The AQUAEXCEL3.0 Virtual Laboratory
Experiments with fish usually involve extensive use of laboratory facilities, and often need to run for long periods of time to obtain the desired answers. In such experiments, it is essential to ensure that the fish experience acceptable welfare conditions. Together with the potentially high costs of such experiments, the welfare perspective underlines the need for good experimental planning when doing research on fish. Both from an ethical (3R’s) and a cost perspective, numerical models may be useful tools for experimental design, preparation and planning before realizing the actual experiments.
In the previous AQUAEXCEL project we developed a virtual laboratory system that enabled virtual experiments in aquaculture research facilities. This system featured a framework that allowed the integration of mathematical models of different subsystems in common simulations, replicating the system operation of research laboratories.
In AQUAEXCEL 3.0 we continue to improve upon the models and also develop new models. This website contains several tutorials on how to download a simulation tool and different models in order to make your own virtual lab where you can simulate experiments with fish!
Exploring the Virtual Laboratory in AQUAEXCEL3.0
The virtual laboratory was used as an educational tool during two days of lectures titled “Mathematical Modelling in Aquaculture,” delivered as part of a master’s course in aquaculture in NTNU, in Autumn 2025. Students in this course are predominantly trained as biologists, and the aim was therefore to introduce mathematical modelling as a useful research tool and to provide a practical exercise in applying these methods through the virtual laboratory.
The first day focused on theory, consisting of a lecture covering general mathematical modelling methods and their applications in aquaculture. The second day was dedicated to practical exercises using the Virtual Laboratory developed within AQUAEXCEL3.0. This began with an introductory lecture presenting the tool, its contents, and instructions on how to use the platform. The students were then given access to the Laboratory and assigned a set of simple exercises to complete within the framework, while the lecturer remained available to assist students who needed guidance.
Overall, the students were able to run the models and interpret the outputs produced by the virtual laboratory. This suggests that the platform successfully achieved its purpose in the course by enabling students without programming experience to engage with modelling as a practical tool. Moving forward, these lectures are planned to remain a component of the aquaculture course, and the virtual laboratory may also be used in future courses in aquaculture technology at NTNU.
Interested in testing the Virtual Laboratory?
To help users get started with simulations, a range of tutorials is available in the AQUAEXCEL3.0 Virtual Laboratory website. The tutorials provide step-by-step guidance on how to set up experiments, run simulations, and interpret model outputs within the platform. They are designed to support both beginners and more experienced users who want to explore how modelling can be applied in aquaculture research.