Chemical Engineer with over 20 years of experience in comprehensive management of R&D; has supported and led hundreds of projects by researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs throughout Europe. Developing her degree in Pedagogy through research in Educational Gamification. Founder of Espacio IDEA and RTDI, since 2008 she has trained professionals and students from secondary education to doctoral level through various institutions in different countries.

I was born and grew up in Remscheid, Germany. I studied Chemistry at the Universität zu Köln in Germany and obtained my Dr. rer-nat. degree in Chemistry from the Universität zu Köln in Germany. When I was a student in Köln, I visited UMIST (United Kingdom) and the University of Amsterdam for further training in chemical engineering and physics.

After my graduation, I worked as a postdoctoral scientist at Johns Hopkins and Stanford Universities (Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department and EMSI/SSRL) in the United States of America.

I worked for a national government laboratory (NIST) as a guest scientist and contractor and linked my work to academia at the same time. I became a research assistant professor and then an assistant professor at George Mason University and at The University of Texas at San Antonio in the United States of America. In 2017, I took a faculty position at the Turkish-German University in Istanbul, Turkey for establishing the Molecular Biotechnology Department. I became an associate professor and the department chair of Molecular Biotechnology. I have about 55 scientific publications and patents, and I have worked on various national level projects in the United States of America, Germany and Turkey. I have designed and taught 15 different courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. I am on the editorial board of several Journals.

Working Group 1

Biomolecular solutions for water prophylaxis and biosafety

Working Group 2

Biomolecular solutions as alternative methods and tools for fish-farm production

Working Group 3

Fish welfare, horizontal Working Group

Working Group 4

Sustainability insights, for leveraging R&I

Working Group 4

Informed creativity, complementary working Group

My major contributions to research are in the fields of recombinant protein production and nanobody technology. Nanobodies are reliable immunoreagents widely used in diagnostics and our group developed biosensors for cyanobacteria and toxic algae. I expect to contribute to BioAqua by survaying the knowledge relative to diagnostic tools for the identification of pathogenic species relevant for aquaculture and by promoting awareness for such topic in the research community as well as among economic entities, policy makers and large public

My major expertises are viral fish pathogens and preventive measures for infectious diseases in aquaculture. Currently my research topic is a comparative analysis of techniques and tools for fish diseases diagnostics. Fast, accurate, affordable and in-time diagnostics significantly reduce risks of disease spread. My expectation in BioAqua efforts is improving the knowledge relative to diagnostic tools and building capacity in monitoring and controlling of fish pathogens to make aquaculture more sustainable.

My recent research includes the exploitation of the biotechnological potential of novel actinobacteria isolated from Antarctica, which also focuses on the probiotic potentials of these actinobacteria in aquaculture.

My research interests focus on discovering and identifying novel actinobacteria from underexplored and extreme habitats. Actinobacteria are well-known for their metabolic capacities to produce various bioactive metabolites, including antibiotics, anticancer and immunomodulatory agents and pesticides. During my microbial systematic studies, I employ polyphasic approaches involving genomic methods.

I expect to contribute to BioAqua by identifying potential probiotics to be used in aquaculture to reduce excessive antibiotic use and raise awareness for the usefulness of genomics in identifying fish pathogens and evaluating water quality, which the research community and fish farmers will benefit.

I am a Veterinarian with a strong commitment to the aquaculture field development. My expertise ranges from laboratory research, to husbandry of various fish species, and to International cooperation. My main research fields are safety of fishery products and development of alternatives to antimicrobials in fish farming. I expect to contribute to the COST providing my cross-disciplinary perspective and my One Health approach in the field of aquaculture.

As a fish pathologist specializing in bacterial and viral diseases, my primary focus revolves around researching and understanding virulence of these pathogens. Throughout my career, I've collaborated on European Horizon and Interreg projects, investigating the sustainability of the Mediterranean fish-farming sector. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the COST BioAqua project. Leveraging my expertise in molecular biology and microbiology, I aim to facilitate the discovery of innovative biomolecular solutions. My ultimate goal is to drive positive change and foster advancements that will elevate fish farm production to new heights.

I am a molecular biologist specializing in genomics, transcriptomics and noncoding RNAs. In the past, I have developed genetic sex markers for sturgeon aquaculture. I expect to contribute to BioAqua by characterizing metagenomics from aquaculture species and environments. Specifically, I hope to make metagenomics more accessible to fish farms, small labs and other stakeholders by utilizing the benefits of Oxford Nanopore sequencing technology.

