Ana Couto | Aquaculture | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Ana Couto | Aquaculture | Best Researcher Award

Professor / Researcher | FCUP / CIIMAR | Portugal

Dr. Ana Isabel Santos Couto, a distinguished researcher and academic, holds a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Porto (2014). Her academic journey is marked by international collaborations with CIIMAR, Norway’s Life Sciences University, and Nord University. Currently serving as an Assistant Researcher at CIIMAR and an Invited Assistant Professor at the University of Porto, her expertise lies in fish nutrition, histology, physiology, and health and welfare. Dr. Couto’s research focuses on optimizing animal health through nutritional strategies and innovative diagnostic tools.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Couto obtained her undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Aveiro in 2004, graduating with distinction. She pursued her Ph.D. in Biology at the University of Porto, completing her thesis on the impacts of antinutrients on marine species in collaboration with Norwegian institutions. Her academic credentials are complemented by advanced training in marine biology, toxicology, and aquaculture techniques.

Professional Experience

With a career spanning nearly two decades, Dr. Couto has contributed extensively to academia and industry. She has held research roles at CIIMAR, CCMAR, and Nord University, developing groundbreaking work in fish nutrition and health. She has supervised multiple Ph.D., M.Sc., and undergraduate projects, combining her scientific acumen with strong mentoring skills. Dr. Couto also actively participates in continuous education programs and manages CIIMAR’s histology laboratory, ensuring the transfer of her expertise to emerging scientists.

Research Interests

Dr. Couto’s primary research interests include:

  • Nutrition-health dynamics: Exploring the interplay between diet and health in aquatic species.
  • Innovative nutritional strategies: Developing sustainable feed ingredients to enhance fish health and welfare.
  • Diagnostic advancements: Creating tools to evaluate nutritional pathologies and optimize aquaculture health management.

Her work emphasizes sustainability, aiming to contribute to the global blue economy.

Awards

Dr. Couto’s achievements include being part of the winning team for the 2021 Challenge Startup Competition by the University of Macau, a recognition of her innovative contributions to animal health. Additionally, her projects have consistently been funded by competitive grants, affirming her role as a leading researcher.

Publications

Effect of solid-state fermentation of Brewer’s spent grain on digestibility and digestive function of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles

    • Authors: Estevão-Rodrigues, T., Fernandes, H., Moutinho, S., Oliva-Teles, A., Peres, H.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 2

Tracking Biomarkers for the Health and Welfare of Aquaculture Fish

    • Authors: Oliveira, J., Oliva-Teles, A., Couto, A.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

Effect of dietary L-glutamine supplementation on the intestinal physiology and growth during Solea senegalensis larval development

    • Authors: Matias, A.C., Viegas, A.R., Couto, A., Pousão-Ferreira, P., Ribeiro, L.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

Salicornia ramosissima Biomass as a Partial Replacement of Wheat Meal in Diets for Juvenile European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

    • Authors: Barreto, A., Couto, A., Jerónimo, D., Costas, B., Rocha, R.J.M.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

Novel chitinolytic Bacillus spp. increase feed efficiency, feed digestibility, and survivability to Vibrio anguillarum in European seabass fed with diets containing Hermetia illucens larvae meal

    • Authors: Rangel, F., Monteiro, M., Santos, R.A., Serra, C.R., Enes, P.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 5

Effect of Tryptophan Dietary Content on Meagre, Argyrosomus regius, Juveniles Stress and Behavioral Response

    • Authors: Vasconcelos, A., Soares, M.C., Barata, M., Mendes, R., Saavedra, M.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 0

Dietary oleic acid supplementation improves feed efficiency and modulates fatty acid profile and cell signaling pathway in European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles fed high-lipid diets

    • Authors: Martins, N., Magalhães, R., Vieria, L., Peres, H., Oliva-Teles, A.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 7

Feeding Yellow Worms to Meagre: Effects on Whole-Body Fatty Acid Profile and Hepatic and Intestine Oxidative Status

    • Authors: Guerreiro, I., Castro, C., Serra, C.R., Oliva-Teles, A., Enes, P.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 4

