On 14 and 15 October 2025, Per Gunnar Espedal, from the University of Bergen (UiB), Norway, visited CIIMAR – Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research in Porto, Portugal, as part of the staff exchange programme within the GRINNAQUA project. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge, explore research facilities, and discuss best practices in aquatic research management.

The visit began with a warm welcome from Mariana Vaz, who introduced Per to CIIMAR and its impressive facilities. This was followed by an engaging tour of the Aquatic Animal Health Group laboratory, guided by Diogo Peixoto, and an overview of the team’s bioterium systems by Bernardo Pereira, showcasing the diversity of ongoing research projects.

The first day concluded with a productive discussion with Inês Nóbrega on laboratory safety management and the handling of complex waste materials. Inês also guided a tour through several specialised laboratories, including those dedicated to cyanobacteria cultivation, the biobank, and macroalgae research.

On the second day, Hugo Santos provided a detailed tour of the bioterium’s rooms and systems, leading to in-depth discussions on recycling systems, quarantine procedures, and the various types of research being conducted in the institution. The visit concluded with a meeting with Benjamin Costas, focusing on the management and organisation of the Bioterium.

The exchange visit proved highly fruitful, offering a unique opportunity to compare Bioterium systems and procedures between CIIMAR and the University of Bergen.