Ranked the number one agricultural institute in Europe and number two in the world, the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA) carries out mission-oriented research for high-quality and healthy foods, competitive and sustainable agriculture and a preserved and valorised environment. In aquaculture, INRA has internationally-recognized teams in fish physiology, nutrition, genetics and pathology.

The Institute of Marine Research (IMR) is the largest marine institute in Norway and covers marine living resources, marine environment and aquaculture. The main task is to provide advice to Norwegian authorities on aquaculture and the ecosystems of the Barents Sea, the Norwegian Sea, the North Sea and the Norwegian coastal zone.

The aim of research and management advice provided by IMR is to ensure that Norway's marine resources and aquaculture industry are managed and developed within a sustainable frame.

The Institute of Aquaculture is a department of the University of Stirling and its mission is to carry out research and teaching in sustainable aquaculture. It carries out research in most areas of aquaculture related science, including health and welfare, nutrition, reproduction and genetics, and aquaculture development and environmental management.

The Institute of Aquaculture will provide access to any of its laboratory and experimental fish holding and disease challenge facilities. The Institute is capable of supporting research in most fields of aquaculture related experimental science. Our on-campus and remote facilities are closely integrated increasing the potential for interdisciplinary research to support the development of sustainable aquaculture. The Institute’s strength lies in offering the combination of internationally recognised staff, across many disciplines, working in first class laboratory facilities with access to fish-keeping and challenge facilities as a single infrastructure. The Institute also has major training and teaching role and can rapidly disseminate its research finding through its undergraduate degree and postgraduate MSc and PhD programmes.

The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) is the largest public institution dedicated to research in Spain and the third largest in Europe. It covers all fields of knowledge, broaching from basic to applied research. CSIC participates in AQUAEXCEL2020 through the Instituto de Acuicultura Torre de la Sal (IATS), focused on basic and applied aspects of mariculture research, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM) with a wider focus from oceanography to food technology through aquaculture, and Instituto de Microelectrónica de Barcelona (IMB-CNM), the largest public microelectronics R&D centre in Spain, focused on micro- and nano-electronics, including the design and integration of subsystems and complete smart systems along with microsensors.

The involved CSIC teams hold expertise to carry out scientific research in:

• CSIC-IATS: Pathology, endocrinology, physiology, reproduction, nutrition, nutrigenomics.
• CSIC-IIM: Pathology, immune response, genomics, massive RNA/DNA sequencing.
• CSIC-IMB-CNM: Microelectronics, packaging, sensors, sensor networks, RFID, energy harvesting.

HCMR is the main research and advisory body for marine environment, fisheries and aquaculture in Greece. The HCMR will participate in the AQUAEXCEL²⁰²⁰ project with the Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC). IMBBC aims to carry out basic and applied research on 1) aquaculture technology, reproduction, rearing, nutrition, welfare, pathology and fish quality 2) diversity of marine and freshwater life, phylogeography and genomics of marine species, development of genomic approaches in fish aquaculture, bioinformatics and interactions of organisms with their environment. IMBBC has a long-standing experience in converting accumulated

knowledge to aquaculture technologies applicable to the private sector, development of genetic tools for parentage assignment, production of genetic maps and QTL analyses of aquaculture species.

NAIK is a chain of agricultural institutes, belonging to Ministry of Agriculture established in 2014. NAIK HAKI is a member of this chain and its main objective is to develop and promote research in fisheries and aquaculture. The Research Institute for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Irrigation (HAKI), based in Szarvas (Hungary), is an internationally acknowledged research and training centre. Its research activity in the aquaculture related units includes research in breeding & genetics of fish, aquatic chemistry and hydrobiology, fish nutrition, fish immunology, aquaculture technologies, fish meat quality analyses and quality assurance, economics and marketing of aquaculture and fisheries products. HAKI has strong expertise in genetic of carp and on the effect of feeds and feed additives including oils on fish growth, metabolism, welfare, health and resistance to diseases. Genetic, nutrition and fish physiology and aquaculture technology groups are involved In AQUAEXCEL²⁰²⁰.

The institute is a leading aquaculture R&D centre in Hungary and Central and Eastern Europe. The demand-led approach, the complexity and flexibility are enabling HAKI to assist aquaculture, fisheries and irrigation development programmes efficiently both in Hungary and abroad, through adaptive research, technology development, training, demonstration and extension. The wide range of activities of HAKI are supported by a unique complex of facilities.