These topics include microbial and chemical risks (heavy metals and metalloids, micro and nano plastics, bisphenol A, PFAS, and mycotoxins). Learning sustainable aquaculture is essential for balancing industry needs with environmental health. My motivation stems from securing food supplies and preserving ecosystems. Risk assessment and disease control are crucial, safeguarding against stock depletion and environmental degradation. Embracing these practices ensures long-term viability and contributes to global sustainability endeavours.

Graduate of the Veterinary School specializing in Ichthyopathology after obtaining an MSc and a PhD on Fish Diseases. My research activities are related to aquatic animal diseases, health and welfare. My research includes the use of the sciences of veterinary epidemiology, physiology and immunology for the diagnosis of various diseases and the prevention and treatment with alternative methods as well as developing vaccine formulations. I am also involved in public health issues (aquatic animal-human diseases, foodborne diseases). I expect to contribute to BioAqua with my long experience in diagnosing diseases of various pathogens of the Mediterranean aquaculture sector and with my research activities engaging with the prevention of diseases.

I am a trained veterinary epidemiologist with professional expertise in quantitative epidemiology of infectious diseases. My research is focused on use of epidemiological approach for developing cost-effective risk-based surveillance, disease monitoring, control and preventive strategies primarily in diseases of aquatic animals.

I am eager to be part of this research community that not only prioritizes the health and welfare of aquatic animals but also strives to minimize the environmental impact of aquaculture production systems using advanced technology to improve biosecurity.

My major contributions to research are in the fields of microbiology and droplet microfluidics. Droplet technology enables high-throughput experimentation, which our group utilizes for single cell incubation of different organisms in water-oil microdroplets and study their individual responses to antibiotics and other pollutants. I expect to contribute to BioAqua by enabling scientist to do more high throughput studies on aquatic pathogens and aid in possible biosensor developments via microfluidic technology.

I am a professor of veterinary parasitology and freshwater fish diseases at the Faculty of veterinary medicine in Skopje with research focused on animal parasites and ichthyopathology. I have experience in using operational welfare indicators in fish welfare assessment of freshwater fish farms and will contribute to the activities of Fish Welfare Working Group.

My expertise lies in the fields of fish biology and pathology, with significant contributions to research in these areas. I actively participate in a national program dedicated to surveying fish diseases within our country. In my role at BioAqua, I intend to leverage my expertise by conducting comprehensive surveys on risk assessment and fish welfare pertinent to aquaculture. Moreover, I am passionate about raising awareness of these critical topics within the research community, policymakers, and the general public.

Andrea Marsella is a veterinarian who is currently employed as researcher at the Fish Virology Laboratory hosted at the Italian National Reference Centre for Fish, Molluscs and Crustacean Pathology. He graduated in Veterinary Medicine in 2015 at the University of Perugia and earned the specialization in “Breeding, hygiene, pathology of aquatic species and control of derived products” at the Padua University in 2020.

His area of interests comprehend mainly the diagnosis and control of viral diseases of finfish, with a particular interest for the development of safe and efficacious vaccines against viruses affecting farmed species. In addition, he is involved in a working group devoted to support the Italian Ministry of Health into the implementation of the Animal Health Law at national level.

Anna Toffan is a veterinarian who is currently managing the Fish Virology Laboratory hosted at the Italian National Reference Centre for Fish, Molluscs and Crustacean Pathology. She graduated in Veterinary Medicine in 2002 and attended the Doctoral school in Public Health and Comparative Pathology. She earned the specialization in “Breeding, hygiene, pathology of aquatic species and control of derived products.” In 2016 she was appointed WOAH expert for the WOAH Reference Laboratory for Viral Encephalopathy and Retinopathy located at the IZSVe. In 2020 she obtained the de facto diploma at the ECAAH.

Her research interests are mainly focused on the diagnosis and control of viral diseases of finfish with particular interest in salmonids (VHS, IHN, IPN), sturgeons (AcIV-E; AcHV) and marine fish (VER/VNN). She is particularly interested on research into the pathogenesis of viral diseases and the development of safe and efficacious vaccines in the above-mentioned species. She is involved in numerous national and international research projects and published more than 80 scientific papers including some book chapters. She participates as trainer or keynote speaker and she collaborate with several research centres across Italy and Europe.

Dr. Anna Trubetskaya graduated with a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the Technical University of Denmark in 2016, an M.Sc. in Bio-Engineering at the University of Kassel, Germany (2011), and Biotechnology & Process Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences Flensburg, Germany (2009). Currently, I am undertaking MBA at the Warwick Business School specializing in climate entrepreneurship and sustainable management. She is an author > 50 scientific articles with the h-index = 25 (google scholar).

