The Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Cluster (SAIC) has appointed 14 experts to its first science panel since becoming independent, bringing together expertise spanning academia and industry across the UK, Norway, Chile and Australia.
The panel will provide independent scientific advice to SAIC’s board and help guide research and innovation activities. Members will serve for up to two years, assessing project applications for scientific merit and potential impact across finfish, shellfish and seaweed.
“Our new science panel brings together one of the most diverse and experienced groups SAIC has ever convened,” said Sarah Riddle, principal officer at SAIC. “We have the breadth and depth needed to rigorously assess projects across finfish, shellfish and seaweed.”
Pieter van West, director of the International Centre for Aquaculture Research and Development at the University of Aberdeen, will chair the panel, continuing from its previous iteration. Dr Tim Bean of the Roslin Institute has been appointed vice-chair.
Environmental expertise includes Professor Keith Davidson and Dr Tom Wilding of the Scottish Association for Marine Science, alongside Dr Sofie Spatharis of the University of Glasgow. Fish health specialists include Professor Martin Llewellyn, Dr Byron Morales Lange and Dr Sophie Fridman.
Shellfish health expertise will come from Dr Carmel McDougall and Tim Bean, while veterinary knowledge is represented by Dr Fernando Mardones, Dr Johanna Baily and Dr Khalid Shahin.
Professor Fateh Kerrouche and environmental modelling specialist Anton Edwards complete the panel, bringing expertise in technology and modelling.
The appointments come as SAIC launches its first funding call of its new era on 24 August. The cluster became independent from the University of Stirling earlier this year and relocated to the Highlands after securing £1.4 million in annual funding from Crown Estate Scotland for at least five years.
Van West said the panel would play a crucial role as interest in innovation grows, with a record number of expressions of interest received ahead of the funding call.
