The S2AQUAcoLAB is a private non-profit institution, founded in 2021, whose mission is to elevate aquaculture to a new level by playing an interface role between academia, research and industry. The coLAB performs research in production optimization, identification of health and welfare markers, climate change adaptations and development of new products for market diversification. Its members include 1 state laboratory (IPMA), 2 higher education institutions (UAlg and IPL), 1 R&D centre (CCMAR), 1 municipality (CMO), 1 producer’s association (Formosa) and 9 private companies (ACUINOVA, P. Vale da Lama, SPAROS, NECTON, Atlantik Fish, P. Espargueira, Oceano Fresco, Riasearch, Docapesca). The S2AQUAcoLAB has 49 associated researchers with proven experience and countless scientific publications in the area and hired, until now, 15 highly qualified human resources which are involved in three ongoing research projects (REALM - HorizonEU; Blue Route – EEA Grants; Fosteam@south - PRR2021), international networks (Aquaexcel 3.0; Scar Fish; European Food Safety Authority) and applications in European (EEA Grants; Horizon Europe) and national projects (9 PRR projects). The S2AQUAcoLAB and its network of partners have the infrastructure, equipment and means to pursue scientific research of excellence whilst is exceptionally well-positioned to establish the link between scientific outputs and stakeholders.
The main goal of the S2AQUAcoLAB is to carry out R&D activities with a view to innovation for sustainable and intelligent aquaculture It aims to play an active role in the transfer of knowledge and technology, provide services that increase food safety, and diversify aquaculture products.
Acknowledgments: Project ALG-05-3559-FSE-000021.