Founded in 1976, the University of the Azores (UAc) has, over the decades, established itself as a leading institution within the archipelago, building scientific and cultural ties across the islands. It has also become an internationally oriented institution, enhancing its relevance as an Atlantic bridge between Europe, the Americas, and other geographies of knowledge. Starting in 2012 and building on experiences gained from European projects such as Interreg III-B MAC (MARINOVA), Interreg-MAC 2014–2020 (AQUAINVERT), and various regional initiatives, the AquaLab (Aquaculture Laboratory of the OKEANOS Institute – University of the Azores) was developed within the marine science research institute Okeanos. This laboratory is dedicated to open-sea and onshore experimentation with octopus, barnacles, and gastropod mollusks of the genera *Patella* and *Haliotis*. Since then, UAc has researched various aspects of invertebrate and macroalgae biology, supporting academic research and educational projects, as well as providing advice and opinions to regional government decision-making bodies.
UAc in ACUICONECTA: UAc will collaborate with partners ULPGC and ARDITI to innovate the production of low-trophic marine species, aiming to test the potential transition from the experimental to the productive phase. Research will also focus on testing larval and juvenile collection and growth techniques for *Ruditapes decussatus*, through the implementation and monitoring of experimental structures in lagoon environments to assess their potential for large-scale production. UAc will play a key role in the project’s cross-cutting actions, promoting new aquaculture products and contributing to their integration into the value chain, expanding the "Guide for the establishment of aquaculture enterprises" (THINKINAZUL capitalization); consolidating a scientific-technological ecosystem to facilitate knowledge transfer and public outreach through the creation of the SH.A.PL.A. platform (Sharing Aquaculture Platform in the eastern Atlantic); supporting the implementation of Sandboxes (regulatory testbeds) and Technological Free Zones (ZLT); and training students and educators in the innovative techniques developed within the project.
Go to the University of the Azores website