Researcher: Iveta Placha Project Name: Bioavailability of thymol in rainbow trout organism and its effect on health parameters

Home institution: Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Animal Physiology - Slovakia Host institution: Experimental farm for freshwater fish nutrition (UNITO-AQUA)

Why did you choose the service/institution you chose?

We chose the UNITO–AQUA platform because it offers all the facilities and expertise needed to successfully implement this project.

How did this access experience support your research?

As only a limited number of studies have investigated the metabolic fate of thymol in animals to date, we expect that the results on thymol bioavailability will provide valuable information on its oral bioavailability in fish.

How does your project benefit society, industry, or policy?

The results provide valuable insights for the fish feed additives industry, which is seeking to develop eco-friendly feeding practices in line with growing consumer demand. We expect our results to be useful for researchers, the pharmaceutical industry, the veterinary sector and fish farms in achieving healthy animals, safe products and reduced economic losses.

How did this experience mark your scientific career?

This experience has been highly beneficial for our graduated PhD student's scientific career development, providing new expertise and opportunities for international collaboration, as well as valuable research experience that will contribute to her future career growth.