Degree designed for aquaculture elite
THE Scottish Association for Marine Science is looking to produce the aquaculture industry leaders of the future as it invites applications for a new, worldclass joint master’s degree course, offered through the University of the Highlands and Islands.
The specialised degree in AquaCulture, Environment and Society (ACES), which has just taken on its first cohort of students, aims to attract talented international students with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), as well as mature students with relevant experience, in one of the fields of environmental or social sciences.
It will be run in partnership with the universities of Crete and Nantes and the United Nations University Institute of Water, Environment and Health (UNU INWEH), Canada.
Fully funded scholar- ships are available for ACES, which has been specifically designed alongside industry.
Italian student Francesco Boatta (left) is part of the first ACES cohort, which has begun studies at SAMS UHI, near Oban.
He said: ‘My application to the ACES joint master’s degree was motivated by the perfect match I found between the programme and the interests arisen during my academic career.
‘I saw it also as a great opportunity to develop my professional skills, to achieve an applied knowledge of the aquaculture industry and its relation with society, and to broaden my expertise.’ THE Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) has strengthened its support for small and medium sized enterprises in Scotland with the appointment of a new business development manager.
Donald Fowler, who has extensive experience in aquaculture, is based in Lochgilphead, Argyll, perfectly placed to work with companies in the Highlands and Islands region.
He has joined SAIC on secondment from his current role as a senior development manager in the life sciences team at Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Fowler said: ‘With a degree in aquatic bioscience and 20 years’ experience working in finfish and shellfish farming, I am a passionate advocate for the aquaculture sector in Scotland.
‘I very much look forward to supporting companies, especially in Scotland’s rural regions, enabling them to bring their project ideas to fruition, or solve their chal
lenges.’