We are proud to announce that H2O SciTech – Water Institute is now a consortium member of ActFast – one
of the most ambitious and large-scale aquaculture initiatives funded under the Horizon Europe programme
Together with many participants, including Nofima, IRTA (Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentarias), Benchmark Genetics, Skretting, NIOF (National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries), AquaBioTech Group, NTT DATA and others, we have launched
collaborative activities that aim to shape the future of aquaculture in the face of climate change. This is a major success for us
– and a strong driver for what’s ahead!
Duration
48 months
from 01/06/2025
to 31/05/2029
A powerful start to an extraordinary collaboration! Official project kick-off in Bologna
On July 2–3, the official kick-off meeting of ActFast took place in Bologna. Katarzyna Pala, Vice President of the Board at H2O SciTech, represented our organisation as part of ambitious European consortium. The event was hosted by the project coordinator Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna, led by Prof. Alessio Bonaldo and his team.
What is ActFast?
ActFast (Actions for Climate Transition by developing Future Aquaculture Strategies and Technologies) is a research and innovation initiative focused on the future of aquaculture in the era of climate change. A diverse, multidisciplinary consortium of 30 partners from 10 EU member states, as well as Norway, Tunisia, and Egypt, is joining forces to create cutting-edge strategies for the future of aquaculture. The project tackles current and emerging challenges by integrating sustainable farming methods, advanced environmental monitoring, and the power
of Artificial Intelligence. It targets four key aquatic environments:
-
- the Mediterranean Sea,
-
- river deltas,
-
- inland waters of Central and Eastern Europe,
-
- the North-East Atlantic.
Why is this important to us?
Being part of ActFast is more than just participating in a project. It is a international recognition of our expertise, values, and commitment
to sustainability. It’s a major step forward and an opportunity to contribute to a team designing the future of sustainable aquaculture.
What are we working on with our partners?
-
- An advanced early warning system designed to help aquaculture producers anticipate risks and respond proactively
to climate-related challenges.
- An advanced early warning system designed to help aquaculture producers anticipate risks and respond proactively
-
- Climate-adapted aquafeeds and innovative health solutions that strengthen the resilience and resistance of aquaculture systems.
-
- Next-generation circular and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems, enabling more diverse, stable, and sustainable production.
-
- A Virtual Lighthouse – an immersive digital training platform offering open access to knowledge and best practices,
so that everybody everywhere can learn from our experience – regardless of location or production scale.
- A Virtual Lighthouse – an immersive digital training platform offering open access to knowledge and best practices,
Funding and coordination
The project is funded by the Horizon Europe programme and managed by the REA – European Research Executive Agency.
This is a major achievement for us as an organisation – and a unique opportunity to contribute real solutions
to the global challenges posed by climate change.
Follow our journey – exciting developments ahead!