EpiAqua 2026 to bring together global leaders at UdeC to advance epigenomic research in aquaculture
Over three days there will be keynote lectures, hands-on workshops and an unprecedented mentoring session, addressing the latest advances in epigenomics applied to the farming of molluscs and fish, with a view to a more sustainable and resilient future for aquaculture.
From January 26 to 28, 2026, the second edition of the EpiAqua Course will take place, an event that over three days will bring together US and Chilean experts at the Universidad de Concepción to discuss the potential of epigenomics in aquaculture and to outline future research lines in the farming of molluscs and fish.
The course is preparing for an edition with the participation of distinguished international and national experts. This version will feature presentations by the Associate Professor of the University of Washington, Dr. Steven Roberts; the Professor Emeritus of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Dr. Frederick Goetz; the academic of the Department of Oceanography of the Universidad de Concepción (UdeC) and Director of the recently awarded Applied Research Center, INCAR², Dr. Cristian Gallardo Escárate, and the UdeC academics and INCAR² researchers, Dr. Valentina Valenzuela Muñoz and Dr. Diego Valenzuela Miranda.
“On this occasion, Dr. Steven Roberts will address how epigenetic mechanisms enable adaptation to the environment, while professor emeritus Rick Goetz will explore the evolutionary dimension of adaptation through his lake trout model. From INCAR, we will present research on oysters, mussels and fish linked to aquaculture, broadening the spectrum of species and approaches,” anticipated Dr. Gallardo Escárate.
In addition to the five keynote lectures there will be hands-on data-analysis workshops, designed especially for young scientists and graduate students seeking to enter the handling of epigenomic information. In the so-called “Genomic Boot Camp,” attendees will be able to explore the latest advances in epigenomics applied to aquaculture research on topics such as Microbiome Analysis, Nanopore Sequencing and Epigenetic Analysis, all at the UdeC Biotechnology Center.
One of the novelties EpiAqua 2026 brings is that during the third and last day of the course, a Mentoring session will be held, in which a student will be advised by the participating researchers with the aim of strengthening the knowledge acquired during the previous days and highlighting the importance of collaboration for the development of relevant scientific knowledge.
“Epigenomics is revolutionizing molecular biology and aquaculture. Thanks to this approach, it is now possible to understand how organisms respond and adapt to the environment with direct effects on their reproduction, immunity and growth. From heat waves to ocean acidification, environmental stressors leave a heritable mark on aquatic species, and molecular and bioinformatic tools make it possible to decipher how epigenomic modifiers influence their development. This advance opens new opportunities for breeding selection and the sustainable farming of fish and molluscs, marking a before and after in scientific research applied to the sea,” explains Dr. Cristian Gallardo.
Due to the constraint of accommodating attendees during the practical sessions, EpiAqua will have a maximum of 30 participants. Registration costs 150 dollars and includes participation in all oral presentations and course activities.
Reserve your spot and register before January 5, 2026. For more information, contact Claudia Fuentealba claufuentealba@udec.cl and/or Cristian Gallardo, crisgallardo@udec.cl
Download the program in pdf.
