Town, Queensland and Southampton. My research focuses on advancing our understanding of the ecological and evolutionary consequences of human activities on marine species and ecosystems. I have made significant contributions in the fields of invasion genetics, biogeography, biodiversity conservation and community ecology. A key example is the extensive use of the latest DNA sequencing techniques to improve our knowledge of associations between intra-specific hybridisation of divergent genotypes, successful colonisation of non-native species, and rapid changes in species ranges. Undertaking this research has meant collecting samples of marine organisms, seawater and sediment from different parts of the world using oceanographic vessels, and conducting intertidal and subtidal surveys.

Other current research projects:

– IMOVES

–MOMENTUM

+ Info: Ecology and Evolution Lab

PROJECTS

Temporal dynamics of biological invasions across environmental gradients (ICOOP)

This project is being developed within the framework of an ICOOP grant (a CSIC Scientific Cooperation Program for Development), which aims to stimulate collaboration between CSIC research groups and international research groups in countries receiving Official Development Assistance through training, work, and specialization stays for research groups from participating entities.

Biological invasions across time and space: comparing invasion phases in different aquatic ecosystems

Aquatic non-native species are spreading globally due to human activity, yet little is known about how these invasions occur and evolve. This pioneering project uses environmental DNA (eDNA) to study the phases of biological invasion in various aquatic ecosystems, aiming to better understand these processes and provide tools to tackle the biodiversity crisis.

Leveraging genomic technologies for the conservation and management of marine biodiversity (Blue DNA)

Monitoring of marine biodiversity using environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques, early detection of exotic species with invasive potential, and other genomic applications that can be used for marine biodiversity conservation.

Towards understanding the temporal dimension of the bioinvasion process: implications for restoration (TEMPOINVASIONS)

TEMPOINVASIONS will use the most advanced molecular tools to analyze sedimentary sequences from well-preserved sites along the Spanish coast (Bay of Cádiz, Cabo de Gata, Ebro Delta). We will focus on the last six centuries since the major translocation of marine species began due to the beginning of transoceanic exploration.

Marine genomic challenges: big community data as sentinelof climate change and environmental biosecurity (MARGECH)

With the MARGECH research project we want to generate massive data on marine biodiversity through sequencing of DNA extensions (metabarcoding) to monitor global change and develop biosafety tools.