Throughout the project, EASYTRAIN has successfully achieved its core objective of training six Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) in the field of aquaponics through a structured and multidisciplinary research programme combining academic excellence and industrial relevance. The ESRs were enrolled in two doctorate programmes and conducted their research both in academic and industrial environments, allowing them to gain first-hand experience of the full research and innovation cycle. Two of the ESRs performed a cotutelled doctorate and have been awarded a double PhD title.
During the second period, the project’s research activities advanced significantly, leading to several scientific and technical results. These include the optimization of nutrient dynamics in aquaponic systems, the development of novel fish feed formulations, and design guidelines for aquaponic bioreactors and system components. The ESRs have presented their work in international conferences such as the European Aquaculture Society AQUA-meetings and published scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge in the field.
In terms of training, the ESRs have successfully completed all foreseen training modules, including two additional ones on “business and entrepreneurship” and “scientific writing and communication,” which complemented their technical skills acquired during the research activities.
One of the key achievements of EASYTRAIN has been the early exploitation of its results. Industrial partners have already started to apply some of the project findings in their commercial activities. In particular, Landing Aquaculture is now offering customized anaerobic sludge blanket reactors based on the design criteria developed by ESR3. One of these reactors, with a capacity of 10,000 liters, has already been sold, demonstrating a concrete example of research valorisation. Sparos and Alga&Zyme are also applying the concepts developed in the project to produce sustainable fish diets and microalgae extracts more efficiently.
Dissemination efforts have been actively pursued throughout the project via scientific publications, conference presentations, stakeholder engagement, and public outreach activities. The project has also contributed to raising public awareness about aquaponics as a sustainable food production system and to strengthening collaboration between academia and industry.
Overall, EASYTRAIN has achieved its goals of generating new knowledge, promoting the industrial application of research findings, and equipping a new generation of researchers with the skills and experience to address sustainability challenges in aquaculture and aquaponics.