She worked in the bio- and material sciences, energy sector, and chemical engineering in the US, Ireland, Sweden, Germany, Finland, Denmark, and currently in Norway. I am open to both fundamental research and commercialization. In the BioAqua COST Action, Anna plans to work with the development of new frameworks for the sustainability assessment in the biosciences and aquaculture sector. She is also interested in the development of alternative feeds from marine bioproducts and waste.

My primary research is on microalgae biotechnology and production of recombinant therapeutics and enzymes from microalgae platform. I hope to contribute to Bioaqua by raising awareness of microalgae-based functional feed solutions that improve fish health and minimize antibiotic use in a sustainable manner.

I am ichthyologist, hydroecologist, zoologist. My aim is the protection and conservation of aquatic biodiversity. My major contribution has been to ensure the continuous provision of the ecosystem services of Lake Sevan (Armenia), which was subject to severe anthropogenic stresses resulting in the depletion of fish resources, loss of biodiversity and deterioration of water quality. My recent book “Fishes of Lake Sevan” provides an overview on the state of the fish populations in Lake Sevan and factors that affected them. I will contribute to BioAqua by bringing fish welfare dimension into the environmental context.

Prof. dr. Habil. Carmen Georgeta Nicolae is the Head of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Dept., University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Romania. She is the member of the Academy of Agricultural and Forest Gheorghe Ionescu-Șișești, Romania, and in the Professional Associations. Her activity as a researcher: coordinator and member in national and international projects, research papers, and academic editor and reviewer for international data base journals. Her research topics are: Fish culture, Aquaculture, Fish processing, Biosecurity on the aquaculture chain, Risk assessment for food, and Biodiversity and environmental preservation management. The current interest focuses developing novel strategies and technologies for aquatic organisms rearing managements, for improving the aquaculture sector in Romania.

She is a PhD candidate, in Biotechnology domain, working as Assistant professor at the Dept. of Formative Sciences in Animal Breeding and Food Industry Department, of the Faculty of Animal Productions Engineering and Management, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Romania. Her research interest is focused on biotechnology solutions for improving animal nutrition and final product quality, by using conventional and non-conventional bioproducts, including food waste valorization, and food safety domain. She published 20 indexed research papers and participated as member in 12 research projects.

Dr. Morick is heading the Marine pathology lab at The Morris Kahn Marine Research Station (MKMRS). Dr. Morick is a veterinarian and researcher with 18 years of experience in marine animals’ medicine. At the MKMRS he is conducting essential, novel studies concerning pathogen emergence and disease transmission between aquatic animals in the easternmost Mediterranean Sea including the transmission routs from mariculture fish to wild marine fish. With the use of cutting-edge technologies, this research is expected to generate original knowledge about marine biology, marine ecology, and public health issues.

Dimitrios Karagiannis is Veterinarian and Assistant Professor of Aquaculture and Ichthyopathology at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. He has advanced studies in Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health and his research interests include multidisciplinary diagnosis of fish and molluscs diseases and estimation of the effects of climate change on aquatic animals. He has participated in many research projects at national and international level and in BIOAQUA he aims to contribute to the development of innovative solutions for fish disease management.

Expertise & Motivation: my major research contributions include fish reproduction, behaviour and chemical communication in important aquaculture species. I expect to contribute to BioAqua by sharing knowledge about fish behaviour, stress response and molecular biomarkers in the important stages of conducting sustainable aquaculture.

My research focuses on risk assessment and predictive modelling, with a particular focus on implications for human health and environmental contamination. My research encompasses exposure and risk/benefit assessment from chemicals and microbials/protozoa in different media. I expect to contribute to BioAqua by elaborating risk assessment approaches and methodologies to various hazardous and beneficial compounds/agents specific to aquatic ecosystems, a area which is currently lacking. I look forward to collaborating with other experts in the field and building professional networks to build this research area.

I finished my PhD experiments related to antimicrobial peptides at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (Norway). The main purpose of the Pharmabiotic Technologies Research Laboratory, of which I am the principal investigator, is to develop new solutions and technologies that can support the sustainability of the aquaculture industry. Our research team is working on fish-originated probiotics as natural feed additives, novel microbiota-based biomarkers for fish diseases, and cell-based seafood products that offer a unique opportunity to transform the landscape of sustainability. This action will create an important platform for sharing our experiences in current fields and technology. We also believe that our existing collaborations can contribute to the creation of new international and dynamic platforms.

My main contributions to research are in the fields of recovery of renewable resources into single cells proteins with probiotic features as fish-feed supplement. The products can be realized by utilising photo- and chemo-heterotrophic microorganisms, via both mixed and pure culture systems. The major contribution to BioAqua will be the evaluation of the nutritional value of the single cell proteins, also in terms of probiotic content, when such material is recovered from organic waste feedstock and under different cultivation conditions. Energy requirement and economy aspects will be also taken into account to estimate the whole cost of the technology, from carbon source supplying, bioreactors operation and downstream processing.

