The conclusion of the AQUAEXCEL3.0 project in October 2025 marks not just the end of a major European initiative, but the culmination of 14 years of continuous collaboration, scientific progress, and shared ambition within the aquaculture community. Aquaculture plays a vital role in feeding Europe and the world, providing healthy food, supporting coastal communities, creating jobs, and easing pressure on wild fish stocks. Ensuring that this sector grows sustainably requires innovative science, modern tools, and strong cooperation, needs that the AQUAEXCEL projects were designed to meet.
A 14-Year Journey of Collaboration
Since the first project launched, AQUAEXCEL, followed by AQUAEXCEL2020 and AQUAEXCEL3.0, one of the most extensive and effective collaborative networks in European aquaculture research has been built. The projects’ shared vision was both ambitious and transformative: to make it possible for any aquaculture researcher, no matter where they work, to access Europe’s best facilities, expertise, and technologies. By opening world-class research infrastructures to external users and by connecting scientists, industry partners, and communities, the projects helped strengthen the European Research Area and supported the development of a more innovative, sustainable aquaculture sector.
Turning this vision into reality required a culture of cooperation that grew stronger with each phase of the project series. Over the years, AQUAEXCEL initiatives worked to harmonise standards across institutions, promote best practices, and encourage collaboration between disciplines and countries. Networking activities brought people together, while joint research efforts advanced knowledge in critical areas such as ethical and welfare-oriented farming, real-time biotelemetry, virtual laboratory tools, microbiome monitoring, and techniques for emerging and alternative species. These developments provided researchers and industry with new ways to conduct experiments, improve fish welfare, and accelerate innovation.
Reflecting on AQUAEXCEL’s Impacts
The impact of these efforts is evident in the achievements delivered throughout the AQUAEXCEL projects. More than 360 fully funded Transnational Access (TNA) projects allowed researchers from across Europe and beyond to work inside 40 unique aquaculture facilities. These infrastructures, ranging from disease challenge units to systems designed for testing sustainable production methods, benefitted from broader usage, strengthened services, and increased relevance to industry needs. Alongside this, within AQUAEXCEL3.0, the project’s training activities reached nearly 800 participants, equipping them with advanced skills and knowledge that will continue to support the sector long after the project ends. Mobility grants enabled almost 30 aquaculture technicians to spend time inside partner laboratories, creating new professional links and strengthening technical expertise across institutions.
The scientific outputs generated through AQUAEXCEL3.0 also extend well beyond academic research. By combining transnational access, networking, and focused joint research, the project delivered practical solutions that can be applied directly by farmers, researchers, and industry stakeholders. Whether improving welfare standards, supporting new technologies, or offering insights into sustainable farming practices, the project’s results contribute meaningful, tangible value to the aquaculture sector.
ERINN Innovation’s Role
ERINN Innovation has been a key contributor to the success and visibility of AQUAEXCEL3.0. We played a central role in communication, dissemination, and stakeholder engagement, helping to translate complex scientific outputs into accessible, practical information for policy makers, industry partners, and the wider public.
Our work also ensured that the knowledge generated throughout the project reached the people and sectors who could benefit from it most. This knowledge transfer was delivered through substantial contributions to Work Package 2 (WP2). Our expertise in knowledge management and impact strategy helped showcase the value of the project’s research results, reinforce connections between science and industry, and support the long-term uptake of new tools, methods, and innovations developed throughout the project. By driving awareness, strengthening community engagement, and ensuring that AQUAEXCEL3.0’s achievements were widely shared, ERINN Innovation contributed significantly to the project’s lasting impact and legacy.
This work and commitment has led to the development of the project’s Success Stories. This section serves as a testament to the impact of the Transnational Access program and the research activities that were facilitated by the project, showcasing the project’s transformative influence on the aquaculture landscape.
Reflecting on her time with the project, ERINN Innovation Project Officer Karla Corrales said:
“It has been deeply inspiring to drive the knowledge transfer activities within AQUAEXCEL3.0. Engaging directly with the researchers and compiling their Success Stories has given us a clear view of how the project’s resources have helped them significantly advance their research. Hearing these partners present their achievements firsthand at our final meeting truly proved the impact of the project.”
The Project’s Legacy
Although AQUAEXCEL3.0 concluded in 2025, the legacy of the entire AQUAEXCEL programme will continue. Over 14 years, the projects built a deeply connected European aquaculture community equipped with advanced tools, shared expertise, and strong partnerships. These foundations will support new discoveries and collaborations for years to come, ensuring that aquaculture remains innovative, resilient, and sustainable.
Ultimately, the AQUAEXCEL journey has shown what is possible when researchers, industry, and communities work together. By opening access, sharing knowledge, and encouraging cooperation across borders and disciplines, the projects have helped strengthen Europe’s capacity to produce healthy food, support thriving coastal regions, and building a sustainable aquaculture sector for the future.
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