The international symposium Genomics in Aquaculture 2026 opened today at the Technology Park in Split and will take place from 4 to 6 May 2026.
This is the eighth edition of the international scientific meeting, bringing together leading scientists, early-career researchers and industry representatives from the fields of genomics, genetics, molecular biology and the sustainable development of aquaculture. This year, the honour of organising the symposium was awarded to the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries.
The symposium was opened by the main organiser, Dr Ivana Bušelić Garber from the Laboratory for Aquaculture, who emphasised that genomics in aquaculture is still often perceived as a new and emerging field, although it has already become one of the key tools for understanding and improving this important branch of food production.
“Today, genomics helps us better assess and monitor fish health and welfare, the sustainability of aquaculture and production efficiency. It provides us with powerful tools for developing aquaculture that is more resilient, more responsible and better adapted to the challenges of the future,” said Dr Bušelić Garber.
On behalf of the Institute, the participants were welcomed by the Director, Dr Živana Ninčević Gladan, who stressed that hosting such a meeting is an important confirmation of the Institute’s recognition within the international scientific community, as well as an opportunity to further position Split and Croatia as a meeting place for top-level science, expertise and innovation in the field of the sea and aquaculture.
“This symposium will create a space for the exchange of scientific knowledge, further connect leading international experts and open up new collaborations and research that will shape the future of sustainable aquaculture,” said the Director of the Institute.
The opening ceremony was attended, on behalf of Split-Dalmatia County, by Ana Glaurdić Mekinić, Head of the Administrative Department for Tourism, Maritime Affairs and Transport, and Marin Perčić, adviser in the same department.
A special welcome to the participants was also given by the Deputy Mayor of the City of Split, Matea Dorčić, who pointed out that hosting such an international scientific meeting is a major recognition for Split and its scientific community.
“Split is not only a city of exceptional cultural heritage and one of the best-known tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, but also a city of knowledge, research and innovation, which recognises the importance of science for the development of the local community and a sustainable future,” emphasised Deputy Mayor Dorčić.
Over the next two days, symposium participants will discuss a wide range of topics related to the application of the latest “omics” technologies in aquaculture, including genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, genome editing and bioinformatics.
Aquaculture is today one of the fastest-growing branches of food production in the world, and its role will become increasingly important in the future. For this reason, the development of new scientific tools is essential for healthier, more sustainable and more efficient farming of marine and freshwater organisms.
The scientists gathered in Split are addressing precisely these important questions and challenges, exploring how genomics can be used to better understand cultured species, increase organism resilience, reduce negative environmental impacts and develop aquaculture capable of responding to climate change, diseases and the growing demand for food.
The organisation of this symposium in Split, under the auspices of the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, confirms the important role of our scientists who, in step with their international colleagues, are generating new knowledge, developing innovative approaches in aquaculture and helping shape the future of sustainable food production from the sea.
