The Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) and Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) are inviting funding applications for PhD projects which use biotechnology solutions to supply sustainable feed ingredients.
Corinne Critchlow-Watton, research and knowledge exchange manager, SAIC said: “This PhD directly tackles an industry issue by introducing more sustainable practices and preparing the aquaculture industry for the future. The topic is one at the heart of our strategic focus.”
A SAIC priority innovation area is alternative sustainable feeds for finfish, while IBioIC focuses on accelerating and de-risking the development of commercially viable, sustainable Industrial biotechnology solutions.
A key activity of IBioIC and SAIC is the support of industrially relevant PhD projects that bring projects closer to industrialisation.
The areas of research for a PhD project to be considered for funding could include the identification and production of high quality protein sources, novel sources of lipids or functional feed ingredients.
Up to two thirds cash funding is available from IBioIC and SAIC for projects up to three years in length, with the remaining funding to come from the academic or industrial partner.
Applications must demonstrate industrial relevance by the innovative use or application of IB that is of direct commercial benefit to the aquaculture industry in Scotland.
In fostering industry-relevant collaboration, SAIC and IBioIC also hope to impact positively on the Scottish economy by boosting cross-sector innovation.
The project will be led by a Scottish Higher Education Institute and supported by a relevant industry member. The call for applications closes at 12pm on 8 February 2016. For more information visit the IBioIC website
