Preparations are well underway for the AquaBioNets International Summer School on Sustainable Aquaculture, which will take place in Alghero, Sardinia, from 6 to 8 October 2026.
The Summer School will bring together representatives from research, industry, public institutions and other organisations working in aquaculture and related fields, with the aim of exchanging knowledge and discussing practical pathways towards a more sustainable sector.
The programme is being developed around a broad range of topics relevant to the current and future challenges of Mediterranean aquaculture. Importantly, many of these topics directly reflect the findings of the AquaBioNets Needs Assessment, carried out across all six participating countries. The assessment helped identify the main knowledge gaps, concerns and priorities expressed by SMEs, researchers and other stakeholders, providing a strong basis for shaping the content of the Summer School.
Among the topics to be addressed are sustainable aquaculture practices, biodegradable and biocompatible materials, environmental impacts and microplastics, economic viability, regulatory aspects, material performance and durability, and cooperation between research and industry. The programme will also provide space for presenting practical experiences, discussing emerging solutions and connecting scientific findings with the needs of aquaculture operators.
We are especially pleased with the strong interest shown in the event. Despite the summer holiday period, registrations have continued to arrive from different countries and organisations, and the maximum capacity for in-person participation has now been reached.
Registration therefore remains open for online participants only, allowing a wider audience to follow the programme remotely and join the discussion.
Our hosts at Porto Conte Ricerche are currently finalising the agenda together with the speakers, who have proposed many relevant and interesting contributions. The updated programme and practical information will be published on the official event page as preparations progress.
The Summer School is designed not only as a training event, but also as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between researchers, aquaculture producers, SMEs and public authorities across the Mediterranean.
We look forward to welcoming the AquaBioNets community and many new participants in October – both in Alghero and online.
