CIBIO – Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources - InBIO Associate Laboratory is an internationally recognized Research Unit in biological sciences conducting basic and applied research on the three main components of biodiversity: genes, species and ecosystems. Our mission is to develop world-class research in the areas of biodiversity and evolutionary biology. Our goal is to make a significant contribution to: - Advance scientific knowledge in the fields of biodiversity and evolutionary biology - special emphasis on the understanding of processes that lead to present-day patterns of biological diversity and on the principles governing the spatial partitioning of genotypic and phenotypic variation. - Integrate and deepen ecological, taxonomical and biogeographical knowledge at different scales worldwide - with a particular focus on the Iberian and Mediterranean biological heritage. - Use scientific knowledge to set and suggest appropriate conservation priorities and management tools - in collaboration with local and national agricultural, forestry and hunting authorities. - Provide top-level advanced training - MSc and PhD levels and short-term training courses. - Disseminate scientific knowledge and promote public awareness and appreciation of biodiversity. Established in 2002, since January 2011 CIBIO is part of InBIO - Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Associate Laboratory, together with CEABN – Centre for Applied Ecology "Prof. Baeta Neves", Institute of Agronomy, University of Lisbon. CIBIO-InBIO fosters an international and multicultural research environment, currently hosting researchers from more than 17 countries, organized in 19 research groups. These groups focus their activity on biodiversity and ecology, evolutionary biology and applied ecology, and integrate experts in complementary fields, such as molecular and population genetics, phylogeography, population biology, immunogenetics, taxonomy, ecology, bioinformatics and computational biology, landscape management and conservation. In addition, the Centre provides various services to the community, including: - applied research on evaluation and use of genetic resources; - information and assessments for environmental impact studies, habitat and ecosystem monitoring and rehabilitation, and environmental planning; - next generation sequencing; and - scientific consulting.