The Research Group on Biology and Ecology of Marine Benthos, including scientists from the University of Barcelona and the Centre for Advanced Studies of Blanes (Spanish National Research Council, CSIC) was created in 1999 by Xavier Turon and Javier Romero, and their respective collaborators and colleagues (C. Palacín, T. Alcoverro, M. Pérez and M. Ballesteros). The group was completed to its actual structure by the incorporation of the research group of C. Àvila (2009), M. Pascual and F. Mestres (2014) and R. Sardà (2017).

During all these years, the group has obtained the Consolidated Group Award from the Generalitat de Catalunya (1999-2001, 2001-2005, 2005-2008, 2009-2013, 2014-2016 and 2017-2020), acting alternatively both founders as group coordinators.