The session marked the conclusion of yet another edition of the Blue Young Talent and BYTplus programmes and welcomed the participants who will be joining the 2026/2027 edition. Since 2014, the initiative has involved more than 200 students and awarded 141 research grants.
Six students from the Blue Young Talent (BYT) programme and six from the BYTplus programme presented the results of the research projects they had carried out over the past year this Thursday, during the closing session of the 12th edition of BYT and the 6th edition of BYTplus, organised by CIIMAR. The event also marked the launch of the new edition of the programmes, with the introduction of the 12 new scholarship holders and their respective supervisory teams.
Throughout the session, participants presented their projects in short pitches, covering topics as diverse as the discovery of new antibiotics, marine biotechnology, sustainable aquaculture, ecology, environmental health and adaptation to climate change. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards and certificates to the participants of the 2025/2026 cohort.
About BYT
Established in 2014, Blue Young Talent is one of CIIMAR’s most flagship training programmes, offering undergraduate, master’s and PhD students an integrated research experience within international and multidisciplinary scientific teams. The programme promotes the development of skills in areas such as marine biotechnology, global change and ecosystem services, as well as biology, aquaculture and the quality of seafood products.
Developed in close collaboration with companies and other partners, BYT aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and innovation, offering participants not only laboratory experience but also training in science communication, entrepreneurship and career development.
Since its inception, the programme has involved 201 students and awarded 141 research grants, establishing itself as a leading platform for the training of young researchers in Portugal.
In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), Blue Young Talent helps to prepare a new generation of scientists capable of addressing the challenges of ocean conservation and sustainable use.
The programme is currently supported by the Amadeu Dias Foundation, Soja de Portugal and the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), strengthening the link between research, society and the business community.