CIESM Headquarters are situated at Villa Girasole in Monaco. This central location houses a dedicated team of marine specialists who manage and oversee the Commission’s science programs and initiatives.
In 2017, CIESM expanded its presence by opening additional offices at the Oceanographic Institute in Paris, where it was originally based in the 1930s. This strategic expansion aims to enhance the Commission’s focus on the vital intersection of science and marine policy, ensuring that research advancements are effectively integrated into policy frameworks.
Villa Girasole
16 bd de Suisse
98 000 Monacco
Maison des Océans
195 Rue Saint-Jacques
75005 Paris, France
Director General Office
Prof. Laura Giuliano, Director General
Ph.D. (1996) Univ. Marseille (France) followed by a PostDoc in Germany. Then based at the CNR Marine Institute in Messina (Sicily), where she directed a number of international research projects, publishing in leading international journals (Science, Nature, PNAS). In 2005 Dr Giuliano was detached to CIESM HQ to advise on the emerging sector of marine genetic resources. In 2014 she was appointed Director of IAMC – the multi-disciplinary marine research Institute of CNR covering southern Italy – before returning to CIESM in 2016 as Director of Science.
Elected DG by the CIESM Board in 2023. The Director General of the Commission oversees the scientific and geographic development of the Commission, and is particularly involved in the scientific strategy and cross-Basin research initiatives through the Science Council which she presides.
Dr Paula Moschella, Deputy Director
Ph.D. in marine ecology (2003), Univ. Southampton, UK; laurea (BSc, MSc) 1996, Univ. Genoa, Italy.
Partners with the Director General in the day-to-day implementation of the DG strategies and vision. Assist the DG in overseeing (supervising, monitoring, reporting) a range of essential activities, from administration and financial budget to project management. In particular Dr Moschella oversees CIESM initiatives related to marine biodiversity. Reporting to the Director General, collaborates with external institutions on research and policy initiatives.
Dr Alessia Rodriguez y Baena, Strategic Manager "Open Science"
Managerial & Specialized Staff
Kaveh Rassoulzadegan, Chief Technology Officer - Software engineering specialist
Development, QA and production of research data analysis tools. Responsible for the planning, design and management of the 3D Science Data Visualization platform. CIESM servers’ administrator.
Dr Loriane Mendez, Project Manager, Marine Vertebrates
Ph.D. on Seabird Ecology (2018) Univ. La Rochelle, France; MSc in marine ecology (2013) Univ. Aix Marseille.
Integration of marine birds into CIESM programs. Responsible for the organization, maintenance, data collection, technical tasks, animation and overall support to the Migratory Species Program.
Annelyse Gastaldi, Head of Human Resources and General Administration
MSc. on Geo-Systems (2008) Univ. Nice, France. Responsible for performing HR-related duties in the functional areas of benefit administration, employee relations, recruitment, onboarding, policy implementation, and employment-law compliance as well as for administrative and operational duties.
Associates
Prof. Frederic Briand, Ph.D., Editor, CIESM Monographs Series
Ph.D. (1974, University of California). Founded the series of CIESM Monographs, which offer a broad range of titles – now reaching 51 – in the marine sciences and present the latest thinking of researchers on key, emerging issues.
Parisi Julia, Head of Communication & Digital Media
Julia helps organizations to highlight their expertise through authentic and impactful communication.
At CIESM, she played a role in structuring its digital strategy, first with the 43rd Congress and then by leading the development of its new website. Ensuring that CIESM’s identity and scientific credibility are well promoted, she now focuses on research programs through targeted communication campaigns.