Human actions on the environment are complex and manifest through the alteration of ecosystem structure and functioning, with modifications that affect the rates of synthesis and production of biological structures, the characteristics of chemical compositions, the flows of energy and matter, population and community processes and, ultimately, biodiversity. Most ecosystem characteristics rest upon general theories that provide explicit predictions regarding ecosystem functioning processes. However, most current ecosystem theories are able to explain variations and changes due to natural drivers, while it is often difficult to predict the portion of unforeseen variability caused by human action. This residual variation is measurable as deviation from theoretical predictions and this can provide clues for explaining its causes. Within this framework, the central question guiding the research carried out in the Ecology Laboratory at the Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, is how natural drivers and the residual variability caused by human activities interact to shape ecosystem dynamics—from single species to entire communities. Consequently, any form of “human pressure” on aquatic ecosystems capable of “diverting their natural patterns” of processes and functioning draws our attention. In our Lab we study the effects of chemical contamination, the alteration caused by physical pressure (e.g., acoustic or thermal pollution) and the effects due to global changes (increase in temperature and CO₂), ranging from benthic sessile organisms to large pelagics and from mobile-soft-bottom environments to rocky intertidal and subtidal habitats. To do this, we use different approaches and tools including the study of energy and matter flows through different compartments, the study of the behavioural traits of the organisms involved in food acquisition, habitat use, predation and mating, and key physiological traits involved in the organisms’ energy budget. Members of the Laboratory — from undergraduate students to post-doctoral researchers — actively engage in these topics with scientific rigor, curiosity, and a strong innovative spirit. They are encouraged to pursue independent and creative research within the framework of broad and relevant ecological theories. Everyone is expected to write about their research, starting from undergraduates, and so it is a great privilege for me to have people with the desire to grow culturally and publish their ideas in leading international journals.