The EUREMAP Project recently supported the second edition of the International Summer School of Blue Biotechnology (ISSBB) organized by the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn in Naples, Italy. This event brought together a diverse group of researchers and industry professionals, fostering an environment where multidisciplinary collaboration could thrive. Attendees included early-career scientists, experienced researchers, and industry representatives, all eager to explore new research opportunities in marine bioprospecting and blue biotechnology.
The ISSBB’s focus on knowledge exchange underscored how such opportunities can transform research trajectories and contribute to career development. Participants were able to discuss common challenges in marine bioprospecting, such as sustainable extraction and identification of bioactive compounds, and learn about the latest technological advancements offered by research infrastructures like those integrated within the EUREMAP Project. The project’s network, which connects four leading European research infrastructures (EU-OPENSCREEN, EMBRC, ELIXIR, and EMBL), enables cutting-edge research and offers resources that would otherwise be difficult to access independently. These interactions highlighted the potential for EUREMAP to exponentially accelerate scientific research and innovation in marine biotechnology.
The multidisciplinary approach of EUREMAP was emphasized, showcasing how it integrates fields like genomics, bioinformatics, chemistry, and pharmacology to create a cohesive research ecosystem. This convergence of expertise not only supports the discovery of new marine-derived bioactive compounds but also aims to address broader societal challenges, such as sustainable agriculture, drug discovery, and biodiversity conservation.
The event provided a platform for researchers to network, laying the groundwork for future collaborations. By fostering a culture of openness and shared knowledge, the ISSBB, with the support of EUREMAP, aims to drive innovation and create a sustainable impact on both academia and industry.
Testimonials:
Federico Cerri, a PhD student from the University of Milano-Bicocca, shared his experience: “The International Summer School of Blue Biotechnology (ISSBB) was inspiring and motivating as well as a great opportunity to expand our network of contacts and lay the foundations for future collaborations that will increase the value of our research. The possibility that our discoveries could represent a novelty with a strong impact in the field of blue biotechnology is not utopian. And this is now clearer than ever thanks to ISSBB, which not only gave us the opportunity to learn from researchers of high scientific value, but also connected us with companies and made us aware of all the opportunities for research infrastructures to advance our science.”
Additional participants, including marine biologists and biotechnology experts, echoed Cerri’s sentiments, emphasizing that access to state-of-the-art research infrastructures like EUREMAP is instrumental in tackling complex research questions and creating innovative solutions that benefit society.
