Speakers

Round table 1. Blue Lab: development of therapies inspired by the sea

In this session, a senior researcher from the Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation of Cádiz (INHIBITS) will present an innovative co-development project, together with the University of Cadiz, of therapeutic molecules based on chemical structures present in invasive seaweed from our province. This project, although promising, has been developed mainly from an academic perspective, without considering in its preliminary design the complexities and challenges inherent in the drug development process for reaching the market and the patient, which currently makes its transfer difficult. A panel of experts in regulation, clinical trials, industry and entrepreneurship support will join the discussion to exchange ideas and analyze with the researcher what strategies could have been followed to explore the obstacles encountered and increase the chances of success of the innovation. The session will culminate with a round table that will address the specific challenges of the clinical development of molecules both in Spain and internationally, offering a comparative vision and highlighting opportunities for improvement and collaboration between sectors to accelerate the development of marine and other drugs.

Round table 2. Waves of well-being: blue diet and healthy habits

This discussion table will bring together leading professionals from the fields of sustainability, nutrition, marine ecophysiology and culinary innovation to, from different points of view, add value to the use of marine products for human health. Their presentations will provide knowledge about sustainability in the value chain of marine products, the nutritional importance of these products, the innovative use of algae in gastronomy and the benefits of blue carbon ecosystems. After the 15-minute presentations of each speaker, a discussion table will be moderated by the Scientific Director of the INHIBITS, Manuel Aguilar Diosdado, who will accept questions from the public, promoting an enriching dialogue about nutrition, sustainability in the consumption of marine products and their relationship with human health.

round table

This session will focus on the uniqueness of the Esteros de la Bahía de Cádiz at both a national and European level. This uniqueness is based on two fundamental pillars: its dimension and its history. The size it presents makes it the largest extension of tidal marshes transformed by the hand of man on a global scale for the extraction of salt and other primary products. In terms of history, it dates back to Roman times in the first century AD, although the widespread transformation of the natural marsh occurred from the 14th century onwards. Marine aquaculture, as a complementary activity, accompanied the salt mining activity, but starting in 1930 it was the starting point for the adaptation of the old farms to the current marine farms.

This activity has favored the socioeconomic development of the environment, and has increased the profitability of the spaces dedicated to aquaculture. This fact has been, precisely, what has allowed us to maintain the sheet of water in this wetland, which currently supports a very rich ecosystem. However, currently the use of these systems is being underexploited, due to their lack of competitiveness. The abandonment of the activity of these areas implies not only the loss of profitability, but also the degradation and subsequent disappearance of the unique ecosystems of this area.

In this session, the challenges and opportunities that appear in the future and the advantages that the declaration of this landscape as GIAHS (World Important Agricultural Heritage Systems) by the FAO will be discussed with the sector.

DEBATE FORUM: Blue tourism, challenges and opportunities for the province of Cádiz

In Blue References, you will witness the positive impact that the Blue Economy is generating in our environment. The Blue Economy goes beyond economic growth: it seeks to transform traditional and emerging sectors to create sustainable solutions, relying on the resources of seas, oceans and continental waters in a responsible manner.

During the event, four professionals selected by UCAEmprende, from the Vice-Rectorate of Entrepreneurship and Employability of the University of Cádiz, will share their experiences from the beginning of their projects to their current success, overcoming unique challenges in areas such as sustainable fishing, ecological tourism, and the preservation of biodiversity. These references will show us how ingenuity, differentiation and commitment can pave the way towards a more balanced development that respects the planet.

It is a project that link entrepreneurial projects and university spinoffs (companies that emerged from research groups at the University of Cádiz) with medium and large-sized companies. Its objective is to provide these initiatives with access to experience, business opportunities, development of innovative projects, access to resources for innovation and, in general, valuable contacts.

But it is not only a valuable space for these innovative initiatives. The connector is the space for restless companies, in search of opportunities, are informed and connect with initiatives that can generate synergies and new avenues for growth.

Blue knowledge transfer. New opportunities for underwater cultural heritage within the framework of the blue economy

Conference: Archaeological Tourism, Public Access and Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage. Some lessons learned from the Italian case

Communication and marketing are key to driving a sustainable blue economy, capable of protecting our oceans while fostering new economic opportunities. In this activity you will be able to meet innovative initiatives that will discuss how to build impact messages that mobilize society and companies towards more sustainable practices.

The main objective of the activity is to provide a space for dissemination and recognition to UCA university graduates, who will present their research projects on relevant topics in the field of marine research and the blue economy. This activity will be an opportunity to promote the exchange of knowledge and establish possible collaborations between emerging researchers and the business and institutional sector.

The presentation of projects will be carried out in a poster exhibition format, in which each participant will have an assigned space to explain their research. Topics to be addressed will include key areas of marine science, the sustainable use of aquatic resources, marine conservation and the development of new technologies for the blue economy. This format will allow close and dynamic interaction between attendees and exhibitors.

This activity aims to offer a comprehensive vision of public financing opportunities aimed at promoting projects within the scope of the Blue Economy. Through an informative and practical format, the event seeks to:

Present specific financial support programs for the sustainable development of maritime and coastal activities, highlighting current calls at regional, national and European level.

Provide guidance on the funding application process, with detailed information on eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria, and best practices to maximize the likelihood of success in obtaining funding.

Promote innovation and sustainability in key sectors of the Blue Economy, such as sustainable fishing, marine tourism, the production of renewable energy from marine sources and the conservation of biodiversity.

Promote public-private collaboration, facilitating exchange between businessmen, entrepreneurs and representatives of public organizations to build strategic alliances that contribute to the development of projects aligned with the objectives of sustainability and economic growth in the maritime field.