Marine Chronobiology Network (MACHRO)
CNRS International Research Network (2026-2030)
Chronobiology has traditionally focused on circadian rhythms (24 h) in terrestrial organisms. This provides only a partial view of the temporal complexity encountered in marine environments, which are also strongly affected by circalunar (29.5 d) and circatidal (12.4 h) rhythms. At the same time, human activity disrupts these natural cycles. Climate change modifies temperature regimes, seasonal cues, and ocean dynamics, while artificial light at night (ALAN) interferes with solar and lunar light patterns, particularly in coastal urbanized areas. The MACHRO network aims to establish a framework for understanding biological timekeeping in marine environments. Objectives are to (1) characterize the environmental cues acting on marine rhythms, (2) elucidate the molecular architecture and evolutionary emergence of biological clocks across marine taxa, and (3) assess the anthropogenic impact on biological clocks in marine habitats.
MACHRO organizes and coordinates networking and training over the course of five years, including international workshops, young scientist mobility and summer schools. The network also seeks to serve as a platform to establish international consortia on selected topics in marine chronobiology.
Coordinators
Dr Andrés Ritter, Station Biologique de Roscoff, CNRS, FR
Prof Kristin Tessmar-Raible, AWI, University of Oldenburg, DE & University of Vienna, AT
Prof Peter Kroth, University of Konstanz, DE
Members
Prof Angela Falciatore, Sorbonne Université, Paris, FR
Prof Francois-Yves Bouget, Ocean Observatory, Banyuls-sur-Mer, FR
Dr Tobias Kaiser, MPI for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, DE
Dr Laura Payton, University of Bordeaux/CNRS, Arcachon, FR
Dr Damien Tran, University of Bordeaux/CNRS, Arcachon, FR
Dr Kenny Bogaert, MPI for Biology, Tübingen, DE
Prof Eva Farre, Michigan State University, East Lansing, US
Dr Sören Häfker, Alfred Wegener Institut (AWI), Bremerhaven, DE