Aschwin Engelen has been associated to CCMAR since 2004. His research was for decades directed towards the (molecular) ecology of marine benthic, habitat forming organisms in a global change context. In general, seaweeds, seagrasses, and corals are used as model organisms to provide new insights into their adaptation and acclimation to global change in the marine realm. Especially invasive species and climate change, in the form of elevated temperatures and ocean acidification, are studied.

Currently, his research focuses on holobiont perspectives on marine ecology, especially the microbiomes of corals, seagrasses and seaweeds, their drivers and host-microbe interactions are investigated. Though it is clear that microbe-host interactions are important for the functioning of marine host, many processes and mechanisms are unclear. Insights will increase our understanding of the evolution and ecology of marine holobionts. These microbiomes are also a very potent resource for biotechnological applications, aquaculture and restoration and conservation.