Matís in Akureyri (Matvælarannsóknir Íslands) has started using imaging equipment that will greatly enhance the company's research in the area. The number of full-time equivalent positions has already been increased by half, and the aim is to increase the number of additional full-time equivalent positions by further strengthening research in this field.
The imaging equipment offers the possibility to study the microscopic structure of food and the statistical processing of data. The equipment makes it possible for Matís to strengthen research and development work for the benefit of companies in the food industry. These include research into the quality and properties of food and its utilization, such as lamb, dairy products and fish. The equipment will also be used for research into the immune system of halibut and cod larvae in the first and most sensitive stages of farming. It will also be possible to further strengthen research on farmed fish and other farmed species, such as the effect of feed on the properties of products.
"Matís has placed great emphasis on strengthening its research work in Akureyri and the imaging equipment is one part of that. We anticipate an increase of 2-3 full-time equivalents if we succeed in fully utilizing the equipment in collaboration with manufacturers and companies in the food industry. The equipment will also be useful to the university and science community in Akureyri, which is in great demand, "says Rannveig Björnsdóttir, head of department at Matís.
Matís has 5 employees in Akureyri, but the company conducts food research in collaboration with the University of Akureyri, other institutions and companies in the North. In addition, there are 4 students under the auspices of Matís in master's projects in Akureyri.
Matís began operations at the end of last year, combining the activities of the Fisheries Research Institute, Matvælarannsókna Keldnaholt (MATRA), the Environment Agency's Laboratory, the biotechnology company Prokaria and Iceprotein.
