Research projects

We are studying whether we can control the prey preference of the jellyfish so that these fish can be used to target non-native crayfish. Thus, we are developing a nature-based control method for these harmful exotic species.

In the UlvaLaunch project, we are optimizing the cultivation of sea lettuce (Ulva) to reduce the ecological footprint and production costs, and we are identifying ways to develop a local seaweed supply chain in Flanders.

AEP-Pulse is building a circular future for aquaculture, insect and plant cultivation. The innovative Aqua-Entomo-Ponics (AEP) system intelligently reuses residual streams between sectors, leading to more sustainable and efficient production.

Detection dogs can do much more than track drugs or explosives. More and more, we deploy them for innovative projects, from finding rare animals to detecting invasive species. We are working on an evidence-based protocol to determine which applications are both feasible and meaningful. In this way, we bring science and practice together and prepare detection dogs for the ecological challenges of tomorrow.

The use of search dogs is an effective method for locating wild boar carcasses as part of the prevention and control of African swine fever. Flanders also wants to be prepared with the appropriate knowledge and expertise. Through our research, we bring science and practice together in a well-founded protocol to be ready for this challenge of tomorrow.

In Flanders, the aquaculture sector still has significant growth potential. AquaPlanner maps the economic potential of aquaculture and offers entrepreneurs support through an integrated business model perspective and calculation tool.

Fish in recirculating systems can develop off-flavor taste, which is resolved by "purging" in fresh water, a long and water-intensive process. A new technology breaks down off-flavor molecules in the culture water via oxidation reactions, which reduces water consumption and shortens purging time. This project investigates the safety, effectiveness and economic feasibility of this technology in caviar production.

Within this research project, the focus lies on the extraction and characterisation of bioactive components from plant-based residual streams, with the aim of achieving sustainable and industrial applications in food, cosmetics, and agriculture.

In this study, we aim to identify the minerals and nitrogen compounds required by the yeasts and bacteria in the SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) during kombucha fermentation.

How can the targeted implementation of olfactory enrichment affect the well-being of pet species in different contexts?