Beate Julie Thu is a researcher at Møreforsking and holds a degree in Civil Engineering with specialization in Biotechnology from NTH (1990), followed by a Dr.ing degree from NTNU (1996). Her doctoral thesis, “Alginate polycation microcapsules: a study of some molecular and functional properties relevant for their use as a bioartificial pancreas”, focused on molecular and functional properties of alginate-based microcapsules for biomedical applications.
Beate is part of the research group Sustainable Ocean and Coast at Møreforsking, where she works on topics related to aquaculture and Integrated Multi‑Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA). Her research includes stress indicators in fish and shellfish, as well as the utilisation of marine residual raw materials. She has broad interests and experience across several fields, including marine polysaccharides, proteins, aquaculture, fish health, cell biology, virus–host interactions, vaccines and immunology.
Beate joined Møreforsking in 2014. Prior to this, she held several research and academic positions: senior researcher at Vaxxinova Norge AS (2011–2013), associate professor at the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science (2007–2011), researcher at the same institution (2002–2007), senior researcher at Alpharma AS, Division of Fish Health (1999–2002), researcher at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute (1997–2002), and researcher at NOBIPOL (NTH/SINTEF) (1991).