Church Point (NS), January 30, 2026 — Université Sainte-Anne is proud to announce that Professor Rym Ben Sallem, from the Department of Sciences, has been awarded a Discovery Grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to pursue a fundamental research program on the microbial mechanisms of alternatives to the use of antibiotics in aquaculture. This innovative program aims to reduce antimicrobial resistance through the use of probiotics and bacteriocins.
The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, a common practice in aquaculture to prevent and treat infections in farmed fish, imposes a dual cost. First, it disrupts their beneficial gut microbiota, potentially compromising fish growth. Second, it accelerates the emergence of resistant bacteria in the environment, adding to other sources of spread. The accumulation of resistant bacteria in the environment consequently puts pressure not only on animal health and the vitality of the food web, but also on human health due to their ubiquity.
“Faced with the global threat of antimicrobial resistance, we need to rethink our approaches,” says Professor Ben Sallem. “Our goal is clear: to find the keys to treating fish in their own intestines. By identifying probiotics and their bacteriocins, we aim to replace antibiotics with natural, specific bodyguards.”
This cutting-edge research programme is divided into three main phases. The research will begin with a study of antibiotic resistance in Nova Scotia's aquaculture farms. The team will then isolate probiotic bacteria indigenous to fish and characterise the powerful antimicrobial bacteriocins they naturally produce. Finally, the effectiveness of these alternatives in protecting fish and supporting their growth will be rigorously evaluated in the laboratory.
"Aquaculture is an important economic pillar in Nova Scotia. By developing alternatives to antibiotics, we aim not only to protect the health of fish and ecosystems, but also to secure the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of this industry for our communities. This is science serving a local and global issue."
— Professor Rym Ben Sallem
By awarding this Discovery Grant, NSERC recognizes the importance of Professor Ben Sallem's fundamental research, which aims to better understand the complex interactions between probiotics, pathogenic bacteria and the intestinal microbiota of fish. This work will build a valuable bank of strains and bioactive compounds. By generating knowledge about these complex biological mechanisms, this research will lay the scientific foundation necessary for the emergence of future sustainable tools for resilient aquaculture. With these tools, aquaculturists could both protect their stocks from harmful bacteria and promote optimal fish growth.
About Université Sainte-Anne
Université Sainte-Anne, the only French language post-secondary institution in Nova Scotia, offers university and college-level courses as well as a French immersion program and customized training in French as a second language. Recognized for its excellent programs as well as its unique and exceptional living environment, Sainte-Anne offers experiential learning opportunities that promote student engagement and success, and an atmosphere which encourages a culture of excellence in research and development. Solidly established in its community, Université Sainte-Anne is a partner of choice for all those who wish to strengthen the vitality of the regions surrounding its 5 campuses as well as all of Acadie throughout Nova Scotia.
For more information
Gilles Saulnier, Officer for research communications and graduate studies
Université Sainte-Anne
Phone: 902-260-5141
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