CIIMAR - Portugal
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🧬 SUMMARY
DR. DIOGO PEIXOTO is a distinguished postdoctoral researcher in aquaculture science with a PhD in Animal Science from the Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto. Currently based at CIIMAR, he plays a pivotal role in advancing nutritional immunology and sustainable aquaculture practices. His academic footprint spans over 20 peer-reviewed publications, participation in 35+ scientific events, and collaboration in more than a dozen research projects. With deep expertise in immune responses, stress physiology, and dietary interventions in fish, Dr. Peixoto contributes significantly to fish welfare science. He has collaborated with renowned institutions such as the University of Edinburgh and Universidad de Cádiz. His research focuses on dietary amino acids like tryptophan and methionine as immunomodulators, with strong emphasis on fish gut-brain axis mechanisms. His interdisciplinary approach blends molecular biology, nutrition, and environmental sustainability, cementing his place among leading young marine biologists in Europe.
📚 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS
Dr. Diogo Peixoto’s academic path began with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Évora, where he developed a strong foundation in ecological and biological sciences. He followed this with a Master’s in Biological Aquatic Resources, majoring in Aquaculture at the University of Porto, with research centered on zooplankton communities in Mediterranean coastal waters. This early exposure to marine ecology was crucial in shaping his interest in aquatic health systems. His doctoral journey at ICBAS, University of Porto, was marked by rigorous investigation into the neuroendocrine and immunological effects of tryptophan in fish, under stressful and inflammatory conditions. Through advanced training programs across Europe—including Spain, Italy, and the UK—he honed skills in flow cytometry, omics tools, and fish vaccination. These formative experiences laid a strong scientific foundation that propelled his transition into applied aquaculture and fish immunophysiology, merging academic depth with practical industry relevance.
🧪 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS
Professionally, Dr. Peixoto’s trajectory reflects diverse and impactful roles in academic, governmental, and EU-funded research. As an Auxiliary Researcher at CIIMAR and affiliated with the University of Porto, he has led and contributed to projects such as GRINNAQUA, IMMUNAA, and PLASTICARTEMIA. His international engagements include research fellowships at the University of Edinburgh, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas in Spain, and Università degli Studi di Firenze in Italy. These positions allowed him to build a multidisciplinary understanding of aquaculture practices, environmental impact assessments, and marine biotechnology. His leadership as Principal Investigator in microplastic research highlights his proactive stance on marine pollution. Additionally, his role in organizing scientific symposia like the Animal Health Symposium underlines his contributions beyond laboratory work, emphasizing science communication and community engagement. As a trainer in aquatic anesthesia and fish handling techniques, he continues to mentor upcoming professionals in ethical and advanced aquaculture research.
🧠 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS
Dr. Peixoto’s research is firmly anchored in fish immunophysiology, dietary modulation, and stress resilience mechanisms in aquaculture species like Dicentrarchus labrax and Sparus aurata. He specializes in using amino acids—particularly tryptophan and methionine—as functional dietary supplements to modulate the gut-brain-immune axis in fish. His work elucidates how diet can influence stress responses, inflammation resolution, and vaccination efficacy, thereby improving fish welfare and disease resistance. Utilizing transcriptomics, proteomics, and advanced biomarker analysis, he has provided scientific evidence on the benefits of functional feeds under crowding and environmental stress. His interdisciplinary integration of nutrition, molecular biology, and aquaculture health has attracted significant EU funding and institutional partnerships. He has also contributed to sustainability-focused studies by exploring algae-based feeds and insect meal replacements. His research is deeply impactful in advancing zero-antibiotic aquaculture and offers scalable solutions for enhancing the robustness of farmed fish.
🏆 ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION
Dr. Peixoto’s excellence in aquaculture research has been recognized through four professional honors and multiple invited presentations at prestigious global symposia. He has authored over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles, several of which are in high-impact journals such as Scientific Reports, Fish Physiology and Biochemistry, and Frontiers in Immunology. His pivotal role as corresponding author in multiple publications underlines his leadership and scientific credibility. He has also been actively involved in organizing scientific workshops and symposiums across Europe, including co-chairing the Animal Health Symposium and AQUAIMPROVE workshop. As a valued peer reviewer and committee member, his influence extends beyond research, into policy and academic governance. His active memberships with the World Aquaculture Society and European Aquaculture Society further cement his professional reputation. These achievements not only underscore his scientific caliber but also his commitment to collaborative progress in sustainable aquaculture and marine resource management.
🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE
The impact of Dr. Peixoto’s work reverberates across Europe’s aquaculture research landscape, with significant implications for food security, environmental protection, and animal welfare. His research on dietary immunomodulation contributes directly to reducing antibiotic dependence in fish farming—a critical issue in combating antimicrobial resistance. By emphasizing the gut-brain axis and immune-nutritional interactions, he provides practical strategies for enhancing resilience in farmed fish populations. His work on microplastic effects in aquatic organisms has been pivotal in raising awareness about marine pollution’s biological consequences. Furthermore, his innovations in using algae, yeast extracts, and insect-based feeds support sustainable feed development with reduced carbon footprints. Dr. Peixoto's translational research model—spanning lab-to-field applications—has influenced both academic practices and aquaculture industry standards. He stands as a bridge between fundamental biological research and applied aquatic health innovation, contributing to international efforts for responsible and eco-friendly aquaculture.
🔮 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS
Looking ahead, Dr. Peixoto’s scientific legacy is poised to grow through his ongoing involvement in ambitious EU projects like EUAqua.Org and AlFunFed. His future contributions are expected to reshape aquafeed formulation by integrating single-cell protein technologies and reducing aquaculture’s environmental footprint. Committed to open-access science, he continues to disseminate knowledge globally through lectures, workshops, and publications. With an emerging interest in fish behavioral immunology and microbiome interactions, his next frontier includes exploring holistic welfare models that incorporate neurobiology and nutrition. His mentorship of younger scientists and his advocacy for interdisciplinary collaboration will ensure his methodologies continue to inspire innovation across marine biology, veterinary science, and environmental sustainability. As aquaculture expands globally, Dr. Peixoto's research will remain crucial in guiding ethical, scientific, and scalable practices, setting a benchmark for integrative, evidence-based solutions in aquatic food production.
PUBLICATION
Title: Synergistic Effects of Dietary Tryptophan and Dip Vaccination in the Immune Response of European Seabass Juveniles
Authors: Diogo Peixoto, Inês Carvalho, André Cunha, Paulo Santos, Lourenço Ramos-Pinto, Marina Machado, Rita Azeredo, Benjamín Costas
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Title: Transcriptomic Analysis of Skin Response to Tenacibaculum maritimum Infection in European Seabass Fed Dietary Methionine Supplementation
Authors: Inês Carvalho, Diogo Peixoto, Inês Ferreira, Diego Robledo, Jorge Fernandes Gonçalves, Marina Machado, Carolina Tafalla, Benjamín Costas
Journal/Conference: AQUA 2024 - “Blue Food Green Solutions”
Title: Immunomodulatory Effects of High Dietary Methionine Intake on European Seabass Skin Immune Response Against Tenacibaculum maritimum
Authors: Inês Carvalho, Diogo Peixoto, Diego Robledo, Lourenço Ramos-Pinto, J.F. Gonçalves, Marina Machado, Carolina Tafalla, Benjamín Costas
Conference: XXI International Symposium on Fish Nutrition and Feeding – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Title: Physiological Response of European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) Juveniles to an Acute Stress Challenge: The Impact of Partial and Total Dietary Fishmeal Replacement by an Insect Meal
Authors: Ana Basto, Diogo Peixoto, Marina Machado, Benjamín Costas, Daniel de Moura Murta, L.M.P. Valente
Journal: Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
Title: Dietary Tryptophan Plays a Role as an Anti-Inflammatory Agent in European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) Juveniles during Chronic Inflammation
Authors: Rita Azeredo, Diogo Peixoto, Paulo Santos, Inês Duarte, Ana Ricardo, Cláudia Aragão, Marina Machado, Benjamín Costas
Journal: Biology