Aquaculture Europe 2025 (AE2025), the leading European aquaculture event to be held under the theme “Aquaculture For/With Everyone,” is proud to present the world-renowned experts who will lead its plenary sessions. From September 23 to 25, attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear from leading figures who will address topics ranging from regenerative sustainability and functional genomics to the latest trends in seafood consumption.
Dr. Carlos M. Duarte – Regenerative Aquaculture for Human and Planetary Health
The conference will kick off on Tuesday, September 23 at 09:00 with the presentation by Dr. Carlos M. Duarte, titled “Regenerative Aquaculture to Reconcile Human and Planetary Health.” Dr. Duarte will argue that regenerative aquaculture – defined as practices that increase economic, social, cultural, and natural capital – is essential for accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. He will elaborate on how this practice can benefit planetary and human health and outline the scientific, governance, and market challenges that need to be overcome for this necessary transition.
Dr. Duarte is the distinguished Ibn Sina Professor and holds the Tarek Ahmed Juffali Research Chair in Red Sea Ecology at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), and is the Executive Director of the Global Coral R&D Accelerator Platform (CORDAP). Recognized as one of the world’s most influential marine biologists and climate scientists, he pioneered the concept of “Blue Carbon” and has received numerous international accolades, including the prestigious 2025 Japan Prize and the Ramón Margalef Prize in Ecology.
Dr. Elisabetta Giuffra – Value of Functional Genome Annotations
On Wednesday, September 24 at 09:00, Dr. Elisabetta Giuffra will present “Leveraging the value of functional genome annotations and refined phenotypes.” Her talk will focus on how functional genome annotation, driven by initiatives like FAANG (Functional Annotation of Animal Genomes) and H2020 projects such as GENE-SWitCH (which she coordinated), adds value to the genomic sequences of aquatic and terrestrial domesticated species. She will present how this genomic knowledge is applied in genotype-to-phenotype research and will outline a new European initiative to research in animal breeding.
Dr. Giuffra is a Research Director at the GABI unit of Paris-Saclay University, INRAE, AgroParisTech (), and co-leader of the international FAANG initiative. Her current work includes studies on pig-virus interactions using organoids and the development of biobanking within the framework of the EuroFAANG project.
Joan Riera – What’s Happening with Seafood Consumption?
The final plenary session will take place on Thursday, September 25 at 11:30, featuring Joan Riera, Client Service Director at Kantar World, with the talk “What’s happening with seafood consumption ?”. In light of recent Eurobarometer data showing a decline in fish and seafood consumption across the EU (with the notable exception of Spain), Riera will analyze this trend in depth. Is price the only factor? Is it a growing concern? Based on consumption data from Spain and comparing it with other EU countries, Riera will offer his insights into the consumption patterns of the main fishery and aquaculture products.
Joan Riera has built his career at Kantar World, a global leader in consumer behavior studies, advising food sector clients to identify actionable recommendations that drive business growth.
About Aquaculture Europe 2025
AE2025 will bring together the European aquaculture community – scientists, producers, suppliers, policymakers, and students – to discuss the latest advances and challenges in the sector, fostering collaboration and innovation under the theme “Aquaculture For/With Everyone.”
Editor at the digital magazine AquaHoy. He holds a degree in Aquaculture Biology from the National University of Santa (UNS) and a Master’s degree in Science and Innovation Management from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, with postgraduate diplomas in Business Innovation and Innovation Management. He possesses extensive experience in the aquaculture and fisheries sector, having led the Fisheries Innovation Unit of the National Program for Innovation in Fisheries and Aquaculture (PNIPA). He has served as a senior consultant in technology watch, an innovation project formulator and advisor, and a lecturer at UNS. He is a member of the Peruvian College of Biologists and was recognized by the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) in 2016 for his contribution to aquaculture.
