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Description
Fish health and welfare relies on the intestinal functions but the wider knowledge-gap of the intestinal immune system of fish compared to mammals poses a barrier to the development of efficient tools to enhance fish immunity. CIIMAR and Nord university have been focusing on the same problems – fish''s health and welfare of aquatic animals – under different perspectives, and using different animal models (European seabass, Atlantic salmon), so this bilateral initiative will enhance the transfer of scientific and technological knowledge.
Both research teams will work together to developed
Summary of the results
The AquaCell project, funded by the EEA Grants Bilateral Fund, fostered collaboration between CIIMAR and Nord University, strengthening aquaculture research with a focus on the characterization of fish intestinal cell populations. Aligned with the priorities of Northern Portugal’s Smart Specialisation Strategy, the project aimed to create scientific synergies, disseminate knowledge, and promote future collaborations. Activities included a training mission in Norway, where CIIMAR researchers acquired new intestinal cell culture techniques, later implemented in CIIMAR’s labs. This was followed by a visit from a Nord University researcher to validate the work conducted. A scientific workshop was held at CIIMAR, and dissemination efforts included a Scientific Reports publication, a poster presentation at an international aquaculture conference, and the completion of a Master’s thesis. Participation in the Blue Bio Value Ideation at Lisbon’s Oceanário further supported outreach and public engagement. AquaCell significantly advanced knowledge of the fish intestinal immune system, with direct impact on the sustainability of European aquaculture, promoting fish robustness and reducing the need for antibiotics—fully aligned with the EEA Grants’ overarching goal of “Working together for a green, competitive and inclusive Europe.”