NEWS

Encontro Nacional de Aquacultura 2025

(National Aquaculture Meeting 2025) Our team is joining the Encontro Nacional de Aquacultura (National Aquaculture Meeting) – ENAQUA2025 –  we’re contributing with results from different projects, so we warmly invite you to see our presentation, check out our posters and engage with us. This is where you can find us:…

Aquaculture Europe 2025

Our team will be actively participating at Aquaculture Europe 2025, where we will showcase our work and contributions to advancing sustainable aquaculture. We warmly invite all participants to visit our booth, attend our presentations, and engage with our posters and sessions. This will be a great opportunity to exchange ideas…

Blue Think Conference 2025

updated news On September 10, our team took part in the 6th edition of the Blue Think Conference (BTC2025), held as part of CIIMAR’s 25th anniversary celebrations and organized in collaboration with CCMAR. Inês Carvalho and Paulo Santos delivered presentations showcasing the progress of their PhD research, contributing to discussions…

New horizons conference

On September 8, 2025, CIIMAR marked its 25th anniversary with the commemorative conference “New Horizons”, bringing together government representatives, scientists, academics, industry leaders, policymakers, and members of civil society. The event celebrated CIIMAR’s significant contributions to marine and environmental sciences over the past quarter-century, while opening discussions on the challenges…

22nd International Conference on Disease of Fish and Shellfish (EAFP2025)

updated news Our research group will take part in the 22nd International Conference on Diseases of Fish and Shellfish (EAFP 2025), which will be held in Heraklion, Crete, from September 1 to 4, 2025, at the Cultural Conference Center of Heraklion (eafp2025.org). We will be contributing through: Three oral presentations:…

XV Congress of the Iberian Association of Comparative Endocrinology

Our team actively participated in the XV Congress of the Iberian Association of Comparative Endocrinology (AIEC 2025), held in Porto from July 24 to 26, 2025, at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto. Benjamin Costas delivered the opening keynote lecture, focusing on nutritional immunology, aquatic animal health,…

Our researchers co-edit research topic in Frontiers in Aquaculture

We’re proud to announce that our team members Diogo Peixoto, Rita Azeredo, and Márcia Saraiva are serving as co-editors of the newly launched Research Topic “Reprogramming Health in Aquaculture: The Nutrient–Microbiota–Immunity Nexus” in Frontiers in Aquaculture, alongside Ana Basto (University of Porto). This initiative addresses the urgent need for a…

Márcia Sariava is guest editor in Frontiers in Microbiology

We’re proud to announce a new special issue in Frontiers in Microbiology titled “Harnessing Aquatic Microbial Symbioses for Sustainable Aquaculture: Unveiling Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics,” co-edited by Marcia Saraiva from our team alongside Hilal Ay (YTU, Turkey) and Anton Gerilovych (OHSRI, Urkaine). This Research Topic focuses on the critical role of…

João Esteves Completes PhD on Clam Resistance to Perkinsus olseni

We’re delighted to congratulate João Esteves on successfully defending his PhD thesis. His thesis focused on identifying new biomarkers of resistance to the parasite Perkinsus olseni in Ruditapes decussatus (European clam). His work was carried out as part of ongoing efforts to improve the sustainability and health of bivalve aquaculture. His…

Benjamin Costas to deliver keynote lecture at AIEC 2025

Our team leader, Benjamin Costas, will deliver the opening keynote lecture at the XV Congress of the Iberian Association of Comparative Endocrinology (AIEC 2025), taking place in Porto from July 24 to 26, 2025. His presentation will focus on nutritional immunology, aquatic animal health, and welfare, exploring innovative and sustainable…

Strategic networking at Horizon Europe Cluster 6 brokerage event

On May 27, 2025, Benjamin Costas represented our team at the CARE4BIO 2025 Horizon Europe Brokerage Event, held at the National Institute for Culture and Rural Heritage in Warsaw, Poland. The event attracted approximately 300 participants from across Europe and beyond, all aiming to build consortia for the upcoming Horizon…

Climate Smart & Safe Aquaculture Conference 2025

At the recent Climate Smart & Safe Aquaculture Conference 2025, held on May 21–22 in IPMA, in Lisbon, our team presented innovative research contributing to the future of resilient and sustainable aquaculture. Tonka Buha delivered an engaging oral presentation titled “Comparison of skin transcriptomic profiles in the context of transport…

AquaFuture Spain

Representing ourselves and CIIMAR, our team actively participated in AquaFuture Spain, held in Vigo from May 20th to 22nd. Researchers Benjamin Costas and Sergio Boo delivered a presentation highlighting CIIMAR, the Aquatic Animal Health team and our most impactful projects: GRINNAQUA, IGNITION, and Shellfish Boost. A highlight of the event…

