A forum on research-industry collaboration in aquaculture was held at IHB on April 25, 2025. (Credit: IHB)

On April 25, 2025, a forum on research-industry collaboration in aquaculture was held at the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The event, focused on how technological innovation can transform the aquaculture industry, brought together representatives from 14 leading aquaculture enterprises and more than 20 research teams from IHB for in-depth exchanges on industry needs and collaborative opportunities.

In his opening remarks, IHB director MIAO Wei emphasized the dual pressures currently facing aquaculture in China: increasing environmental constraints and shifting market demands. He argued that technological innovation is the key to industry transformation and that applying research outcomes to real-world challenges is central to unlocking this potential. Miao also highlighted IHB’s recent breakthroughs in areas such as precision breeding, disease control, and sustainable farming practices. He encouraged both sides to deepen collaboration to overcome critical technical challenges. 

WANG Liangwei, director of Science and Technology Cooperation at the CAS Wuhan Branch, praised the forum as an important platform to bridge scientific research and economic development. He called for stronger collaboration based on shared resources and complementary strengths to achieve mutual benefit.

During the enterprise presentation session, companies shared their current technical needs across a wide range of topics, including smart aquaculture systems, wastewater treatment, breeding programs, nutritional strategies, and disease prevention. These needs closely match IHB's research areas, creating strong potential for targeted collaboration.

IHB researchers then presented their latest technological achievements across the aquaculture value chain, including germplasm development, disease management, eco-friendly farming, feed innovation, and intelligent farming equipment. These innovations directly address many of the pressing issues raised by the companies and offer forward-looking solutions aligned with the sector’s goals for modernization and sustainability. 

In open discussions, researchers and company representatives explored practical ways to cooperate on specific challenges. Many expressed interest in pursuing joint efforts in breeding, disease prevention, and intelligent farming technologies. 

In closing, IHB deputy director XIE Shouqi expressed hope that this meeting would serve as a foundation for long-term collaboration, accelerating the green, efficient, and intelligent development of aquaculture in China.

In open discussions, researchers and company representatives explored practical ways to cooperate on specific challenges. (Credit: IHB)