INCAR² to Host International Workshop on Cell Models for the Future of Salmon Farming

The INCAR² Center for Applied Research will host an international workshop exploring how cell models and biotechnology can accelerate innovation in salmon farming, from functional feed additives to new approaches for fish health, nutrition and welfare.

The workshop, “Cell Models for the Salmon Farming of the Future: Innovation in Research and Validation of Functional Additives,” will take place on September 21 at Universidad Austral de Chile’s Puerto Montt campus.

The event will bring together researchers, graduate students and aquaculture professionals to examine advances in the use of fish cell lines as experimental platforms for evaluating ingredients, bioactive compounds and functional additives. These tools can help researchers study biological processes and assess potential solutions before moving to more complex testing stages.

Two internationally recognized experts from Canada will be among the speakers: Dr. Lucy Lee, from the University of the Fraser Valley, and Dr. Niels Bols, from the University of Waterloo. Both have contributed extensively to the development and application of aquatic cell models.

Their participation will provide insights into emerging applications of cellular biotechnology in fish health, nutrition and welfare, while the workshop will also feature researchers from Chile working on aquaculture innovation.

According to Dr. Alex Romero, an INCAR² researcher and academic at Universidad Austral de Chile, cell models are becoming increasingly valuable for understanding biological mechanisms, evaluating functional additives and accelerating the development of more sustainable solutions for aquaculture.

By connecting international expertise with researchers and industry professionals, the workshop aims to strengthen science-industry collaboration and advance cell-based technologies for more sustainable and competitive salmon farming.

Information and registration: ercilia.perez@uach.cl