ARCUS Scientific Agenda

ARCUS strategic goals

OE1. To organize ARCUS as an Institute with a culture of a research center, technology transfer and dissemination.

OE2. To create multidisciplinary and competitive excellent science.

OE3. To create new generations of scientists, supporting their professional development.

OE4. To contribute to solving the challenges of 21st century society.

OE5. To involve society in scientific advances by promoting open science.

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ARCUS Framework for Action: One Health

In order to meet the scientific and strategic objectives formulated, a scientific agenda was designed that will driv the research, training, dissemination and transfer activities carried out by this research institute, born from the previous experience of the Institute of Aquaculture and the Institute for Research in Chemical and Biological Analysis of the USC, as well as new partner groups, with a spirit focused on the – natural and aquaculture – marine and continental aquatic environment, to promote a One (Global) Health.

One Health: The Concept

Humans, animals and the environment are interconnected and therefore interdependent. This is precisely the concept of One Health: Whatever affects one of the components of the triad will affect the others. This global fact is also transferred to the natural aquatic environment, both in the oceanic and continental spheres:

The health of the aquatic environment depends on the health of the animals that occupy it, as well as the health of the population; Poor health will be expressed in the aquatic ecosystem in the form of chemical and microbial pollutants.

Actions promoted by ARCUS

Monitoring the presence of pollutants (chemicals, pharmaceuticals, microplastics, etc.), discover their origin and acting at source by denouncing their presence, promoting more responsible policies and raising awareness among the population.

Maintaining a permanent epidemiological surveillance program for the detection of the presence of agents at risk to animal and human health in the aquatic environment in due time.

Keeping in mind that aquatic environments have become vectors that significantly contribute to the dissemination of multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs), making water an ideal bioindicator. The presence of fecal coliforms such as E. coli and other enterobacteria, including those identified as critical multidrug-resistant for the WHO, should be included in the surveillance and monitoring of ecological changes and anthropogenic impact.

Monitoring the appearance of invasive alien species in specific natural areas (protected areas, at risk, of special concern, etc.), due to anthropogenic actions and/or climate change.

To generate basic knowledge about the implications of climate change on the development and biology of aquatic organisms as a preliminary step to seek adaptation and mitigation solutions.

Promoting a more respectful and sustainable aquaculture, with greater respect for available resources, and less polluting, promoting a model that is aware of the environmental limits of the earth, and contributing to a production strategy that promotes safe spaces of action, within the "planetary boundaries".

To ensure the quality, traceability and safety of aquaculture and fisheries products.

Introducing circular economy in the aquaculture and fisheries sector, promoting the reuse of resources (multitrophic farming, reuse of waste from one farming line to feed another, use of discards, etc.) and ecosystem services.

To transmit to the population the need to respect the environment, and to promote citizen participation (sitizen science) in the knowledge and monitoring of the aquatic environment.

To convey to society and the productive sector the need to adapt to an unquestionable reality: the changes that global warming is causing and will cause.

Introducing the knowledge acquired at the different levels of education, training and culture, and ensuring that this knowledge does not remain in scientific publications and in researchers' drawers, in order to improve our society thanks to its own well-informed and aware citizens.

Strategic research axis

The strategic axis are defined as a clear opportunity to structure the real capabilities of ARCUS to adapt, in a coordinated and interdisciplinary way, to the – current and future – challenges of R+D+i in the aquatic field. These axis coincide with those three that make up the Aquatic One Health triad:

Axis 1.- Water and animal health

Sustainable aquaculture. Prevention and Control.
Pathology of aquatic animals.
Quality, Traceability and Food Safety.

Axis 2.- Water and environmental health

Chemical Pollution and Animal Health.
Aquatic Environment and Chemical Pollution.
Chemical Pollution and Human Health.

Axis 3.- Water and human health

Human Health and Environmental Pollution.
Animal Research as a Biometric Model.
Zoonosis. Bioactive substances.

Cross-cutting axis.- Education in resilience and sustainability

Strategic Research Priorities

The challenges faced by ARCUS must be addressed in an interdisciplinary way, taking advantage of our capabilities, but also evolving technologically and promoting collaboration with other centers, in order to enhance the possibilities of achieving our objectives.

For this reason, ARCUS has the following Strategic Priorities in R+D+i:

SP1: Improving sustainable aquatic animal production

Aquaculture is an essential activity for feeding humanity, constantly evolving to become more respectful of the environment and of animal welfare. In this line of work we seek to reduce the use of antibiotics and chemicals in farming, develop new vaccines and diagnostic tools, and improve the living conditions of aquatic animals. We also want to give society a real and rigorous picture of what aquaculture is, dismantling myths and promoting a more transparent and responsible activity.

SP2: Monitoring the chemical and microbial quality of the natural aquatic environment, and its interaction with human and animal health

The water around us is an indicator of our collective health. In this area we study the chemical contaminants and microorganisms present in the waters of our environment, and how they affect both aquatic fauna and people. We also analyse wastewater as a source of information on the health status of the population, since it allows us to detect, for example, the circulation of viruses or the consumption of certain substances. We also want to involve citizens, providing tools so that anyone can report discharges or access up-to-date information on the state of our aquatic environment.

SP3: Quality, traceability and food safety of aquaculture products and other foods

When we consume a seafood product, we have the right to know what it is, where it comes from and what health guarantees it offers. In this line we develop technologies to verify the origin and authenticity of food, assess its freshness and ensure that it is safe for the consumer. We also work to reduce the risks associated with the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other potentially harmful agents in aquaculture products, thus contributing to improving food safety for everyone.

SP4: Fishes as animal models: biomedical tools and biomarkers of animal and environmental health

Model fish are valuable scientific tools. Many fundamental biological processes, such as organ development and ageing, are very similar in fish and humans. That is why we use them as biomedical research models, to study diseases and look for new treatments, but also as indicators of the state of the environment, since they help us detect the effects of pollution and climate change on aquatic ecosystems.

SP5: Development and application of analytical methodologies

Good science requires good tools. In this area we work on the design and improvement of advanced analysis and diagnostic techniques: from methods to detect diseases or contaminants, to genomic technologies, chromatography or mass spectrometry. These analytical capabilities not only support the rest of our research lines, but also allow us to offer specialised services to sectors such as aquaculture or pharmaceuticals, facilitating knowledge transfer between the university and industry.

Transversal SP: Education in resilience and knowledge of the environment

Scientific knowledge only has its full value when it is implemented and reaches society. This priority cuts across all the others and reflects the institute's commitment to environmental education and social pedagogy. We want to bring science to citizens in an accessible and rigorous way, foster a culture of respect and care for the aquatic environment, and help form people and communities that are more aware, critical and prepared to face the environmental challenges of the present and the future.