S2AQUACOLAB: DRIVING INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY IN AQUACULTURE THROUGH RESEARCH AND INDUSTRY COLLABORATION

The S2AQUAcoLAB (S2AQUA) is a private, non-profit institution, established in 2021, which plays an important interface role between academia, research and the aquaculture industry. Our mission is to drive innovation and research aimed at advancing aquaculture through sustainable and intelligent practices.

S2AQUA brings together 17 member organizations, including 1 state laboratory, 2 higher education institutions, 3 R&D centres, 1 municipality, 1 producer’s association and 10 private companies. Supported by a core team of 31 highly qualified human resources and 49 additional researchers from partner institutions, our expertise covers a broad spectrum of aquaculture-related fields, strengthened by a robust track record of scientific contributions.

Our research priorities include:

• Specialized human resource training for aquaculture students and professionals.
• Optimization of marine organism production for increased efficiency and sustainability.
• Development of analytical tools for assessing health and welfare bioindicators, alongside in vitro systems.
• Environmental monitoring and adaptation strategies to address climate change impacts.
• Technological development and new products for the aquaculture market.

In addition to research, S2AQUA offers services in:

• Zootechnics and aquaculture production.
• Specialized technical training.
• Aquatic organism health, welfare, and biosecurity.
• Species identification (biochemical and molecular).
• Environmental interaction studies.
• Reproduction optimization.
• Nutrition.
• Macroalgae cultivation.
• In vitro cellular systems.
• Modelling and emerging technologies.
• Event planning, scientific outreach.
• Comprehensive management of scientific projects.

With state-of-the-art infrastructure, equipment, and strong partnerships, S2AQUA is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between scientific research and industry applications. We are committed to fostering the growth of the aquaculture sector by promoting food security, facilitating knowledge transfer to industry stakeholders, and supporting product diversification.

Join us at S2AQUAcoLAB - your strategic partner in sustainable aquaculture innovation.

Acknowledgments: Projets ALG-05-3559-FSE-000021 and ALG-05-3559-FSE-000024, cofinanced by Programa Operacional Regional do Algarve (CRESC Algarve 2020), through Portugal 2020 and Fundo Social Europeu (FSE); ALGARVE-FSE+-01196200, cofinanced by Programa Operacional Regional do Algarve (PO Algarve 2030), through Portugal 2030 and Fundo Social Europeu + (FSE+) and Programa Interface (aviso AAC n.º 01/C05-i02/2022).