About

Research Groups at the Michael Sars Centre

Our research groups study the unique molecular and cellular biology of marine organisms.

Photo:

Alexandre Jan and Anne Aasjord

Main content

Christiaen Group

We use genome engineering, quantitative imaging, single cell genomics and computational biology to study gene regulation, fate decisions and cellular behaviors during development of marine embryos, and the cellular and molecular bases of adaptation to environmental conditions in the ocean.

Chourrout Group

With the new model system Oikopleura, we try to understand how simple animals evolved from more complex ancestors.

Nematostella vectensis (Cnidaria, Anthozoa)

Steinmetz Group

We aim to understand the cellular and molecular links between growth, reproduction and food availability using the simple sea anemone Nematostella vectensis.

Chatzigeorgiou Group

Our group is studying the evolution and function of the nervous system in urochordates, using modern neurobiological and genetic Toolkits.

Burkhardt Group

Our group utilizes marine organisms to reveal the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie the evolutionary origin of synapses and neurons.

Lynagh Group

Our group studies the biophysical function and evolution of neurotransmitter receptors, using molecular phylogenetics, chemical biology, and electrophysiology.

Valen Associate Group

We study the regulation of translation during development and the mystery of pervasive translation across UTRs and non-coding RNA.

Confocal micrscopy images of Nematostella vectensis

Former Groups

Explore previous work conducted at the Centre since our opening in 1997.

Specialized Equipment

A range of specialized equipment is available for high-end microscopy, single-cell sequencing sample preparation, MiSeq sequencing, microinjection, and other applications.

Animal Facilities

The Centre's state-of-the-art animal facilities harbor a diversity of marine species, from sea anemones to microscopic tunicates.

All Publications

Discover the latest publications authored by researchers at the Michael Sars Centre.

03.03.2025