Genomics in Aquaculture - International symposium at the Bodø University College

Aquaculture genomics has potential applications in improving performance traits, including increased disease resistance and growth rate. The number of genomic resources available for species of commercial interest has been increasing at a remarkable pace. These include framework genetic linkage maps, microarray platforms, large EST data sets and ongoing genome sequencing projects. In spite of the notable progress in aquaculture genomics during the last decade, the application of genomics to aquaculture is still in its infancy. This symposium will review the current status of aquaculture genomics, its industrial applications and future perspectives, thus contributing to bridge the gap between fundamental genomics research and the needs of the aquaculture industry. Presentations of genomic studies in molluscs and crustaceans will also be included, since the scope of the symposium is not restricted to fish farming. We intend to invite a total of 18 leading scientists in aquaculture genomics, as well as atte ndants from feed companies and government representatives. A selected number of presentations will be published in a special issue of the international journal Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology - Genomics and Proteomics. Bodø University College (Hi Bo) is currently running several projects on aquaculture genomics funded by the Research Council of Norway, namely in reproductive genomics (NFR ref. 182653) and genomics of mucosal immunity in cod (NFR ref. 184703). The organisation of the 'Genomics in A quaculture' symposium in Bodø will be an excellent means to highlight at an international level our growing importance in aquaculture genomics, to develop fruitful national and international collaborative networks and to plan joint grant proposals, includ ing large EU-funded projects. Moreover, this symposium will promote active collaborations between academia and industry, since it will discuss the applications of genomics research to aquaculture production.