The French Research Institute for Exploration of the Sea (Ifremer) is the largest French institution involved in marine research (1500 people) through research centers and stations in mainland France and overseas. Through its research work and expert advice, Ifremer contributes to knowledge of the oceans and their resources, to monitoring of marine and coastal environments and to the sustainable development of marine activities.

Its research activities focus on: Monitoring, use and enhancement of coastal seas; Monitoring and optimization of aquaculture production; Fishery resources; Exploration and exploitation of the oceans; Circulation and marine ecosystems, mechanisms, trends and forecasting; Engineering of major facilities for oceanography; Knowledge transfer and innovation. Ifremer is ranked 6th in world marine science research institutions for the impact of its publications. The group involved in AQUAEXCEL²⁰²⁰, located in Palavas-les-Flots, holds expertise to carry out scientific research in fish domestication and selective breeding, health and welfare, and conception of innovative production systems such as recirculated systems and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA). It works mostly with European sea bass as a model species.

NOFIMA is a business oriented research institute working in R&D for the aquaculture, fisheries and food industry. NOFIMA shall, in cooperation with business actors and their professional organisations, provide research and solutions which will give a competitive edge throughout the value chain. NOFIMA contains three divisions; 1) Aquaculture, 2) Fisheries, industry and market, and 3) Food science. NOFIMA has managed and participated in several EU projects, such as FineFish and FP7-AQUAEXCEL.

The University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice is a public institution which provides higher education and also focuses on scientific research. One of the university faculties is the Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters (FFPW), established in Sept 2009. The basic workplaces of the FFPW are the Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology in Vodňany (RIFCH), the Institute of Aquaculture (IA) in Česke Budejovice, the Institute of Complex Systems (ICS) in Nove Hrady and the International Environmental Educational, Advisory and Information Centre of Protection Vodnany (IEEAIC).

The RIFCH is focused on scientific and especially applied research, education and activities in the fields of fisheries and protection of waters. The RIFCH utilizes a small fishpond farm, river fishing preserve, specialized laboratories, aquarium rooms, two experimental facilities for research into reproduction, genetics and the breeding of fish, and the intensive breeding of fish and crayfish, including recirculation systems with water filtration.

The IA provides research, educational and consulting services focusing on pond aquaculture, nutrition and feeding of fish in ponds and intensive culture of fish. The ICS deals with the study of complex systems in natural and social sciences, with technical and other applications of research results. The IEEAIC is administrative body of the faculty.

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has a national responsibility for graduate engineering education. Ocean science and technology is one of the four strategic research areas of the university. With its broad range of expertise combining natural science, marine engineering, humanities and social science in a holistic approach, NTNU encourages the creation of technological solutions for future marine based industries.

The involved teams at NTNU hold expertise to carry out scientific research related to both exposed seacage aquaculture and land-based production of seafood in recirculation systems:

• early life-stage fish biology and histology
• interactions between sea-based aquaculture and the marine environment
• aquaculture cybernetics: automation and control systems
• marine constructions: design of floating structures, logistics, safety

SINTEF Ocean AS has broad expertise and knowledge in utilizing renewable marine resources. The institute will contribute to find solutions to challenges along the entire marine value chain - from biological basis for marine production through aquaculture and harvesting to processing and distribution. SINTEF Ocean AS is part of the SINTEF group, a broadly based, multidisciplinary research organization that possesses international top-level expertise in technology, medicine and the social sciences.

The involved teams hold expertise to carry out scientific research in:

• Aquaculture technology and operations
• Numerical modelling of aquaculture systems
• Systems architecture

The University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) is a recognised University created in the 1989-1990 academic year and located in the Canary Islands (Spain). Its range of research activities is reflected in its scientific structure, including departments, centers and institutes (IUSA, IUMA, IUSIANI, IDeTIC, IUCTC, TIDES, IOCAG, IATEXT, IUIBS).

IUSA has a wide background in aquaculture by its Aquaculture Research Group (GIA). IUMA has a division specialized in Microelectronic and Microsystems. IUSIANI has a division in Robotics and Computational Oceanography. IDeTIC has a division in Digital Signal Processing.

Wageningen University (WU) is one of the leading international universities in the field of healthy food and living environment. WU consists of one faculty which covers Animal, Plant, Environmental, Agro technology and Food and Social Sciences. Within Animal Sciences the Aquaculture and Fisheries group (WU-AFI) and the Cell Biology and Immunology group (WU-CBI) hold expertise in: (1) growth (& growth modelling), nutrient and energy metabolism using metabolic chambers; (2) health, welfare and wellbeing of fish using carp inbred lines (from one line the complete genome is sequenced),(3) water quality management in RAS using replicated RAS systems and (4) offering MSc courses in Aquaculture, Fish Health and Immunology and intensive courses in Recirculation technology and Fish Immunology and Vaccination.

