Nina Marn

Nina Marn is a Researcher at the Ruđer Bošković Institute, affiliated with the Division for Marine and Environmental Research and the Laboratory for Informatics and Environmental Modelling. She holds a PhD in Ecology from the University of Zagreb (2016) and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and a BSc in Biology (Ecology) from the University of Zagreb (2009). Her work focuses on applying Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) theory to ecological and physiological challenges in marine species, including climate change impacts, plastic pollution, and invasive species dynamics.

• Education: PhD (2016) - University of Zagreb & Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; BSc (2009) - University of Zagreb.

Research Interests: Nina's research bridges theoretical biology and applied conservation through DEB modeling. She investigates how environmental factors (temperature, food availability) and anthropogenic pressures (plastic ingestion, climate change) affect growth, reproduction, and survival in marine organisms. Her projects include modeling responses of sea turtles, crayfish, mussels, and small pelagic fish to changing ecosystems.

Recent Publications highlight her expertise in DEB model development for aquaculture efficiency, marine species conservation, and microplastic toxicity. She has contributed to understanding climate change effects on Mediterranean gilthead seabream, thermal and metabolic adaptations in loggerhead turtles, and mechanistic models for endangered species like Pinna nobilis.

Scientific Awards:

• Rector's Award, University of Zagreb (2009)
• Nominated for Nederlandse Vereniging voor Milieuchemie en Milieutoxicologie (KNCV + NVT) PhD Thesis Award

Projects and Collaborations: Nina co-developed the PerfeCt climate change adaptation model for aquaculture and participated in international DEB theory symposia. Her work integrates data from lab experiments to field observations, often collaborating across institutions in Croatia, the Netherlands, and global DEB theory experts.