The University of Plymouth, in partnership with Lallemand, has announced Vera Cirina as the recipient of the 2025 Lallemand Innovation and Impact in Aquaculture and Fisheries Award, recognising her outstanding MSc Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries dissertation.
Vera’s research, selected from a highly competitive field, focused on ‘Probiotics and Gill Health in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar): A Gene Expression Approach.’ Her work provided molecular evidence that probiotics can support gill barrier recovery in Atlantic salmon following bath-based chemical treatments, offering practical insights for improving fish health in aquaculture.
The award, sponsored by Lallemand, includes an EU€1500 prize. The selection panel, comprising Dr Eric Leclercq (Global Aqua R&D and Fish Application Manager at Lallemand), Dr Mark Rawling and Professor Daniel Merrifield, Course Leader, unanimously judged Vera’s dissertation as the most deserving of this year’s honour.
Professor Merrifield said: “Vera has produced an excellent piece of research that demonstrates both scientific rigour and real relevance to the future of sustainable aquaculture. Her work stood out for its clarity, depth, and potential impact. She should be very proud of this achievement.”
Vera Cirina commented: “I am extremely honoured to receive this award and wish to express my sincere thanks to my supervisors, Daniel Merrifield and Mark Rawling, for their guidance throughout my masters. … this recognition motivates me to continue on pushing my limits and always look to improve as a professional.”
The University of Plymouth and Lallemand congratulated Vera on her achievement and commended the high standard of work submitted by all candidates this year, highlighting the importance of supporting innovative research in aquaculture and fisheries.
