The Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre has announced the formation of its Independent Scientific Panel, comprising eight highly regarded senior researchers. The new Panel will provide expert and independent opinion to the SAIC Board on the scientific quality of proposals for SAIC funding.
In addition, the Panel will support SAIC with insights into relevant developments in related scientific fields or other parts of the world. This will help the Innovation Centre to identify possible synergies and avoid duplication in its project funding decisions.
The eight senior scientists invited to join the Panel work in aquaculture and related fields, and bring a wide range of specialist knowledge, including alternative feed sources, fish health, genomics and bioinformatics, and coastal oceanography. They are: Professor Anton Edwards, Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, Dr Peter Harlech Jones, Dr Aleksei Krasnov, Dr Cath McLeod Dr Gordon Ritchie, Dr Jonathan Shepherd and Professor Patrick Smith.
Members of the SAIC Independent Scientific Panel (SISP) will have tenure for four years. All are serving in a personal capacity, and not as representatives of a particular institution or organisation.
Commenting on the formation of the Panel, Heather Jones, Chief Executive of the Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre, said: “The calibre and breadth of experience of the eight senior scientists on our Independent Scientific Panel is impressive. Their expert, impartial input will underpin SAIC’s funding decisions, and reinforce our ability to foster innovative solutions for industry-defined challenges. I am delighted that these internationally-respected scientists are supporting SAIC’s work.”
Professor Anton Edwards added: “Scotland’s higher education and research institutions have world-class research capabilities whose application to industry-defined issues benefits the Scottish economy. As just one of the SAIC Independent Scientific Panel, I am delighted that my own background in marine physics can support the Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre and its goal of ensuring the long-term sustainability of aquaculture in Scotland.”
