She is researching Francisella, a relatively new fish disease in Norway, which constitutes a major threat to Atlantic cod farming. The disease is most common in southern Norway during the summer, when the sea temperature rises. Cod infected with Francisella get white nodules on internal organs and then die after some time.

“In this project we will study the basic properties of the bacterium Francisella,” say Marit Seppola.

“We will infect fish cells and study how the cod immune system is affected. Are some parts of the immune system more important than others? Can we find something in the immune system that can prevent infection? We will also disable the immune system and see how the bacteria respond. This will give an indication of what is important to combat the disease,” she adds.

The Norwegian Research Council’s programme for Outstanding Young Investigators targets young researchers in all disciplines.