Dr. Saticioglu is an associate professor in the Aquatic Animal Diseases Department at Bursa Uludağ University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Turkey. Dr. Saticioglu is an accomplished microbial genomics researcher with significant publications. His work has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of diseases in aquatic and terrestrial animals, particularly in addressing antimicrobial resistance.

He is an expert in developing cutting-edge next-generation methods for disease diagnosis and animal disease control, integrating genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics for quicker and more accurate disease identification. Dr. Saticioglu is also actively involved in conducting microbial whole-genome analysis and microbiome studies using next-generation sequencing methodologies, leading to the discovery of novel microbial species and a deeper understanding of microbial interactions. His research has significant implications for public health, potentially leading to new treatments for microbial infections and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Dr. Saticioglu is motivated by a desire to improve global health, advance scientific understanding, and develop practical applications of his research.

I am currently an MSCA postdoctoral fellow at NOVA University Lisbon, specializing in the intersection of public health and environmental biotechnology. My research primarily focuses on the detection and quantification of pathogens in various environmental settings, as well as the exploration of novel technologies for the effective inactivation of pathogens and pollutants in water bodies. I have interest in biotechnological approaches aimed at ensuring public health safety.

My goal is to improve technologies favourable to a circular economy within the water sector, thereby contributing to sustainable solutions for environmental challenges. My motivation to be part of BioAqua COST Action is to contribute to the developed of these technologies, to learn about new technologies and approaches and ultimately to network with other researchers and policy makers.

I live in Elazig city of the Republic of Türkiye. I work as a Lecturer at the Fisheries Faculty of Firat University in this city. I also carry out administrative duties as the dean of this faculty. My scientific expertise is in aquaculture, fish nutrition, and fish feed technologies. I also have many articles on fish health and welfare. Some of my scientific studies are listed below. I am 56 years old, married, and have 2 boys

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with a PhD in viral diseases of wild and cultured freshwater salmonids. I specialize in diagnostics and characterisation of fish pathogens, due to Czech history and geography I work predominantly with the common carp, rainbow and brown trout and predatory fish. My current or past research includes immunology, evaluation and development of vaccines, feed additives and dosage forms, all in the search of increased economic efficiency, sustainability and welfare for freshwater aquaculture. I see my role in the BioAqua initiative in developing and testing state-of the art diagnostic assays for the infectious diseases, including novel pathogens emerging due to climate change. Furthermore in distributing the knowledge among the project members, local veterinary authorities and fish farmers in the region.

My major contributions to research are in the fields of protein engineering, characterization of intrinsically disordered proteins and nanomechanics. In the context of the PathoGelTrap project (FET Open) we have recently developed specific protein binders (low nanomolar range) for aquaculture pathogens (Betanodavirus and Yersinia ruckeri). We hope to contribute to BioAqua by further developing these tools in their applications to biosensing, diagnosis and water sanitation.

I am interested in developing innovative methods for a sustainable aquaculture. By participating in this initiative, I want to be part of a cutting-edge and vibrant network that links researchers within the aquaculture sector.
I have several years of experience with the development of extraction and separation techniques (i.e. FPLC, HPLC and GC). In addition, I acquired skills on the application of analytical methods based on atomic spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine metals and metal species in animal feed and seafood. Moreover, I have been involved in nutrient availability studies (in vivo and in vitro) in Atlantic salmon and toxicity exposure experiments in model organisms (e.g. fish eggs and microalgae).

I am a theoretical biophysicist experienced in molecular dynamics simulations of various biological systems, spanning from single proteins to whole virus capsids and macromolecular machines like ribosomes, as well as large aggregates of proteins. In my research, I am primarily interested in investigating the effects of solvent and environmental conditions on the dynamics of biological systems. I anticipate contributing to BioAqua by offering theoretical tools and approaches to analyze systems within the scope of the Action, as well as providing solutions for big data analysis.

My major contributions to research are in the fields of environmental sustainability and social acceptance of the aquaculture disease management solutions. Sustainability can validate and support the widely dissemination of the solutions and can speed up the scaling up. I expect to contribute to BioAqua by highlighting the sustainability aspects related to environmental, economic and social impact of the pathogen control solutions in aquaculture.

