Michael Sars Centre

The Michael Sars Centre at the University of Bergen, is an international community of scientists using advanced technologies to study the unique molecular and cellular biology of marine organisms in a changing environment for broad societal impact.

As one of the first EMBL partners, the Michael Sars Centre is rooted in the Bergen academic community and serves as a national strategical asset for Norwegian marine life sciences. We aim to establish, strengthen, and leverage local, national, and international networks through specific activities, including collaborative research, joint training, and scientific exchange.

News

Celebrating marine science and innovation during One Ocean Week

Researchers from the Michael Sars Centre participated in the third edition of One Ocean Week. On the program, engaging the public with our research projects and exchanging with industry stakeholders.

Event

Registration for the Michael Sars Symposium 2025 is open!

Join us on June 6, 2025 at Media City Bergen for a day of exceptional talks. This year, our invited speakers will explore the theme: "Decoding signals and unveiling architectures, from molecules to organisms".

New publication

A snail and a marine worm on a black background

The same ligand binds upside-down to closely related receptors

A new study conducted in the Lynagh group shows that closely related neuropeptide receptors do not always recognize ligands in the same way. The work lays out the blueprint for ligand recognition in this receptor family.

Biology and warming oceans

Portrait of Lionel Christiaen in the laboratory

Building a heart in a changing world

As the ocean warms, researchers are racing to uncover the impact of the climate crisis on marine life. In an innovative multi-scale project, developmental biologist Lionel Christiaen sets the focus on the very beginnings of life in a changing environment.

News

Anaïs Courtet, Alexandre Jan and Étienne Bourgouin in the laboratory

Michael Sars Centre partners with Paris Aquarium to introduce comb jellies to the public

The Michael Sars Centre at the University of Bergen and the Paris Aquarium have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to exchange expertise on comb jelly husbandry. The collaboration marks a significant milestone as animals first raised at the Centre are now on display in the aquarium’s...