A new award, backed by the salmon industry and academia, will recognize the achievements of young people working in aquaculture.
The Young Aquaculture Society (YAS) Early Career Innovators Competition was launched by the University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture (IoA), trade body Salmon Scotland and Diversified Communications, organizers of the Aquaculture UK trade show and conference.
Entries for the competition are now open and the winner will be announced at Aquaculture UK in Aviemore, in the Scottish Highlands, this May.
The competition is open to YAS members. Participants are asked to identify a challenge or problem and build their solution, which must be related to aquaculture — whether on a farm, in a hatchery, in a lab, or in addressing a digital challenge.
The initiative comes less than six months after YAS was founded by Salmon Scotland’s Technical and Standards Manager Andrew Richardson, who is the society’s President.
He said: “Early career professionals entering the field naturally bring fresh perspectives, making them well positioned to generate impactful ideas.
“It’s really exciting for us to introduce such a prize at such an early stage in our organisation’s journey, and we thank the Institute of Aquaculture and Aquaculture UK for sharing our mission.
“We can’t wait to see some great submissions from members and get inspired.”
Andrew Richardson, President of the Young Aquaculture Society and Salmon Scotland’s Technical and Standards Manager
YAS aims to support future leaders in seafood, shellfish, and finfish through socialization, networking, and professional growth.
The winner will appear at a special in-person event for sector professionals at Aquaculture UK, hosted by Salmon Scotland on 14 May.
They will enjoy complimentary overnight accommodation, and organizers will cover up to £200 towards their travel to and from the event. Prizes are also available for second and third-place runners-up.
Joining YAS is free, and it only takes two minutes to complete an application.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said: “With over 700 amazing young people working directly on our farms, it’s great to see a grassroots organization supporting these rising stars by encouraging networking , socializing, and learning.
“I look forward to hearing about their ideas for taking our already successful sector forward.”
James Dick, Technical Manager at the University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture, said: “Building a healthy and diverse network is something that undoubtedly supports professional development.
“We encourage each of our IoA students to actively pursue this skill, whether their ambitions are academic or working in the sector – and Aquaculture UK is the perfect place for this.”