My research contributions are generally in the fields of aquaculture technology incl. health control of aquatic organisms based on fish welfare parameters and biosecurity measures. I could organize a visit to fish farms in member countries of BIOAQUA action, which would enable taking the necessary samples accompanied by appropriate surveys. Therefore, we would collect enough information about the different treatments in aquaculture (incl. the correct use of antibiotics) and the application of biosecurity measures. The results will make a basis for finding innovative and technologically acceptable biomolecular solutions.

My major contributions to research are bacterial and fungal infections isolation and identification, in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) culture, in vivo and in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity of medicinal plants against fish pathogens. I expect to contribute to BioAqua by developing environmental-friendly and safe treatments based on biomolecular solutions, escaping from the over-use of polluting chemicals and antibiotics.

My current research focus lies in the realm of biosensor development tailored for detecting allergens and emerging contaminants in food. My expertise stems from my doctoral research in Food and Human Health, where I cultivated skills in electrochemistry, biosensor development utilizing screen printed electrodes, ELISA, enzymatic assays, PCR, and the precise selection of aptamers. I expect to contribute to BioAqua by introducing the development of biosensors as a cutting-edge approach to enhance diagnostic capabilities in aquaculture, ultimately advancing the industry's efficiency and sustainability.

Specialist of hydrobiology, management and monitoring of freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems, with 23 years of professional experience in the water sector and sector of environment. Member of Technical Commission of Ministry of Environmental Protection for environmental impact assessment studies of projects and activities on water ecosystems

My major contributions to research are in the field of diagnostics and management of diseases of fish and molluscs with major research interest in diseases of Mediterranean fish species. Our researches are based on the study of environmental aspects of diseases and possibilities of occurrence prediction. Other aspect of my research is connected to the production of autogenous vaccines and testing their efficiency in laboratory and field conditions. I expect to contribute to BioAqua by sharing my knowledge related to innovative diagnostic tools and its usability in diseases management.

Following my experience my contribution to research are linked with conservation biology, plankton, fishery, wetland and protected area management. Further on impact of alien species in climate changing circumstances are part of our group approaches. So, I might contribute to BioAqua through survey of aquaculture and water related intervention to marine and freshwater environment, species and habitats conservation, management practices enabling responsible resources governance.

Assoc. Prof. - Veterinary Faculty, Bitola; subjects: 1. Biology and Diseases of Fish, Bees & Wildlife; 2. Diseases of Poultry; 3. Parasitology. Expert in Panel for Biological Hazards of National Platform in Food and Veterinary Agency Expertise & Motivation: provide expertise about fishes and other water animals and their products, from veterinary-sanitary aspect, investigating possible reasons of fish death in open waters or in aquaculture. I expect networking and collaborative work from BioAqua on exploring the potential of medicinal plants for maintaining fish welfare and potential application in aquaculture for disease prevention.

Following my experience my contribution to research are linked with conservation biology, plankton, fishery, wetland and protected area management. Further on impact of alien species in climate changing circumstances are part of our group approaches. So, I might contribute to BioAqua through survey of aquaculture and water related intervention to marine and freshwater environment, species and habitats conservation, management practices enabling responsible resources governance.

Expertise & Motivation: Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to advancing the understanding and application of water quality management principles in surface water, with a specific focus on fishponds. I have strong background in environmental science, aquatic ecology and ecology of cyanobacteria and algae with particular reference to their impact on water quality and vice versa.

I'm a marine microbial ecologist exploring how different perturbations in organic and inorganic matter regimes affect microbial community and thus health of the coastal ocean. I am the head of Marine microbiology laboratory and vice head of Microorganisms and biogeochemical cycles research unit at Marine Biology Station Piran, National Institute of Biology, Slovenia. Lately, I have focused my research on the interactions between bacteria and jellyfish and the implications for the biogeochemical cycles in the ocean. My research is interdisciplinary drawing from my background in biochemistry (BSc) and my field of expertise - microbiology and ecology of marine organisms and ecosystems (PhD).

Throughout my career I have participated in several international experiments and expeditions. I have published peer-review scientific articles in top journals in my field; ~ 35% as first author and corresponding author. I was awarded FEMS Fellowship, Fulbright Scholarship and Marie Sklodowska Curie Individual Fellowship. I have supervised and tutored several BSc, MSc and PhD students. I am Associate Professor at University of Primorska (Slovenia) and lecturer at doctoral study program Environmental Science at University of Nova Gorica (Slovenia). I have led, managed, and participated in several national and international research and applied research projects and bilateral collaborations.

My main contributions in research are concentrated in the fields of laboratory technologies and veterinary health. In 2016, I completed the Master's program at Ondokuz Mayıs University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Veterinary Biochemistry. In 2023, I graduated from the doctoral program in Veterinary Biochemistry at Ondokuz Mayıs University Graduate School of Postgraduate Education. My doctoral thesis is about investigating the effects of transfer stress in rainbow trout and using some biochemical parameters to determine the most appropriate transfer conditions.

