1. Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning EU Network of Excellence A key product of MarBEF will be a new generation of professional marine ecosystem scientists for Europe. MarBEF funds postdoctoral and posgraduate research, training courses for researchers and technicians, workshops in emerging areas and short- term sabbaticals for senior researchers. Training Education & Outreach Background Marine ecosystems are of enormous economic, ecological and aesthetic importance to Europe. While marine biodiversity is threatened by overexploitation, habitat destruction, pollution, introduction of species and global climate change, the consequences of biodiversity loss remain largely unknown, but are potentially severe. MarBEF has a broad outreach programme that aims to strengthen communication with the wider scientific community, build links with industry and stakeholders and increase public awareness of marine biodiversity in Europe. These broad objectives will be achieved though a dedicated outreach website, a 6- monthly newsletter, extensive publicity material, roadshows and exhibitions. Access to resources MarBEF comprises three core research pragrammes, which aim to further our understanding of the relationship between biodiversity and functioning in marine ecosystems, develop reliable indicators of ecosystem change and expand our knowledge of the economic, social and cultural values of marine biodiversity. Integrated Research www.marbef.org ©Missão Seahmn-1 (Fct-Portugal) ©HT Rapp © Archivo PN de Cabrera ©JG Hamelin ©D R, Biomare ©Crown copyright, CEFAS ©Ecoserve ©Bernard Picton, Biomar ©Ecoserve ©Bernard Picton, Biomar ©L Quinta ImagDOP The network of excellence serves as a means of improving scientists’ access to resources. Complete integration of European data marine biodiversity data is central to the network. The MarBEF website contains a searchable registry of network resources, holds a relational database with information on European marine biodiversity research sites and datasets, and provides links to other web-based marine biodiversity databases in Europe. In order to manage marine ecosystems for conservation of biodiversity and sustainability of ecosystem functioning, we need to understand the economic, social and cultural value of biodiversity across Europe. MarBEF provides a framework and context to integrate natural science with the needs of society and development of management policies. Management The network of excellence MarBEF (Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning) unites over 400 scientists from 82 institutes and 24 countries with the aim of addressing the biggest and most topical questions in areas of marine science including biogeochemistry, fisheries biology, ecology, taxonomy and socio-economics. Besides integration of research, central to MarBEF are initiatives in training, exchange and outreach that will focus on bridging the gap between science and society. Sustainable development, global change and ecosystems. GOCE-CT-2003- 505446