The CEAB
Who we are and what we do
WHO WE ARE
We are a scientific research centre focused on aquatic biology and ecology
We study both marine and freshwater ecosystems
We contribute scientific knowledge and promote its application for the management, conservation and restoration of ecosystems to address the challenges of global change.
We are characterised by a cross-cutting, multidisciplinary approach to research: from theoretical to experimental ecology; from the chemical or genetic composition of each organism to the dynamics of large biomes; from high-mountain ponds to the ocean floor.
We do this with teams composed of professionals specialised in different disciplines: on one hand, from the broad field of biology (specialists in diverse branches such as taxonomy, biogeochemistry, microbiology or paleoecology); on the other hand, in complementary disciplines (such as mathematics, administrative management or software engineering).
Regarding geographical scope, the research we conduct is regional (with special expertise in Mediterranean ecosystems), national and international.
The Blanes Centre for Advanced Studies (CEAB) is one of the 121 research institutes of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), the largest public institution dedicated to research in Spain and one of the largest in Europe.
As for funding, we have a fixed budget for running the centre (public funds from the CSIC, which depends on the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities). Research resources are obtained by participating in calls for proposals from national, European and international public entities, as well as from private foundations or other private sector organisations.
Brief history of the CEAB:
1949
The CSIC establishes one of the centres of its Fisheries Research Institute in the port of Blanes. The laboratory conducts research on marine ecosystems, collaborates with local fishermen and studies living organisms thanks to its aquarium, which is open to the general public. The centre welcomes scientific staff from institutions around the world in order to collaborate on research projects, mainly focusing on fish and benthic invertebrates. These facilities remain in operation for more than 30 years.
1985
The CEAB officially opens in a new building at the entrance to Cala Sant Francesc. It is designed to bring together research staff from different branches of science and to facilitate interdisciplinary work. Mechanisms are established for marine ecology, oceanography, astrophysics and artificial intelligence groups that work on a stable basis, exchanging knowledge with each other. Examples of this work include seminars (which continue to this day), in which an expert speaker explains – in understandable terms – complex concepts specific to their field to the rest of the centre’s researchers.
1994-1999
In this period, the Artificial Intelligence and Astrophysics research groups leave the centre: the former sets up its own headquarters in Bellaterra, while the latter joins the Institute of Space Sciences (ICE) in Barcelona. The CEAB narrows its focus to marine sciences.
2001-2010
A new group of researchers specialising in limnology (the science that studies freshwater aquatic ecosystems), joins the CEAB. Shortly after, the centre incorporates theoretical ecology branches that use mathematical and computational techniques to advance ecological theory, especially regarding behaviour and, more specifically, animal movement.
2010-PRESENT DAY
Since the incorporation of the new research groups and up to the present day, the CEAB has become a leading international centre in three major disciplines: marine ecology, limnology and theoretical ecology. In this period, the study of the challenges of climate and global change has also gained strength in all the research groups. At the same time, one of the unique features of the centre has been maintained and boosted: its cross-cutting, multidisciplinary and collaborative approach to research.
1949
The CSIC establishes one of the centres of its Fisheries Research Institute in the port of Blanes. The laboratory conducts research on marine ecosystems, collaborates with local fishermen and studies living organisms thanks to its aquarium, which is open to the general public. The centre welcomes scientific staff from institutions around the world in order to collaborate on research projects, mainly focusing on fish and benthic invertebrates. These facilities remain in operation for more than 30 years.
1985
The CEAB officially opens in a new building at the entrance to Cala Sant Francesc. It is designed to bring together research staff from different branches of science and to facilitate interdisciplinary work. Mechanisms are established for marine ecology, oceanography, astrophysics and artificial intelligence groups that work on a stable basis, exchanging knowledge with each other. Examples of this work include seminars (which continue to this day), in which an expert speaker explains – in understandable terms – complex concepts specific to their field to the rest of the centre’s researchers.
1994-1999
In this period, the Artificial Intelligence and Astrophysics research groups leave the centre: the former sets up its own headquarters in Bellaterra, while the latter joins the Institute of Space Sciences (ICE) in Barcelona. The CEAB narrows its focus to marine sciences.
2001-2010
A new group of researchers specialising in limnology (the science that studies freshwater aquatic ecosystems), joins the CEAB. Shortly after, the centre incorporates theoretical ecology branches that use mathematical and computational techniques to advance ecological theory, especially regarding behaviour and, more specifically, animal movement.
2010-ACTUALITAT
Since the incorporation of the new research groups and up to the present day, the CEAB has become a leading international centre in three major disciplines: marine ecology, limnology and theoretical ecology. In this period, the study of the challenges of climate and global change has also gained strength in all the research groups. At the same time, one of the unique features of the centre has been maintained and boosted: its cross-cutting, multidisciplinary and collaborative approach to research.
WHAT WE DO
We generate scientific knowledge and share it to achieve healthy aquatic ecosystems.
Knowledege
We advance scientific knowledge in the broad areas of biology and ecology, studying everything from the smallest elements (chemical elements or organism DNA) to large-scale phenomena (patterns governing global dynamics or that occur throughout the biosphere).
Understanding
We conduct research to understand the nature of organisms, how they relate to each other, their functions and interactions with nature, how they respond to changes in their environment, what makes an ecosystem more resilient, and what measures are most effective in order to conserve it in good condition.
Predictions
We generate scientific knowledge about the functioning, health and evolution of life forms and different ecosystems, how they respond to the threats they face (such as climate and global change) and how they are expected to respond in the future.
Management
We provide information and scientific advice to improve ecosystem health, in terms of its management, conservation, and restoration. We propose solutions based on science and nature.
Communication
We share research operations and the results obtained, engaging citizens and fostering positive attitudes towards science and nature conservation.
HOW WE DO IT
We conduct current, rigorous, multidisciplinary and creative research that contributes to advancing knowledge.
We train new researchers, offering internships and collaborating in master’s degrees and doctoral programmes.
We collaborate with research centres, universities, institutions and other entities worldwide. We also engage citizens in citizen science projects.
We bring research results to the public and private sectors and society at large in order for science to inform decision-making in the face of environmental challenges.
We promote scientific culture and the engagement of society at large in nature protection. We do this through actions aimed at the entire population and others aimed at specific groups, such as the educational sector.