The involved WU teams hold expertise in:

• Fish Nutrition and Behaviour (Dr. Johan Schrama, WU-AFI).
• Fish Health and Immunology (Dr. Geert Wiegertjes, WU-CBI).
• Fish Production Systems (RAS) (Ing. Ep Eding, WU-AFI).

The Laboratory of Aquaculture & Artemia Reference Center (ARC) has been involved in larviculture research since the late 70's. Since the mid 80's research activities extended to fish & shellfish larviculture-related fields among others lipid and vitamin requirements, microbial management in larviculture systems, microorganism (bacteria, yeast, micro-algae)-fish larvae interactions, egg and larvae quality, use of enriched Brachionus and Artemia, effects of immunostimulants and other compounds on disease and stress resistance. In order to study host-microbial interactions, the lab has set up small 3 bacteria-free feed chains: microalgae or yeast strains-Artemia, Artemia-sea bass and Artemia-tilapia that can be used as model systems for many aquaculture organisms. Recently, the full genome of Artemia was sequenced and annotated. The combination of this new information with the gnotobiotic Artemia system provided the onset of research on effects of microorganisms on gene expression and physiological pathways involved in immune responses.

DLO-IMARES (Institute for Marine Resources and Ecosystem Studies; about 200 FTE) is The Netherlands research institute established to provide the scientific support that is essential for developing policies and innovation in respect of the marine environment, fishery activities, aquaculture and the maritime sector. Within the aquaculture department, DLO IMARES has researchers specialised in the design and performance of systems and water quality, as well as significant experience in the field of fish performance (e.g. fitness, reproduction, physiology, welfare) in RAS. This combination of expertise in the performance of the fish and the systems is pivotal for the introduction of new species in modern aquacultural set-ups.

AquaTT is an SME specialising in dissemination, knowledge management and transfer, communication, training and outreach activities. Founded in 1992 under the EU COMETT Programme as a University Enterprise Training Partnership (UETP) to help bridge the gap between science and industry, AquaTT has almost 30 years of experience working in scientific fields related to Marine, Food, Energy, Health and Environment, which are key sectors for Europe’s sustainability.

AquaTT was the coordinator of support action MarineTT, a flagship FP7 project that established successful knowledge management and transfer methodologies which are currently being implemented in several other FP7 and national projects. In parallel to its work supporting research, AquaTT has a long track record in the field of education and training, informing strategies, and creating networks to exchange best practice. AquaTT works alongside Europe’s top researchers to help tackle major societal challenges by ensuring the new knowledge generated from EU research is effectively transferred, resulting in uptake and measurable impact.

Inra Transfert is a fully-owned INRA’s subsidiary founded to exploit INRA’s research results and innovative technologies, and develop them into concrete business opportunities. IT is a technology transfer company specialised in innovative technologies arising from agriculture-related research. The IT European Projects Department is aimed at strengthening INRA’s contribution to the implementation of the European Research Area with the mission to help INRA researchers and partners to setup projects in response to EC calls and manage them when selected by the EC.

Staff of IT Europe department holds a strong expertise in:

• Helping researchers in the conception, construction and writing of relevant proposals especially regarding the health, agriculture, and environment topics.
• Managing FP6 and FP7 collaborative projects of all sizes and type of instrument (i) Large CP as DROPS, NovelTree (forest sector driven genetic improvement of trees) and Triticeae Genome (Triticeae genomics for improved selection), (ii) Infractrustures: NADIR, iii) Integrated projects as Co- Extra (co-existence and traceability of GMOs) and BaSysBio (Bacillus subtilis systems biology) and (iv) Networks of excellence as Evoltree (evolution of trees as biodiversity drivers) and Endure (durable exploitation of crop protection strategies)
• Additionally, in view of dissemination of the project results, IT puts at the disposal of the project the unique expertise held by its Technology Transfer department in:
• Managing technology portfolios through analysing inventions and their environment, searching for industrial partners, negotiating terms and conditions of technology transfer.
• Supporting development of innovative start-up companies by:
  • Defining a business project around the know-how or patented technology to be transferred
  • Determining IP related results to guarantee conditions for product commercialisation
  • Organising the technology transfer to the innovation company.

