Why does marine research need lawyers?
Who owns a genetic resource collected from an Antarctic seabed? Can a research sample cross a border freely, or does it need special permission? These questions might sound technical. But they shape almost every step of marine biodiversity research.
For example, the Nagoya Protocol makes sure researchers share benefits fairly when they use genetic resources. Other rules govern how samples move between institutions. They also cover how teams store and reuse data. In addition, agreements like the BBNJ Agreement shape how discoveries from international waters eventually reach real-world applications. Without a clear grasp of this legal landscape, even good research can hit serious roadblocks.
That’s exactly the territory our upcoming joint webinar explores. And we would love for you to join us!
What is EXPLORA?
EXPLORA is a Horizon Europe project. We study microorganisms that live in extreme aquatic environments. Our team explores two very different sampling sites. One is the acidic waters of Rio Tinto in Spain. Meanwhile, the other is the icy environment of Antarctica. In both places, unique microorganisms have adapted to conditions where most life could not survive.
We are interested in the novel biomolecules these organisms produce, including antimicrobials, antioxidants and enzymes that can break down plastic. Our aim is to responsibly explore their potential for fields like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and sustainable plastic recycling. You can read more about our work packages and methodology. Because these discoveries touch on genetic resources and international waters, understanding the legal frameworks around this work matters to us.
What the webinar covers
This webinar brings together EXPLORA and three partner projects from the Synergy at the Extreme cluster: NEXTMARINE, XTREAM and XTREMOLIFE. All four projects share a Horizon Europe funding call, and all four work with extreme aquatic environments where novel biomolecules are found.
Together, we will unpack the legal rules for marine biodiversity research. Topics include the Nagoya Protocol and Access and Benefit Sharing, plus the Global Biodiversity Framework. We will also cover Digital Sequence Information and the BBNJ Agreement. In addition, speakers will address sample transfer and Material Transfer Agreements, data governance under FAIR principles, and the exploitation of research results in sensitive international contexts.
Experts from GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre, the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, and the Technology Transfer Office of the University of Patras will lead these sessions. Representatives from each of the four projects will also present their own objectives and sampling areas. Our coordinator, Dr. Ana Mencher (ITENE), will represent EXPLORA at the event.
Event details
📅 Monday, 28 September 2026
🕙 10:00–13:00 CEST
💻 Online via Zoom
🔗 Join the webinar
Whether you work in research, policy or industry, this session offers something for you. It gives a practical look at the legal side of marine biodiversity research. Even if you are new to EXPLORA, you are warmly welcome to join us. We look forward to seeing you on 28 September. Meanwhile, stay tuned to our news page for more updates on the project.
