“Employment and the Circular and Sustainable Blue Economy” is the theme of a session promoted by the collaborative laboratories B2E CoLAB, +Atlantic, GreenCoLAB, and S2Aqua, which will take place on Wednesday, July 5th, at 11:15 AM, in amphitheater 23.16 of the University Campus of Santiago, in Aveiro, as part of Ciência 2023 – Meeting with Science and Technology in Portugal. João Mendes Borga, a member of the Management Committee of the Thematic Program Innovation and Digital Transition (Compete 2030), will be the keynote speaker.

The role of the sustainable blue economy in the country’s development, the technologies, practices, and innovative solutions developed by the collaborative laboratories, focusing on the circular economy, sustainable aquaculture, algae valorization, and integrated marine resource management are the topics of the thematic session organized by B2E CoLAB, in partnership with +Atlantic, GreenCoLAB, and S2Aqua.

Subordinated to the theme “Employment and a Circular and Sustainable Blue Economy”, this session is part of the Science Meeting 2023, an initiative that brings together the national and international scientific community, providing a comprehensive platform for interdisciplinary debate, knowledge sharing, and the promotion of innovative solutions to current global challenges.

The program includes an opening presentation by João Borga, representative of Compete2030, followed by pitches from various speakers representing the participating collaborative laboratories. Joana Tomé, from B2E CoLAB, will address the valorization of marine co-products and the circular economy; Tiago Garcia, from +ATLANTIC, will explore aquaculture as a perspective for a sustainable future; Pedro Pousão-Ferreira, from S2Aqua, will discuss the new approach to food production through aquaculture; and Daniel Silva, from GreenCoLAB, will address blue biotechnology as a promising sector.

A round table discussion is also planned, featuring Ricardo Calado, researcher and specialist in Marine Biology and Aquaculture at the University of Aveiro; João Navalho, CEO of Necton; Luís Carlos Coelho, researcher specializing in Physics and Optical Sensors at INESC TEC; and Bernardo Ferreira de Carvalho, CEO of Oceano Fresco. Moderation will be provided by Patrícia Gonçalves of B2E CoLAB.

About Ciência 2023

Ciência 2023 – Meeting with Science and Technology in Portugal is a leading event in the scientific community, held annually, bringing together scientists, researchers, companies, and other entities to discuss scientific and technological advancements, share knowledge, and foster collaboration. The 2023 edition, taking place between July 5th and 7th, focuses on the theme of the ocean, exploring science, technology, and innovation to drive a sustainable future within the blue economy.

About +ATLANTIC

The +ATLANTIC CoLAB is a Portuguese non-profit Collaborative Laboratory that designs and provides knowledge-based products and services related to various fields of the blue economy, ocean sustainability, marine sciences, marine ecosystem health, climate change, ocean literacy, and science communication. Its multidisciplinary team uses numerical modeling, remote sensing, data science, artificial intelligence, and space and ocean technologies to design these products and services and to collaborate on national and international projects.

About the B2E CoLAB

The B2E – Collaborative Laboratory for the Blue Bioeconomy, based at UPTEC Mar in Matosinhos, is a private non-profit association of universities, research centers, and private companies, guided by principles of circularity, sustainability, and social responsibility. The association linked to Blue Biotechnology operates in the areas of sustainable aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and the valorization of living marine resources, aiming to develop innovative solutions that contribute to building a greener and more resilient value-added economy.

About GreenCoLab

GreenCoLab is a private, non-profit organization, a collaborative platform between research and industry, whose research and innovation agenda is based on the exploration of micro and macroalgae as an essential component for the food, feed, nutraceutical, bioenergy, wastewater, and cosmetics industries.

About S2Aqua

S2AQUAcoLAB, founded in 2021, is a private, non-profit institution that seeks to take Aquaculture to a new level. With a network of 16 partners and 49 qualified researchers, it aims to promote sustainable, intelligent, and innovative solutions for the sector. Its main objectives include optimizing production, identifying bioindicators of health, adapting production systems to climate change, and boosting technological development. S2AQUAcoLAB is also dedicated to knowledge transfer and strategic cooperation with its partners to transform aquaculture into an industry stronger and more capable.