Effect of Dietary Incorporation of Yellow Mealworm as a Partial Fishmeal Replacer on Growth, Metabolism, and Intestinal Histomorphology in Juvenile Meagre (Argyrosomus regius)

    • Authors: Saavedra, M., Barata, M., Matias, A.C., Dias, J., Pousão-Ferreira, P.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 4

Oxidative Stress Response of Meagre to Dietary Black Soldier Fly Meal

    • Authors: Guerreiro, I., Castro, C., Serra, C.R., Oliva-Teles, A., Enes, P.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 4

Conclusion

Dr. Ana Isabel Santos Couto exemplifies the synergy of academic rigor, innovative research, and impactful teaching. Her work bridges fundamental biology with applied aquaculture, fostering advancements that benefit both science and industry. Her commitment to sustainability and mentorship continues to inspire the next generation of researchers in marine biology and aquaculture.

Masoud Ali | Aquaculture | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Masoud Ali | Aquaculture | Best Researcher Award

Fishery and Aquaculture Research Officer | Zanzibar Fisheries and Marine Resources Research Institute | Tanzania

Masoud Juma Ali is a dedicated Research Officer at the Zanzibar Fisheries and Marine Resources Research Institute in Tanzania. he specializes in fishery and aquaculture research, contributing significantly to marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices in Zanzibar.

Profile

Scholar

Strengths for the Award 🏆

Masoud holds a Master’s in Fishery Development and a Bachelor’s in Aquaculture, showcasing a solid academic foundation in relevant fields. He has authored significant research papers, including a thesis on the effects of dissolved oxygen on Nile Tilapia, which demonstrates his ability to contribute original knowledge to the field.

His roles range from Research Officer to Marine Community Coordinator, indicating versatility and hands-on experience in various research environments and projects.

Participation in global conferences and training enhances his research perspective and networks. His involvement in multiple workshops and training sessions indicates a commitment to continuous professional development.

Education 🎓

Masoud holds a Master’s degree in Fishery Development from Nanjing Agriculture University (2021-2023) and a Bachelor’s degree in Aquaculture from Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro (2016-2019). His educational background is complemented by advanced studies in the sciences at Mpendae Secondary School.

Experience 💼

Since September 2020, Masoud has been a Research Officer at the Zanzibar Fisheries and Marine Resources Research Institute. His experience includes roles such as Marine Coordinator for a biodiversity assessment project and Field Assistant in various ecological studies. He has a proven track record in data collection and research coordination, enhancing his expertise in marine ecosystems.

Research Interest 🔬

Masoud’s primary research interests focus on the effects of environmental stressors on aquatic species, particularly in relation to the Nile Tilapia. His work aims to understand and mitigate the impacts of hypoxia and other ecological factors on fish reproduction and health.

Awards 🏆

Masoud has received several accolades, including the MOFCOM Scholarship for his studies in China and various certificates for online courses in fishery oceanography and marine ecosystems. His commitment to continuous learning is evident through these achievements, furthering his expertise in the field.

Publication 📚

Ali, M. J., et al. (2023). Chronic hypoxia exposure impaired gonad development, aggravated oxidative stress and apoptosis in female Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Aquaculture Journal of Endocrinology (Under review).

Ali, M. J. (2023). Effects of Dissolved Oxygen on Gonad Development of Female Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). M.Sc. Thesis, Freshwater Fishery Research Center, Nanjing Agriculture University, China.

Ali, M.J. (2019). Efficiency of sweet potato (Ipomea batata) as biofloc to maintain water quality and growth rate of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). BSc. Special Project, Sokoine University of Agriculture.

Conclusion 🌍

Masoud Juma Ali possesses many qualities that make him a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award“. His educational qualifications, research experience, and commitment to professional development highlight his capabilities in the field. By addressing areas for improvement, such as expanding his research impact and engaging more with the community, he can further enhance his contributions to fisheries science. Overall, Masoud demonstrates the potential to significantly influence the field and merits recognition through this award.