After a year of intensive work, the AQUADigest project, an initiative funded by the EEA Grants Fund for Bilateral Relations, has concluded its activities with results that promise to transform the evaluation of ingredients in aquaculture diets.
Led by S2AQUAcoLAB, Portugal, in partnership with the Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Norway, the project stood out for its knowledge exchange and the groundwork it laid for the standardization of in vitro techniques, often used prior to in vivo trials. This approach reduces the number of animals needed, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future in the aquaculture sector.
Throughout the year, the AQUADigest project facilitated various activities aimed at making significant advancements in research on in vitro digestion methods for aquaculture. The teams from S2AQUAcoLAB and IMR worked closely together, setting the stage for the development of a European network of specialists dedicated to digestibility research in species such as salmon, gilthead seabream, European seabass, and sole.
One of AQUADigest’s milestones was the international workshop held in July 2024, which brought together renowned researchers and experts in the field. This event enabled the sharing of knowledge, analysis of preliminary results, and discussions on the future of in vitro digestion methodologies. It also solidified the project’s role as a catalyst for innovation and scientific cooperation.
In addition to technical activities, AQUADigest also emphasized disseminating results, participating in the Aquaculture Africa 2024 conference. There, the team engaged in networking and discussions with peers, sharing key findings and exploring future partnerships in in vitro digestibility.
AQUADigest demonstrated how in vitro methodologies can accelerate the evaluation of ingredients for aquaculture, reducing costs and time associated with traditional trials. Simultaneously, the project strengthened collaboration between Portugal and Norway.
With its conclusion, S2AQUAcoLAB and IMR leave a legacy that establishes the foundation for further advancements in the sector, continuing to pursue sustainability and innovation.
Additionally, the project reinforced relationships between institutions from different countries, showcasing the transformative potential of scientific cooperation.
About the Bilateral Initiative AQUADigest
AQUADigest is a collaborative initiative between IMR and S2AQUAcoLAB aimed at developing innovative and standardized in vitro digestion methods to evaluate the nutritional value of ingredients and diets in aquaculture. This bilateral initiative focuses on knowledge exchange, collaboration, and dissemination of research findings to drive progress in aquaculture nutrition.
About S2AQUAcoLAB
S2AQUAcoLAB is a collaborative research laboratory specializing in aquaculture. Committed to excellence in research, knowledge transfer, and innovation, S2AQUAcoLAB collaborates with industry partners and research institutions to address critical challenges in aquaculture.
About the Institute of Marine Research (IMR)
The Institute of Marine Research (IMR), based in Bergen, Norway, is a leading research institution dedicated to advancing marine and aquaculture sciences. With a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, IMR plays a key role in shaping the future of marine research.