Agboola Jeleel Opeyemi has been crowned the winner of this year’s Nutreco Young Researchers’ Prize, securing the top €12,000 cash prize to help further his research.
Opeyemi, a graduate from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NBMU), won the prize for his project “Can fish grow on trees? Yeast as future feed ingredient”, with the judges impressed by his exploration into the nutritional and functional potential of yeasts produced from wood sugars as sustainable fish feeds.
“I’m extremely honoured and excited to be named this year’s Young Researchers’ Prize winner. Having my research recognised in such a way reassures me that I’m making a proactive and meaningful contribution towards feeding our growing population more sustainably. I’m looking forward to using the prize money to further my aquaculture research as well as dedicating some time to my own personal and professional development,” Opeyemi said.
Nutreco’s Young Researchers’ Prize challenged PhD students and first- and second-year post-doctorate researchers to put forward innovative ideas that could contribute to Nutreco’s overarching purpose of Feeding the Future.
A total of 37 applications from young academics from across the world showcased innovative solutions towards sustainable and environmentally conscious farming practices.
The award’s head judge, Leo Den Hartog, Nutreco board member and former R&D Director, said, “Special congratulations must go to Agboola Jeleel for his research that examines the nutritional and functional potential of yeasts produced from wood sugars as sustainable fish feeds – a truly innovative solution to sustainable fish farming.
“Thank you to all who applied. My fellow judges and I have thoroughly enjoyed judging this year’s fantastic pool of applicants. It’s been immensely encouraging to see the diverse and creative solutions the next generation of thinkers have to some of the most urgent issues facing our industry.”
Nutreco’s Young Researchers’ Prize will return in 2024.
