National Institute of Marine Biology, Ecology and Biotechnology
Public research institution supervised by the Italian Ministry of University and Research

Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn

Naples, Villa Comunale, since 1872

Exploring the Mediterranean to understand and protect the global ocean

The Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn is among the world's leading research institutions in marine biology and ecology: five departments, seven territorial centres, more than 240 scientists and the oldest public aquarium in Europe still in operation.

Posidonia oceanica meadow lit by sunlight in the Gulf of Naples
“Explore the Mediterranean Sea to understand and protect the Global Ocean”

News & Events

All news

A history since 1872

Founded in 1872 by Anton Dohrn, the SZN is among the most influential research institutions in the field of marine biology and ecology.

Read more about our history

Training tomorrow's scientists

A core activity of the SZN is the higher education and formation of young scientists to lead pure and applied research.

Higher education at SZN
  • 1872year of foundation
  • 5research departments
  • 7territorial centres
  • 240+scientists
  • 20+Nobel laureates hosted
  • 90,000volumes in the library

Research Departments

Research at the SZN is organised in five Departments: three focused on scientific research and two on technological research.

All research

Hot Topics

A summary of the most recent research activities carried out in our laboratories.

Visit the Station

Three venues open to the public, between Naples and Portici, where research meets people.

  • Aquarium

    The oldest 19th-century aquarium still in operation, opened in 1874 and devoted to the fauna and flora of the Mediterranean.

    Book a visit
  • Darwin-Dohrn Museum

    Evolution and marine biodiversity in the Casina del Boschetto, Villa Comunale: artworks, historical specimens and a sperm whale skeleton.

    Discover DaDoM
  • Turtle Point

    The Sea Turtle Research Centre in Portici: care, rehabilitation and outreach in the largest facility of its kind in the Mediterranean.

    Visit Turtle Point

A national network for the sea

From its historic headquarters in Villa Comunale, Naples, the SZN now operates seven territorial centres along the Italian coasts.

Villa Dohrn, Ischia
  • NaplesVilla ComunaleHeadquarters
  • IschiaIschia Marine Centre, Villa DohrnTerritorial centre
  • PorticiTurtle PointSea Turtle Research Centre
  • RomeInterdepartmental institutional centreTerritorial centre
  • FanoFano Marine CentreTerritorial centre
  • GenoaGenova Marine CentreTerritorial centre
  • BrindisiBrindisi Marine CentreTerritorial centre
  • AmendolaraCalabria Marine Centre (CRIMAC)Territorial centre
  • Messina, Palermo, MilazzoSicily Marine CentreTerritorial centre

Support research

Your contribution helps the SZN explore, understand and protect the sea.

The SZN is a member ofEuromarine — European Marine Research NetworkEuropean Marine Board