I am currently working as a faculty member at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Çaycuma Vocational School of Food and Agriculture. My Purpose of Participation in BioAqua: To convey the importance of transfer welfare for sustainability in the aquaculture sector to breeders and decision makers. By using my knowledge in this field, I aim to raise awareness on sustainable aquaculture and support innovations in the sector.

Working as a principal scientist at the Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia, Belgrade, specializing in fish disease diagnostics and aquaculture biosecurity. I am head of the National reference laboratory for Fish Diseases, managing or involved in several projects on fish diseases, fish pathogen characterization, autogenous vaccines for fish, epidemiology and health management in aquaculture. In joining BioAqua, my aim is to contribute by survaying the knowledge relative to new diagnostic tools for identifying and characterizing aquaculture pathogens, as well as exploring topics related to advancements in biosecurity and vaccine development.

After graduating from Ankara University with a Certificate of Honour, I obtained my MSc and Ph.D. degrees from the same university. I have expanded my academic expertise by studying at various universities and institutions abroad. Currently, I am serving as a Professor of Biotechnology of Reproduction in Aquaculture. I am actively involved in numerous local and international organizations. My research interests primarily focus on reproductive biology and biotechnology, with an emphasis on cryo-conservation for sustainable aquaculture production. I aim to contribute to BioAqua COST Action by highlighting the importance of sustainability in conserving aquatic genetic resources and marine and freshwater habitats, as well as proposing new solutions for fish welfare.

Prof. Dr. Dijana Blazhekovikj - Dimovska gains a full tıme employee status at University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Faculty of Biotechnical Sciences - Bitola (R.N. Macedonia), since 2007. In 2023 she is appointed as Full Professor at this Faculty, where she is involved in realization of the teaching and research of all three cycles of studies. At the first cycle of studies, she conducts classes in the following subjects: Quality and safety of fish and fish products; Hygiene and safety in aquaculture; Fisheries; Aquaculture, and Environmental Protection. At the second cycle of studies, she leads the subjects: Modern technologies in aquaculture and Hygiene and safety in aquaculture. At the third cycle of studies, she leads the subjects: Technology and safety of fish and fish products and New technologies in aquaculture.

Since 2020, she is an expert in the Scientific Panel for Biological Hazards of the National Platform, within the National Council for the Food Safety at Food and Veterinary Agency of the R. N. Macedonia.

I work in a public health laboratory, mostly dealing with zoonotic pathogens. My work encompasses next-generation sequencing and wastewater monitoring of specific pathogens. I engage in both wet-lab and dry-lab activities, primarily focusing on bioinformatic sequence analysis. Additionally, I participate in activities related to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and national epidemiological outbreak investigations. I can contribute to BioAqua by sharing my expertise in pathogenic species identification, genomics, bioinformatics, and assessing the impact of aquaculture interventions on human health. Moreover, I can support the action by advocating for its activities among stakeholders in human clinical settings, emphasizing the importance of approaching aquaculture from a One Health perspective

Prof. Dr. Besa Shahini, a Full Professor at the Faculty of Economy, University of Tirana, Albania since 1999, holds a Ph.D. in Economy and specializes in finance, statistics, and socio- economic research methodologies. Her research interests extend to economic development, foreign trade, and the efficacy of donor assistance, with a keen focus on enhancing Albania's role within the broader European economic framework. Through her extensive international collaborations and participation in EU-funded projects, Professor Shahini has contributed significantly to the discourse on statistical methodologies and economic policies. She has authored numerous academic papers and books, focusing on socio-economic development and European integration. Prof. Shahini is renowned for her expertise in statistical data analysis, quantitative economics, and trade research. Actively engaged in international collaborations, she serves on several prestigious committees, including the Management Committee of Cost Actions- EU funded. Prof. Shahini also mentors PhD students, chairs international conferences, and edits scholarly journals, contributing significantly to trade and economic policy in the Balkans and beyond. Moreover, her role as an educator and mentor is highlighted through her international teaching engagements and her leadership in various academic and policy-making initiatives. This blend of research, teaching, and service positions her as a pivotal figure in the fields of economic research and applied statistics.

Prof. Dr. Deniz İnnal obtained his PhD in Hydrobiological Sciences from Hacettepe University, Turkey, where he also completed his MSc in Hydrobiology and BSc in Biology. He is currently serving as a Professor in the Department of Biology at Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Turkey. With over 20 years of extensive experience in the study and management of aquatic ecosystems, he has made significant contributions to the field of hydrobiology.