Inês Ferreira’s PhD research featured in international aquaculture news

We’re thrilled to share that Inês Ferreira’s PhD work has gained international recognition in the aquaculture industry. Her research on how Tenacibaculum maritimum causes tenacibaculosis in European sea bass was recently featured in misPeces. The study highlights how the bacteria invades fish tissue, the role of mucosal tissues in infection,…

A2S students at the 23rd Fish Immunology & Vaccination Workshop

Updated news Christopher Pimentel and Tonka Buha have been recognized for their outstanding poster presentations at the 23rd Fish Immunology/Vaccination Workshop, hosted by Wageningen University & Research. Christopher’s work earned him the “Most Eye-Catching Poster” award, while Tonka was named “Best Poster by a Newcomer.” Their innovative contributions to the…

We’re looking for a PhD candidate

Call for a PhD candidate *1 Project title: In ovo immune stimulation — A tool to improve fish larvae welfare Supervisors: Dr. Ana Rocha (CIIMAR), Dr. Benjamín Costas (CIIMAR) and a second co-supervisor (from IATS-CSIC or University of Maryland; to be defined based on the selected applicant main interests) Research…

Inês Ferreira Completes PhD on Tenacibaculum maritimum Pathogenesis

Inês Ferreira has successfully completed her PhD titled “Tenacibaculum maritimum Pathogenesis: Crosstalk Between Host and Pathogens and Beyond.” Her research provides new insights into the complex interactions between the bacterial pathogen Tenacibaculum maritimum and its aquatic hosts, shedding light on the mechanisms driving infection and immune response. Inês’s work is…

Benjamin Costas to chair “animal welfare” session at Aquaculture Europe 2025

Updated news From September 22 to 25, Valencia will host Aquaculture Europe 2025 (AE2025) under the theme “Aquaculture for All.” The event aims to highlight the essential role of aquaculture in global food supply through its diversity of species, technologies, and production systems, as well as its commitment to environmental…

Diogo Peixoto PhD thesis receives international media coverage

Updated news Diogo Peixoto has successfully completed his PhD titled “The Modulation Role of Tryptophan on the Neuroendocrine and Immune Crosstalk.“ His groundbreaking research explores the complex interactions between tryptophan metabolism, the nervous system, and immune response, offering new insights with potential industrial applications. Peixoto’s work has already captured the…

Job opportunity: technician position in the IMMUNOSENS project

A competition is now open for a technician contract within the project “IMMUNOSENS – Biomarkers of Health and Performance in Aquacultured Fish: the Application of Antibody-Based Biosensors” (ref. 2022.07659.PTDC). This role focuses on developing innovative tools for monitoring fish health using biosensor technology. The position is based at the CIIMAR…

A2S Team at Animal and Veterinary Sciences Doctoral Programme Workshop

The A2S team made a significant impact at the Animal and Veterinary Sciences Doctoral Programme workshop, hosted by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS) of the University of Porto. Contributing actively to the event’s success, the team delivered eight presentations and showcased one poster, underlining their expertise in…

Special Issue: “Enhancing Aquatic Animal Health through Feed Additives”

We’re excited to announce that Lourenço Ramos Pinto and Marina Machado, researchers at A2S, together with Rita Teodósio from CCMar, will serve as guest editors for a special issue in Animals, MDPI, focusing on “Enhancing Aquatic Animal Health through Feed Additives” This Special Issue will focus on the use of…

AQUA 2024

Updated news Congrats Benjamin Costas and Inês Ferreira Our team celebrated two significant achievements! We are proud to congratulate our team leader, Benjamin Costas, on being elected to the European Aquaculture Society (EAS) Board of Directors. His forward-thinking leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the future of aquaculture. Additionally, we proud…

Summer School on “Genomic and genetic tools for the blue revolution”

Last week, PhD students and researchers from our team attended a 4-day summer school on “Genomic and Genetic Tools for the Blue Revolution” organized by the Roslin Institute in the context of the GRINNAQUA project. The event featured lectures, practical lessons and discussions on cutting-edge genomic and genetic techniques for…

International Symposium on Fish Nutrition and Feeding 2024

Updated news Wrapping up In an outstanding feat, ?Ana Garcia secured the 3rd prize at the symposium with her captivating presentation, despite being the final speaker after a intense three-day event. Her ability to hold the audience’s attention was truly remarkable. Kudos also to ?Tiago Lopes whose remarkable poster won…

We’re at the 7th Genomics in Aquaculture Sympoisum

  A2S proudly participated in the 7th Genomics in Aquaculture (GIA) Symposium held in Thessaloniki, Greece, showcasing significant research contributions from its team members. João Estevão delivered an insightful presentation on his PhD research, focusing on the “Signatures of Selection for Tolerance and Resistance to Perkinsus olseni in Grooved Carpet…

Aquaculture Biosecurity: Managing Risks at Level 2 Workshop

Updated news The Biosecurity Level 2 workshop was a pivotal event for advancing the knowledge of professionals dedicated to safeguarding our environment. Attendees had the opportunity to delve into biosecurity best practices and the protocols implemented at the institutional level, through dynamic learning and discussion sessions. We are immensely grateful…

