The Veterinary Research Institute of Thessaloniki, established in 1997, is a research unit of the Hellenic Agricultural Organization DIMITRA (former NAGREF). The main purpose of the Institute is conduction of research aimed at the following:

1. Improvement of livestock production (productivity, farm  management,  sustainability)

2. Sustainable development, characterization, and use of local animal genetic resources

3. Protection of public health

4. Disease prevention and control in farm animals

5. Improvement of reproductive performance (classical and biotechnological methods)

6. Hygiene and technology of food of animal origin

7. Development of livestock systems, environmental protection, animal welfare and production of quality products

8. Hygiene, quality, and food safety in particular animal origin

9. Toxicology of animals and feed

In the context of global warming, the BIVALVIANET, in cooperation with scientists of Institution conducts research regarding the appearance of specific pathogens species on the Mytilus galloprovincialis. It is an effort for early detection of pathogens, thus avoiding impacts on the health of consumers.

The project is co-financed by the European Union and Greek national funds through the Operational Program Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, under the call Special Actions AQUACULTURE – INDUSTRIAL MATERIALS – OPEN INNOVATION IN CULTURE (project code: T6YBΠ-00388; Project acronym: SmartMussel).