Since 2001, Prof. Dr. İnnal's research has focused on the ecology of invasive species, conservation management, biodiversity studies, systematic evaluations of aquatic species, fish disease monitoring, biomonitoring of freshwater and transitional waters, and the ecological and parasitological assessment of aquatic habitats. To date, he has authored over 100 peer-reviewed scientific articles on these topics, advancing research in hydrobiological sciences.

In addition to his research, Prof. Dr. İnnal is an experienced educator. He teaches a variety of courses, including Marine Biology, Toxicology, Ichthyology, Vertebrate Biology, Public Health, the Biology of Invasive Species, and Aquaculture. His academic expertise has played a key role in the development of future biologists and environmental scientists. Prof. Dr. İnnal has actively worked as a manager or specialist in numerous projects related to hydrobiology and has attended many prestigious international scientific meetings and conferences.

Prof. Dr. İnnal is actively working to contribute to the Bioaqua Cost Action, in which he is a member, with a focus on marine biology, the ecology of aquatic species, and biomonitoring of aquatic diseases

Dr. Nada Ćujić Nikolić is a highly accomplished Senior Research Associate at the Pharmaceutical R&D Sector at the Institute for Medicinal Plants Research, Belgrade, Serbia. She enrolled the PhD doctoral at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology. She has years of experience in various fields of scientific and research work, with a focus on pharmaceutical-technological research, optimization of extraction methods (conventional and modern, with an emphasis on green extractions), the use of waste bioproducts in the field of medicinal plants, food, innovative microencapsulation techniques with modern pharmaceutical carriers, development of new pharmaceutical preparations, chemical characterization with special reference to polyphenolic compounds, stability studies, bioactivity tests, as well as characterization of microsystems using sophisticated methods (SEM, DSC, FTIR, laser diffraction method). With her expertise, Dr. Ćujić Nikolić is also oriented to the examination and utilization the marine/aquaculture products, through their valorization as a potential source of bioactive compounds, turning unexploited aquaculture biomass into new value-added bio-products. The food and pharmaceutical industries, as well as the animal feed industry, are aiming to discover novel sources of valuable nutrients. Since Dr. Ćujić Nikolić's work is oriented to microencapsulation techniques, examination of potential aqua products may be used as an inexpensive source rich in functional compounds, which could have commercial utilization and benefit, and could solve environmental problems. Dr. Ćujić Nikolić has been involved in Cost Actions and other projects oriented to the examination and utilization the marine products and aquaculture biotechnology, and would like to share her previous knowledge and practice. She actively participated in CA 22160. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6736-3637, ncujic@mocbilja.rs

Naceur M’Hamdi is a Professor of Biotechnology and Biostatistics at the Department of Animal Science at the National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, University of Carthage. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences from the Higher School of Agriculture of Mateur and a Master of Science in Sustainable Agriculture, focusing on animal production, from the Higher Institute of Agronomy of Chott-Meriem, University of Sousse. He later earned his Ph.D. in Animal Genetics and Biostatistics at the University of Sousse.

With over 10 years of academic and research experience, M’Hamdi has become an animal science expert, particularly in biotechnology, genetics, animal welfare, statistics, and climate change adaptation. His work emphasizes reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock while promoting animal welfare. His research interests also include studying the impact of antioxidants on reproductive parameters and investigating biochemical and molecular mechanisms of fertilization and sperm cell energy metabolism.

Throughout his career, M’Hamdi has contributed to national and international research projects addressing the intersection of animal welfare, climate change, and genetics. He has actively participated in numerous national and international conferences and collaborative programs. He has authored over 130 scientific papers and edited two books, reflecting his substantial contributions to his field. M’Hamdi also serves on the editorial boards of more than 10 international scientific journals, further demonstrating his leadership in advancing animal science and sustainable agriculture.

Associate Professor at the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries and appointed to the position of Head of the Research and Teaching Group since 2014. In 2004 he graduated in Molecular Biology at the University of Padova (Italy), where he also completed his Master of Science studies in Molecular Biology. During the period 2007-2010 he completed his studies and defended his PhD in Biological Sciences, University of Padova, Italy. From 2010 to 2012 he completed his Post-Doctoral studies in Biological Sciences at the University of Padova. He holds the title of Associate Professor since 2015 and teaches in several modules: Introduction to Aquaculture, Aquaculture Engineering, Aquatic Environmental Toxicology and Marine Aquaculture Production Techniques. Scientific research activity is related to studies in Marine Aquaculture, Aquaculture Biotechnologies, Artisanal Fisheries and studies in aquatic biological systems related to aspects of molecular toxicology.

