Project Details | AASTMT Research

Project: Knowledge Exchange in Aquatic Animals Medicine and Ecosystem Health in the Mediterranean and sub-Saharan Regions / AquaVET

Abstract

The AquaVET project addresses the high-impact challenge of aquaculture disease outbreaks in Egypt and Nigeria by bridging the gap between aquaculture and veterinary medicine. It establishes an interdisciplinary MSc programme “Aquatic Animals Medicine and Ecosystem Health” (AQAMEH) in partner universities in both countries, aligned with international standards and the Bologna Process. Through curriculum development, digital teaching methods, upgraded laboratories, staff training and student mobility,AquaVET aims to produce highly qualified specialists in aquatic animal health and ecosystem protection. The project is expected to increase research outputs on aquatic animal diseases, improve graduate employability in national and international labour markets, and contribute to economic stability and sustainability in both countries.

Project Name

Knowledge Exchange in Aquatic Animals Medicine and Ecosystem Health in the Mediterranean and sub-Saharan Regions / AquaVET

Ref No/ Funded Entity

101179739

Project Duration

36month

Project Start Date

2024-10-01

Project End Date

2027-09-30

Total Budget

EUR

Budget of the academy in this project

EUR

Project Website

Go to Website

Objectives

1. Establish a new MSc programme “Aquatic Animals Medicine and Ecosystem Health” (AQAMEH) in Egypt and Nigeria as the first interdisciplinary master’s degree combining aquaculture and veterinary medicine.
2. Develop a competence-based curriculum aligned with ECTS, the Bologna Process and the Digital Education Action Plan, including innovative teaching and assessment methods supported by digital technologies.
3. Obtain accreditation and formal approval for the AQAMEH MSc from the relevant higher education authorities in Egypt (and the corresponding bodies in Nigeria), and start enrolling students and launching the programme.
4. Enhance higher education quality through digital and blended learning, introducing distance-learning tools for theoretical components and face-to-face teaching for practical work, while strengthening teaching and assessment mechanisms and quality assurance.
5. Establish technology transfer labs and upgrade laboratories at participating universities in Egypt and Nigeria to support the new curriculum, practical training, and research on aquaculture diseases and ecosystem health.
6. Promote student and staff mobility and international experience, enabling students to study in EU partner universities and strengthening collaboration and knowledge exchange across the consortium.
7. Ensure alignment with national and international strategies, including Egypt’s Vision 2030, relevant Nigerian strategies and the UN SDGs, while applying “green deal” practices to minimise environmental and climate impacts of project activities.
Partners Name
1. ALEXANDRIA UNIVERSITY (AU), Egypt. (Coordinator)
2. ARAB ACADEMY FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MARITIME TRANSPORT (AASTMT), Egypt.
3. UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA (UNN), Nigeria.
4. MICHAEL OKPARA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE UMUDIKE (MOUAU), Nigeria.
5. UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI PALERMO (UNIPA), Italy.
6. SVEUCILISTE U DUBROVNIKU (UNIDU), Croatia.
7. ISTITUTO ZOOPROFILATTICO SPERIMENTALE DELLE VENEZIE (IZSVE), Italy.

Our Partners

Erasmus+ (European Education and Culture Executive Agency, EACEA)
https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/

Prof. Dr. Kareem Mahmoud TONBOL

Professor of Physical Oceanography and Climatology, Dean of Scientific Research for Maritime Affairs,

Mobile: 01065544817

E-mail: ktonbol@aast.edu

Project Coordinator