INNOAQUA is co-organising the SAFE–AWARE–INNOAQUA Summer School 2026, a joint initiative bringing together three European research projects to share research and insights on circular bioeconomy solutions for sustainable aquaculture in Europe.
Developed together with the SAFE and AWARE projects, the Summer School is organised as an online programme with three half-day sessions, designed to engage students, researchers, and industry stakeholders in key discussions around innovation, sustainability, and the transition towards more circular aquaculture systems.
Across the sessions, participants will gain insights into both technical developments and broader system challenges, from resource efficiency and integrated systems to policy and economic aspects.
Programme and agenda
The Summer School is structured around three thematic sessions:
Session 1 – Monday 15 June (14:00–17:15 CEST) – Innovations
Chair: Piotr Eljasik (West Pomeranian University of Technology, SAFE)
- From Waste to Value in Freshwater Aquaculture: Circular Solutions and Cross-Sector Synergies. Remigiusz Panicz & Piotr Eljasik, West Pomeranian University of Technology (SAFE)
- Mealworm in circular bioeconomy. Pablo Ramierez, Tebrio (SAFE)
- Circular water reuse: Insights from AWARE case study. Cristina Pablos Carro, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (AWARE)
- Food safety in the AWARE aquaponic system. Marta López Cabo, Marine Research Institute, Vigo (AWARE)
- Regenerative bioeconomy case study from Chile. Rodrigo Morales Vera, Universidad Catolica del Maule (AWARE)
Full programme and speaker details.
Session 2 – Monday 22 June (14:00–17:15 CEST) – Innovations (2)
- Chair: Dorinde Kleinegris (NORCE Research, INNOAQUA)
- Considerations for using circular ingredients in aquafeeds. Alex Wan, University of Galway (SAFE)
- BSF in aquaponic systems. Elena Mente, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AWARE)
- Sludge valorization towards micro and macro algae. Sandra Balsells, LEiTaT & Dorinde Kleinegris, NORCE Research (INNOAQUA)
- Biofertilizer from aquaculture sludge. Hallstein Baarset, Waister (SAFE)
- SMART-IMTA, seaweed and sole integrated production system with real time monitoring and actuation. Rui Pereira, Centre for Innovation in Macroalgae (INNOAQUA)
Full programme and speaker details: include as hyperlink.
Session 3 – Friday 26 June (09:30–12:45 CEST) – Sustainability & Acceptability
Chair: Richard Newton, University of Stirling (SAFE)
- Sustainability Assessment in Water and Aquaculture Systems: Challenges, Benefits, and Applications. Eoghan Clifford and Bernardete Rodrigues, University of Galway (SAFE)
- Circular aquaculture in the EU: Barriers and opportunities under current policies. Isabell Storsjö, SYKE (SAFE) & Bruna Maia, 3Bio (INNOAQUA)
- Patent landscaping – hands on session with Aquaponics case study. Fabio Ugolini, INNOVA SRL (AWARE)
- Exploring the financial and economic viability of circular bio-economy innovations. John Bostock, University of Stirling (SAFE)
- Building resilience in EU aquaculture value chains through circularity. Wesley Malcorps, University of Stirling (SAFE)
Full programme and speaker details.
Bringing research, innovation and practice together
By bringing together contributions from INNOAQUA, SAFE, and AWARE, the Summer School offers a comprehensive perspective on the role of circularity in aquaculture, from technical innovation to sustainability assessment and policy frameworks.
The initiative creates a space for exchange across disciplines and sectors, supporting collaboration and knowledge sharing within the European aquaculture ecosystem.
Participation is free of charge, and the event is open to students, researchers, industry stakeholders, and policy actors with an interest in sustainable aquaculture and circular bioeconomy.