URAFPA-DAC from the University of Lorraine (UL) is a research team working on basic and applied research dedicated to the development of inland aquaculture with focus on the reproduction of new species. A variety of approaches are employed at the zootechnical, physiological and molecular levels. The recent projects include the effects of photothermal treatments on fish oogenesis including interspecies comparisons, the research of new molecular markers of oocyte quality in Eurasian perch, the influence of domestication on perch and pikeperch gametogenesis, the effects of contaminants on the reproductive physiology. These works involve a number of freshwater species with particular attention to the percid fishes. A new platform in aquaculture has been created, equipped with many RAS allowing the rearing of freshwater fish at all developmental stages and a fine photothermal control of the reproductive cycle.

DTU Veterinary encompasses all infectious animal diseases in farm livestock and companion animals, and covers all related disciplines: pathology, bacteriology, virology, parasitology, immunology, vaccinology, serology, epidemiology and risk assessment. While fulfilling an educational and communication role, DTU Vet is involved in research, innovation, diagnostics, monitoring, advisory services and risk assessment, and the production of vaccines and sera. DTU Vet carries out basic and applied research aiming to control and prevent infectious diseases, including fish virus diseases such as viral haemorrhagic septicaemia, infectious hematopoietic necrosis and infectious salmon anemia. DTU Vet is responsible for the laboratory component of the Danish veterinary contingency plan on the management animal diseases outbreaks (including fish). DTU Vet is the National- and the EU reference laboratory for fish diseases and the OIE reference laboratory for VHS. DTU Vet have approximately 180 staff in two departments: Virology (Lindholm), and Veterinary Diagnostics and Research (Copenhagen).

CCMAR is an independent multidisciplinary, non-profit research organization, with the mission of promote research and education on processes in the marine environment, with emphasis on biological interactions and the sustainable use of resources. It has competence in a range of areas of marine biology, biotechnology, fisheries and aquaculture. CCMAR is one of the foremost marine science research centres in Portugal, it is part national roadmap for research infrastructures and a member of various European scientific research consortia, including the marine stations network ASSEMBLE (www.assemblemarine.org), founder and Portuguese node of the ESFRI European Centre of Marine Biological Resources (www.EMBRC.eu) and of Euromarine plus (www.euromarineplus.eu).

In AQUAEXCEL²⁰²⁰ the Aquaculture, Comparative Endocrinology and Integrative Biology, and Organic Electronics groups are involved. The participating teams hold expertise to carry out scientific research in: Fish reproductive technology and nutrition, (ii) Fish reproductive physiology, osmoregulation, and genomics (iii) Electronic devices.

The IEO is a public research organization, devoted to research into marine sciences, especially in terms of the scientific knowledge of oceans, sustainability of fisheries resources, aquaculture and marine environment. It gives scientific advice in Fisheries and Aquaculture policies and represents Spain in most science and technology international boards related with the sea and its resources. The aquaculture area carries out basic and applied research concerning the rearing process of marine fish and molluscs, their welfare, aquaculture technology as well as the improvement of fish. It has state of the art facilities for both experimental and pilot scale studies, including hatcheries, pre-growing and on-growing land facilities.

The involved IEO teams (Vigo and Murcia) hold expertise to carry out scientific research in: Rearing protocols for new and consolidated species for aquaculture such as Atlantic bluefin tuna, wreckfish, European hake, greater amberjack, sparids, flatfish and cephalopods, reproductive performance and physiology, nutritional requirements of cultured marine species, health and welfare, immune system and vaccine development and genetic analysis for selective breeding of aquaculture stocks.

EATIP (www.eatip.eu) is an officially-recognised, multi-stakeholder European Technology Platform in the area of the Bio-based Economy, comprising more than 60 organisations that are involved professionally in the European aquaculture value chain (commercial companies, RTD institutes- universities, professional representative structures and environmental organisations. Incorporated as a non-profit organization, EATiP has a Board of Directors, each very experienced within their specialisations, and 8 Thematic Areas, covering the core interests of aquaculture. Each Thematic Area has an experienced Chairperson, from industry, and Facilitator(s) from the RTD sector, with multi-stakeholder membership drawn from the European aquaculture sector.

The objectives of EATIP are:

• Establish a strong relationship between aquaculture and the consumer, including issues relating to human health, product quality, traceability...
• Assure a sustainable aquaculture industry, covering social, environmental and economic issues
• Consolidate the role of aquaculture in society, developing knowledge management, skill development, communications, networking.

These aspects were integrated within EATiP’s Vision for the future of European aquaculture and an overarching Strategic Research & Innovation Agenda and Action Plan (see www.eatip.eu for details), which is widely referenced for its scope and integration with European policy objectives.