On 5 December, CESAM hosted a delegation from the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS) on an institutional visit aimed at strengthening scientific cooperation between the two entities. The Chinese delegation, led by Fang Hui, Director-General of the East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute (ECSFRI), also included Li Chuangju, Director-General of the Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute; Guo Quanyou and Wang Cuihua, both Directors and Professors at the East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute; and Li Junyi, Director and Associate Researcher at the Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute.
The delegation was welcomed by Amadeu Soares, Director of CESAM, who opened the meeting by highlighting the strategic importance of reinforcing ties between the two institutions. Representing the University of Aveiro (UA) was Artur Silva, Vice-Rector for Research, who emphasized the institutional framework and the potential for expanding academic and scientific cooperation. Also present was Rosa Freitas, Deputy Director of CESAM and responsible for the Sino-Portuguese Joint International Laboratory in Aquatic Ecotoxicology with Nanjing Tech University, who underlined the importance of the shared and complementary research areas between CESAM and CAFS.
The meeting brought together CESAM researchers with consolidated work in microbiology and environmental biotechnology, marine microbiomes and aquaculture sustainability, functional nutrition and ex vivo models applied to precision aquaculture, as well as parasites and the immune system of bivalves. They presented perspectives on possible areas of common interest and potential lines of joint research.
The main goal of this visit was to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen communication channels with a view to establishing future collaborations. Among the topics discussed were the possibility of developing joint projects between the two institutions and creating shared laboratories. CAFS also expressed its intention to move forward with a Memorandum of Understanding with CESAM and UA.
During the meeting, the Chinese delegation renewed its invitation for a visit to their institutions, located across several cities including Beijing, Qingdao, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Wuhan.
This encounter represented a significant step in consolidating cooperation between CESAM and the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, opening new prospects for scientific collaboration, institutional exchange and joint research development between Portugal and China.