Don't miss the opportunity to participate in the largest aquaculture event in the Southern Hemisphere!
Don't miss the opportunity to participate in the largest aquaculture event in the Southern Hemisphere!
Jurij Wacyk is a leading academic and researcher in fish nutrition and physiology in aquaculture, with a solid scientific background focused on understanding how farmed fish utilize and metabolize nutrients more efficiently, integrating productivity, animal health, and sustainability. He is an Associate Professor at the Universidad de Chile and holds specialized training in fish nutrition, further strengthened by a PhD in fish physiology from the University of Idaho (United States), where he conducted research in nutrigenomics under the supervision of Dr. Ronald Hardy, focusing on amino acid metabolism in trout. His work combines traditional experimental approaches with molecular tools to assess the effects of different protein sources, antinutritional factors, and plant-based extracts—both terrestrial and marine—on productive performance and the function of key organs such as the liver and intestine. Throughout his career, he has conducted applied research across a wide range of aquaculture species, including salmonids (trout and salmon), tilapia, red and golden conger eel, halibut, and yellowtail, contributing relevant scientific evidence for the development of more efficient, functional, and sustainable aquafeeds. He currently serves as Director of the Department of Animal Production, Principal Investigator of the Animal Nutrition Laboratory (LABNA), Director of CRIA—an integrated collaborative research initiative—and researcher at CASA, playing a key role in strengthening the link between science, innovation, and aquaculture production.
Explore the full list of experts who will take part in conferences, panels, and
event activities.
He holds a degree in Microbiology from the University of Oslo (1989) and has built an extensive international career in aquatic animal health and aquaculture policy. He began his professional career as a scientist at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, focusing on fish health and disease prevention in aquaculture. He later served in several roles within the Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture, including Head of the Animal Health Unit. He subsequently joined the European Commission (DG Health and Consumer Affairs), where he was responsible for developing the EU legislation on aquatic animal health. From 2017 to 2019 he chaired the FAO COFI Sub-Committee on Aquaculture and, since 2020, he serves as Director General and Head of the Department of Aquaculture at the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.
Geneticist specialized in aquaculture breeding programs. He holds a Ph.D. in Genetics and Animal Breeding from São Paulo State University (UNESP), with a focus on applied genomics in selection programs. He has extensive experience leading and optimizing genomic selection strategies to enhance productivity, product quality, and sustainability in aquaculture.
Social anthropologist and holds a Master’s degree in Environment from the University of Melbourne. She has more than ten years of experience in marine and coastal governance and planning, facilitating participatory processes aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of marine ecosystems. She currently serves as National Coordinator of the GEF Marine Coastal Governance Project in Chile, implemented by FAO together with the Ministry of Environment, the Undersecretariat for Fisheries and Aquaculture, and SERNAPESCA, where she leads initiatives to strengthen coastal governance, marine spatial planning, and the development of a sustainable blue economy.
