Led by postdoctoral researchers from different groups, the CIM-PosDou 2026 call strengthens the Center’s commitment to talent retention
The Marine Research Center (CIM) of the University of Vigo has just concluded the CIM-PosDou 2026 call, an initiative aimed at supporting strategic postdoctoral research projects for the Center. In this edition, two initiatives were selected, addressing challenges related to the conservation of coastal ecosystems in the face of climate change and sustainable aquaculture.
With a focus on ensuring the ecological and socioeconomic sustainability of barnacles
Under the name Detect – Distribution of ‘Pollicipes pollicipes’ Populations in Future Global Warming Scenarios, this project focuses on studying the impact of climate change on the geographic distribution of barnacles, a key resource for shellfishing in Galicia. Led by Marta Román Geada and Iván Rey Rodríguez, researchers from the Ecology and Zoology and Earth groups, respectively, the project aims to generate scientific knowledge applicable to the sustainable management of this resource, providing relevant information for both the scientific community and the shellfishing sector.
In this regard, Iván Rey states that they want to “generate knowledge applicable to the adaptive management of the resource, anticipating possible shifts in distribution and helping to ensure the ecological and socioeconomic sustainability of the goose barnacle in a context of climate change,” for which having the support of this call for proposals “is essential for generating empirical data, validating innovative methodological approaches, and laying the groundwork for future, larger-scale competitive lines of research,” Román points out.
In this regard, Iván Rey states that they aim “to generate knowledge applicable to the adaptive management of the resource, anticipating possible distribution shifts and helping to ensure the ecological and socioeconomic sustainability of barnacles in the context of climate change.” Román emphasizes that having the support of this call “is essential for generating empirical data, validating innovative methodological approaches, and laying the groundwork for future large-scale, competitive research lines.”
Thermal resilience of rainbow trout in response to heat waves
The other selected project is Nutriterm – Functional Diets to Improve Thermal Tolerance in Rainbow Trout, led by Mauro Chivite Alcalde and Jessica Calo Rodríguez, researchers from the PhystoFish group. This project focuses on analyzing the use of spermidine as an innovative nutritional strategy to enhance the resilience of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to thermal stress associated with increasingly frequent heat waves caused by climate change. The research will evaluate physiological, molecular, and behavioral parameters of fish subjected to different thermal conditions, contributing to the development of adaptation tools for continental aquaculture in Europe.
“The awarding of this funding represents a very significant step in our research trajectory. Taking on the role of principal investigator in an independent project entails great responsibility, but it also provides a key opportunity for learning and professional growth. Moreover, it is especially exciting to be able to design, manage, and carry out research independently and autonomously,” explains Jessica Calo.
For his part, Mauro Chivite notes that with this project they aim to obtain results that not only contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge but also have clear applicability in the aquaculture sector. “At the same time, the project is intended as a first step that will allow us to gain experience and training to pursue larger and more competitive projects in the future.” From his perspective, “the results of this project will provide highly valuable information to the aquaculture sector, especially regarding fish resilience to heat waves, a phenomenon that has caused significant losses in recent summers.” In the context of increasingly pronounced climate change, the Nutriterm team considers it essential to adapt the sector to cope as effectively as possible with prolonged periods of high temperatures that are recurring year after year.
Support for research talent and strategic research
The CIM-PosDou call is part of CIM’s strategy to promote postdoctoral talent, strengthen interdisciplinary work across the Center’s scientific priorities, and foster excellence-driven science with social and environmental impact.
In the 2025 edition, two high-impact innovative projects were funded under this initiative, focusing on the sustainability of shellfishing and the response of marine ecosystems to climate change. The Salmar project, led by Marisela Des and Diego Fernández (EPhysLab), analyzed the impact of extreme climatic events, such as heavy rainfall and heat waves, on intertidal bivalves in the Ría de Arousa, combining advanced numerical models to develop early warning systems and management support tools for the shellfishing sector.
Meanwhile, Benthic-Pro, coordinated by Iria García (Geoma) and Andreu Blanco (Future Oceans Lab), assessed the impact of shellfish farming and aquaculture activities on marine biodiversity and food webs, focusing on the role of benthic microalgae and the effects of mussel aquaculture in the Rías Baixas, providing knowledge for the sustainable management of coastal ecosystems.
CIM holds the CIGUS recognition from the Regional Government of Galicia, which certifies the quality and impact of its research, and its activities are co-financed by the European Union through the FEDER 21-27 Program.
Source: DUVI
Ivan Rey and Marta Román, responsible for the project on the future of barnacles in global warming scenarios.
The Nutriterm project analyzes functional diets to improve thermal tolerance of rainbow trout.
Mauro Chivite and Jessica Calo responsible for the project on rainbow trout.
