As part of the GRINNAQUA project, an administrative staff exchange between the Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR) and the University of Bergen (UiB) took place last week, aiming to deepen collaboration and knowledge-sharing in research management and innovation strategies.

From May 7th to 8th, Susana Moreira, Head of Research and Innovation Strategy & Funding Office, and Tânia Pereira, GRINNAQUA Project Manager, both representing CIIMAR, visited UiB and its renowned Sea Lice Research Centre. They were warmly received by Frank Nilsen, lead researcher at the centre, along with Rannveig Myklebust and Sjouke Kuipers from the Department of Biological Sciences’ administrative services.

The exchange began with a presentation of UiB’s Department of Biological Sciences, followed by an overview of CIIMAR’s activities and strategic priorities. Johan Gunnar of VIS, the Technology Transfer Office supporting UiB, introduced the visitors to the mechanisms through which the university brings research to market. The session continued with a comprehensive presentation by Professor Frank Nilsen on the foundation and development of the Sea Lice Research Centre, a Centre for Research-Based Innovation (SFI), including key insights into its strategic and funding journey.

On the second day, the visit included a guided tour of the department’s laboratories and concluded with an informative session led by UiB’s Division of Research and Innovation. Birgit Falch, Emmanuel Babatunde, and Lilit Mailyan detailed UiB’s approach to large-scale funding schemes and institutional innovation support.

The exchange highlighted common challenges and best practices in research administration and strategic project development, reinforcing the importance of international collaboration within the GRINNAQUA framework. Both institutions expressed enthusiasm for future joint initiatives to foster sustainable innovation in marine sciences.