The Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Cluster (SAIC) created a 14-person board of scientists across academia and industry roles to advise the organization with independent scientific advice for research and innovation measures.
“The quality of the applications meant we expanded the group from the 12 originally planned, which also reflects the fact this is the strongest science panel we have ever had,” SAIC Principal Officer Sarah Riddle said. “The timing couldn’t be better with our funding call launching this month, and this panel puts us in the best possible position to support high-quality innovation projects right across aquaculture.”
Members of the new board come from the U.K., Norway, Chile, and Australia and will be a member of the group for up to two years, according to a release by SAIC. Members will be responsible for reviewing potential impacts and scientific merits of incoming project applications. On 24 August, SAIC started a new funding call, following it’s call from May-June 2026.
“Our new science panel brings together one of the most diverse and experienced groups SAIC has ever convened,” Riddle said. “By bringing together internationally recognized researchers and aquaculture leaders, we have the breadth and depth needed to rigorously assess projects across finfish, shellfish, and seaweed. The panel includes specialists in a range of species, a host of enabling technologies, and three aquatic vets, giving us a genuinely well-rounded view.”
University of Aberdeen’s International Center for Aquaculture Research and Development (ICARD) Director Pieter van West is the chair of the group, bringing expertise on fish health and environmental impacts. Roslin Institute Group Leader Tim Bean is the vice-chair of the group.
“SAIC’s work has never been more important, and that’s reflected in the record number of expressions of interest received ahead of its new funding call,” van West said. “It is a clear sign that the sector is eager to push forward with innovative, evidence based research, and I am very pleased to be chairing the science panel that will play a crucial role in guiding those projects.”
Focusing on sustainability and environmental impacts within the group is Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) Associate Director and Professor Keith Davidson, University of Glasgow Senior Lecturer in ecology and environmental change and seaweed specialist Sofia Sparharis, and SAMS Associate Professor of innovative and environmental assessment Tom Wilding.
Fish health expertise group members are University of Glasgow expert in molecular ecology Martin Llewellyn, Norwegian University of Life Sciences scientific researcher Byron Morales Lange, and MacAlister Elliott and Partners Senior Aquaculture Consultant Sophie Fridman. Shellfish health expertise will come from University of St. Andrews Marine Biology Reader Carmel McDougall and Bean.
“The scientific panel acts as an extension of SAIC’s delivery team,” SAIC Non-executive Director Linda Wood said. “By drawing on decades of expertise from across the aquaculture sector, we can assess the quality, commercial relevance, and sector impact of projects, ensuring that each one we support is scientifically robust and has real potential benefit to aquaculture.”
Group members advising on veterinary knowledge will be University of Edinburgh Senior Lecturer in One Health and aquaculture Fernando Mardones, Patogen Aquatic Veterinary Pathologist Johanna Baily, and Pharmaq Analytiq Head of Diagnostics Khalid Shahin.
Technological experts in the group include University of Edinburgh Napier School of Computing and Engineering Professor Fateh Kerrouche and Built Environment and environmental modeling specialist Anton Edwards.
“This group will play a crucial part in guiding what we fund and supporting both the board and operational team throughout the process,” Wood said. “Their expertise will help us evaluate proposals, stress-test methodologies, and review final project outcomes, while ensuring IP and commercial interests are protected throughout.”
