IIM-CSIC and AFAMO Bring Marine Research to People with Dementia Through Art

A 'gyotaku' workshop combines science and creativity for AFAMO users, fostering inclusion and well-being.

O IIM-CSIC e AFAMO achegan a investigación mariña a persoas con demencia a través da arte

Instituto de Investigacións Mariñas (IIM-CSIC) · 2026-10-20

On September 30th, the Institute of Marine Research (IIM-CSIC) and AFAMO organized the workshop 'The Fish's Footprint' in Vigo, combining scientific outreach and artistic expression for people with dementia.

The Institute of Marine Research (IIM-CSIC), through its Ecology and Marine Biodiversity group (Ecobiomar), together with AFAMO (Association of Relatives of People with Alzheimer's and other Dementias of O Morrazo), held the workshop 'The Fish's Footprint' on September 30th in Vigo. This initiative, part of a collaboration agreement, aims to bring marine research to society in a creative and participatory manner.
The activity used gyotaku, a Japanese artistic technique of fish printing, as a starting point. AFAMO users discovered curiosities about turbot anatomy and experimented with the technique to create their own artistic compositions on fabric bags, showcasing their creativity.
This collaboration underscores public science's commitment to social progress, not only through scientific advancements but also through outreach initiatives that create meeting spaces and bring research closer to diverse groups. AFAMO, which works to improve the quality of life for people with dementia and their families, finds new experiences in this alliance that stimulate users' abilities and promote their well-being.
Through the dialogue between science and art, the workshop offered a different perspective for discovering marine biodiversity, adapting to various audiences and realities. It highlights the involvement of researchers and their commitment to extending knowledge beyond the strictly scientific realm, contributing to collective well-being.
Based on information from the official source: IIM-CSIC (Instituto de Investigacións Mariñas) (20/10/2026)