Marine Biotechnology Center
UCSB is recognized internationally for its leadership in Marine Biotechnology. This exciting field uses the latest breakthroughs in modern molecular biology, genetic engineering and cell science to solve basic problems in marine resource biology; to improve the production of medical, chemical, food, and energy resources from the ocean; and to develop new products and industries based on more efficient use of the ocean's resources.
The Marine Biotechnology Center is unique in the University of California system. It helps coordinate fifteen different research programs in this area at UCSB, and helps obtain funding for the vitally needed practical training of advanced students and professionals to help meet the future needs and changing requirements of the nation's marine and biotechnology industries. Close interactions with California's biotechnology, aquaculture and pharmaceutical industries provide new products and highly trained scientific personnel to the industrial sector, and provide support from industry for research and training in the University. The state-of-the-art Marine Biotechnology Laboratory Building - the first such facility of its kind in the United States - provides facilities needed to accommodate the rapid growth of research and teaching in Marine Biotechnology on the campus.