The EDIGEN initiative of the Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (Favet) will convene national and international experts to address the challenges and opportunities of this technology in the global aquaculture industry in a conversation panel that meets within the framework of the most important aquaculture fair in the southern hemisphere.

“Perspectives on the application of Gene Edition in the global aquaculture industry” is the name of the workshop that the EDIGEN team has prepared to generate a space for international dialogue on the role of biotechnology and innovation in the sustainable development of aquaculture, a strategic sector for Chile. The appointment is on Wednesday, March 25, from 15:45 at the Congress Hall of Aquasur 2026.

The panel will be moderated by Paulo Palacios, technical manager of Salmones Antártica (Nissui Group), and will be attended by José Manuel Yáñez, dean of Favet and director of EDIGEN; Pedro Rocha, coordinator of Biotechnology and Biosafety at the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA); Morten Rye, director of External Services and International Strategies at Benchmark Genetics; and Alejandro Barrientos, head of the Aquaculture Division of the Undersecretary for Fisheries and Aquaculture.

During the day, key issues will be addressed such as the main challenges for the implementation of the gene edition in aquaculture, the possible restrictions on its deployment and the role of international organizations in the governance of these technologies. In addition, successful international experiences in the use of genetic editing in animal and plant production will be reviewed, highlighting its potential to improve health, sustainability and productivity of the sector.

In this context, Professor José Manuel Yáñez will present the EDIGEN initiative, a project promoted by the University of Chile that seeks to position the country at the forefront of the gene edition applied to aquaculture, promoting scientific development, technology transfer and linking it to the productive sector.

The workshop is part of EDIGEN's networking and dissemination activities aimed at strengthening collaboration between academia, industry and the public sector, contributing to an informed discussion on the responsible use of biotechnology.

The interested community will be able to learn more about this initiative and continue the dialogue during the development of the fair at the Fabet stand (S-22), as well as through the official website of the project.

With this participation, the University of Chile reaffirms its commitment to generating knowledge of excellence and its contribution to the sustainable development of aquaculture, promoting meeting spaces that integrate science, innovation and public policies.