Wrap up of the Breedflat project

In late April, A2S researcher Lourenço Ramos Pinto returned to Bergen, Norway, for the final meeting of the Breedflat project. An occasion to celebrate the strong bonds formed among all participating research institutes, universities, and companies. The Breedflat project focused on boosting the performance of flatfish breeders by enhancing their…

CIIMAR welcomes a delegation from AQUASOJA

  CIIMAR had the pleasure of hosting AQUASOJA, a key player in aquaculture fish feed production under the Soja de Portugal agri-food group. During their time at CIIMAR, they gained insights into our work on animal health and sustainable aquaculture practices, witnessing our commitment to innovation and partnerships for long-term…

Armenian and Ukranian Professors visit CIIMAR

A group of professors from Armenia and Ukraine visited CIIMAR on the 20th of February, in the context of the Erasmus project AFISHE The AFISHE project intends to establish a network connecting Armenia, Ukraine, and EU partner countries in the realms of aquaculture and fisheries. This network will serve as…

Portuguese Secretary of State for Maritime Affairs visit to CIIMAR

On February 20th, CIIMAR had the honor of hosting a visit from Dr. José Maria Costa, the Portuguese Secretary of State for Maritime Affairs. During the visit, Dr. José Maria Costa explored the CIIMAR laboratories, encompassing its three primary research domains. The tour provided an in-depth insight into the progress…

Special issue on “Genomic and Transcriptomic Studies in Aquaculture”

We are thrilled to share that A2S researcher Márcia Saraiva will be guest editing a special issue in Animals, MDPI, on “Genomic and Transcriptomic Studies in Aquaculture”! This Special Issue aims to publish high-quality multidisciplinary papers related to the latest advances in the fields of genomic and transcriptomic aquaculture. Original…

AQUACOMBINE Project Wraps Up

In November, the AQUACOMBINE consortium celebrated the conclusion of its ground-breaking project during a final conference in Esbjerg. The event was as a platform to share the project’s achievements with a diverse audience, offering attendees a unique chance to explore the biomass processing demonstration at Aalborg University and the combined…

EVENT Marine Bivalves Cultivation: challenges for the health of the species

The cultivation of marine bivalves faces increasing challenges due to climate change, which has a significant impact on the immune and specific systems, resulting in the emergence of diseases that negatively affect production. It was recently discovered that these organisms are affected by a type of cancer unique in nature…

Benjamin Costas invited to present the IGNITION project at the EEA event

On October 17th, Benjamin Costas, coordinator of the IGNITION project, delivered a presentation at the midterm event of the EEA Grants Blue Growth Program. Despite IGNITION being a Horizon Europe project, it was featured in the event to showcase its significant contribution to the advancement of sustainable practices within the…

We’re hiring a BsC technician!

We’re looking for BSc  to support our team in fish rearing trials, samples collection and lab processing; culture and identification of pathogenic bacteria; sample processing; data processing and statistical analysis as well as report writing. The candidate will also assist on results dissemination The work will be carried out at…

Animal Science Doctoral Program Workshop

The PhD Student at A2S participated int he Animal Science Doctoral Program Workshop with 4 oral presentations and 3 posters. Once again the effort and quality of our student transpired with one more prize for best student poster, secured by Inês Carvalho. Shout out to Ana Garcia, Diogo Ferreira, Inês…

Aquaculture Europe 2023

The A2S team presence at Aquaculture Europe Conference 2023 was marked by the presentation of ten thought-provoking posters. The highlight of our success was getting the prize for best student poster, secured by Sara Jorge. In addition to these achievements, we co-organized a sucessful workshop in the context of IGNITION…

CIIMAR Open Day

CIIMAR Open Day offers a glimpse into our research to an enthusiastic public and the A2S couldn’t pass this opportunity to spread the word! Despite inclement weather, visitors flocked to our headquarters, demonstrating a keen interest in the world of science and research. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all…

21st International Conference on Diseases of Fish and Shellfish

Our team made a notable mark at the EAFP (European Association of Fish Pathologists) Conference 2023, presenting nine insightful posters and delivering four engaging oral presentations. The standout achievement included earning recognition with both the first and second prizes for the best student poster, by Inês Carvalho and Ana Garcia,…

We’re going to EAFP and EAS 2023!

The A2S team is going to the 21st International Conference on Diseases of Fish and Shellfish and to Aquaculture Europe 2023. We will be showcasing several works from our team, including a stand for the GRINNAQUA and IGNITION projects, and a workshop co-organized by Cure4Aqua and IGNITION projects. Come meet…

We’re hiring a PhD Researcher!

We’re looking for a PhD researcher. The candidates will be responsible for fish feeding trials, samples collection and lab processing; in vitro trials with both primary cell cultures and cell lines; fish bacterial challenge; data processing and statistical analysis as well as report writing. Discussion of the obtained results, production…