He has participated in more than 15 scientific conferences and is also the author of university textbooks and has published more than 100 scientific articles, 45 of which have an impact factor. He has also participated in and directed international projects and developed expertise in the field of aquaculture and fisheries. In April 2017, he won the national award from the Academy of Sciences of Albania, as the “Most Successful Young Scientist” and since this year he is the chairman of the Technical and Natural Sciences section of the Academy of Youth. He is currently an expert and national representative for elasmobranchs in CIESM and IUCN. He is also the chairman of one of the working groups in the COST SEA-UNICORN project and has coordinated (from AUT) two Erasmus+ Capacity Building projects.

Prof. Meryem Yeşim Çelik is a professor at the Faculty of Fisheries, Sinop University, Türkiye, with over two decades of experience in aquaculture research and education. Her expertise lies in bivalve aquaculture, particularly mussel farming, with a strong focus on sustainable production systems, offshore submerged longline technologies, and the biochemical and nutritional analysis of shellfish. She has led numerous national research projects on the growth, fatty acid composition, mineral content, and environmental interactions of cultured mussels. Prof. Çelik is actively involved in the BIOAQUA COST Action, contributing her expertise to research on the environmental benefits of bivalve farming, such as carbon and nitrogen cycling, and its potential role in climate-resilient and low-impact food systems. She also promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and student involvement in applied aquaculture research, aiming to enhance sustainable seafood innovation in the Black Sea region and beyond.

Dr Uzeme Precious Aluta is an early-career researcher and faculty member of the Department of Marine Sciences, University of Lagos, Nigeria. My research is driven by a deep commitment to improving aquatic animal health and sustainability in aquaculture through innovative, science-based approaches. With a strong foundation in molecular biology and immunology, I have focused my research work on the development of immunostimulants from natural products (algae, medicinal plants and fruits wastes) for aquaculture species. As a WG2 member of the BIOAQUA COST Action, I aim to contribute to the development of novel solutions for fish health and disease management.

As an Assistant Lecturer in Environmental Health and Safety Management at the School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Technological University Dublin (City Campus), my research focuses on the interactions between microbes, microplastics, and nanomaterials. I also investigate the effects of microplastics and plastic additives on biofilm formation, the biodegradation of waste plastic, and the potential ecotoxicological impacts of degradation metabolites. I have developed novel methods for the detection and volumetric analysis of microplastics and explore the use of microorganisms for mitigating hazardous anthropogenic pollutants like Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). My work includes assessing the health risks of emerging organic contaminants and PAHs in various environmental and food elements using probabilistic risk assessments. Previously, I was a Research Scientist at University College Dublin, investigating microplastics in medical procedures, and a Research Professor at Korea University, focusing on microbe-microplastic interactions and the ecotoxicological effects of plastic leachates.

Slađana Gvozdenović Nikolić is a biologist, currently employed as Research Associate at the Institute of Marine Biology, University of Montenegro. She graduated, has a master's degree and has a doctorate at University of Montenegro. Her investigated area is mariculture, mainly shellfish mariculture, with a focus on Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) as a sustainable way of marine organisms farming. She is involved in different national and international research projects and published more than 30 scientific papers including some monograph chapters.

Gerilovych A.P. was born in Kharkiv (04-01-1981).

- Since 2002 – veterinarian (graduated from Kharkov State Zooveterinary Academy) and post-graduate student (2002-2005).

- From October to December 2005 – junior researcher.

- 2005-2022 - Head of molecular diagnostics laboratory (since 2015 – Department for molecular diagnostics in NSC IECVM).

- 2012-2022 - Deputy Director for Research in NSC IECVM

- Since 2022 – founder and president of One Health Institute, NGO

- 2022-2024 – Director’s adviser for foreign cooperation/Senior Researcher in SSRILDVSE

- Since 2024 – founder and Director general of One Health Scientific and Research Institute, PSI

- Since 2025 – researcher in Institute for Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

- PhD – 2005, scientific degree of Senior Researcher – 2007, since 2011 – Sc. Dr. (Dr. Hab.)

- Professor (2015), Corresponding Member of NAAS (2016)

- 2014-2022 - Editor-in-Chief of Journal for Veterinary Medicine, Biotechnology and Biosafety

- Since October 2022 - Editor-in-Chief of One Health Journal (OHI and SSRILDVSE)

- State Award in Sciences and Techniques of Ukraine (2009),

- Award of Government of Ukraine for innovative developments (2017)

Prof Dr Gerilovych is author and co-author of 20 diagnostic kits registered in Ukraine, 28 methodic guidelines, 38 patents of Ukraine, over 300 papers and abstracts, devoted to molecular diagnostics, epidemiology