Introducing the SAIC Science Panel: meet Sofie

Dr Sofie Spatharis, Senior Lecturer in Aquatic Ecology, University of Glasgow

The SAIC Science Panel is a collection of eminent scientists who will help us drive innovation in Scottish aquaculture. In this interview series we will introduce you to each panel member, providing insight into their opinions, aspirations, and interests.

Here, we get to know a bit more about Dr Sofie Spatharis: a Senior Lecturer in Aquatic Ecology at the University of Glasgow, who is impressed with the openness of the Scottish industry towards collaboration with academia.

 CHANGING THE STATUS QUO

Sofie is highly invested, both as a scientist and citizen, into changing the status quo of how we produce food in more environmentally sustainable ways and with improved animal welfare. Joining the SAIC panel seemed to her like a natural way to be part of this effort.

In terms of influencing the direction of research and innovation in aquaculture, Sofie thinks the Science Panel creates a space where change can happen, adding: “It looks like SAIC has brought together a great panel for that purpose.”

Through her place on the panel, Sofie also looks forward to the opportunity to be in the same room as policy and industry stakeholders, and to keep learning from peers and experts in the field.

NEW BLUE REVENUE

We wanted to delve further into what initially led Sofie onto the path of aquaculture. “It is extremely painful to see the disaster we are causing to marine habitats by overfishing and destructive fishing techniques,” she replies. “I do believe in the potential aquaculture has to produce protein and high-value substances in a way that is not only environmentally friendly but also owned by local communities, creating a blue revenue there. It gives me great satisfaction to see my research translate into something tangible and useful like this.”

Diversifying Scottish aquaculture towards the farming of seaweed, shellfish and other seafood types (such as urchins and cephalopods) is one of our most important challenges, Sofie says. In order to do this, “we urgently need to improve supply chains, processing facilities, market opportunities, and investor interest. We need to achieve this with well-coordinated interdisciplinary research with economics, marketing, and business sectors – and we need to do all of it through better connection with local communities, and while changing UK society’s perception of these new products.”

COLLABORATION IS EVERYTHING

The above may sound like a tall order, but Sofie has faith in the power of working together towards such an important common goal. She finds it fascinating that in Scotland, industry is so open to collaboration with academia as well as with other industries. “This is certainly not the case in some other countries!” she says, and continues: “Having collaborated extensively with finfish and seaweed producers, I would very much like to collaborate more with shellfish growers, to help find synergies and ways forward.”

Collaboration across different teams and disciplines also forms part of Sofie’s answer to our question about how best to convey the value of science in a world of soundbites and 'post-truths': “It is really all about communicating the right message to get people on board, isn’t it? We need to do this in a much more systematic and serious way, in my opinion, by actively engaging interdisciplinary research with business and marketing departments.”

A CALL FOR KELP

Sofie tells us she would love to visit the large-scale kelp farms of Asia, as well as those that are currently being developed in Norway, to learn more about their farming practices as well as their processing and distribution systems.

Her aquaculture-related experience has led her to the conclusion that “all seaweed farmers are the most amazing people to work with.” She is impressed by how motivated and knowledgeable they are on marine biology and oceanography – most, as she says, have a university degree on a related topic – and she has found them a delight to collaborate with.

Despite her interest in macroalgae, however, it is a different aquatic species that is Sofie’s favourite seafood: “I love sea urchins. They graze upon microalgae on rocks and turn this into a yummy delicacy.”

IN SEARCH OF INSPIRATION

Sofie is fascinated by science art projects (defined online as creative activities blending artistic expression with scientific exploration). However, she feels scientists sometimes misunderstand the concept of such projects, thinking that the art functions as a conduit for communicating their science to the wider public. “It is not,” Sofie explains: “Art is a way for scientists to seek inspiration for their research – and vice versa.”

Sofie also reflects on what she might choose as an alternative or addition to her current career, saying she would be keen to have a deeper understanding of economics. Elaborating on this idea, she says: “I would love to have the business and economics expertise to create a company that would support new innovative businesses in navigating logistical challenges and confusing (or non-existent) legislative frameworks, enabling them to become strong and viable. In this process, I would hope to be able to influence the Government to make changes in order to facilitate such enterprises.”

LIFE HACKS

The best advice Sofie has received during her career was given by her university mentor, Jan Lindström. He told her: “Do not worry pre-emptively about things, as the bad things that might happen are, most probably, going to be totally different from the ones you worried about.”

Finally, we asked Sofie what her superpower would be, and she replied, “mapping the way to the root of a problem the moment I think of the problem.” We at SAIC think this sounds like a highly useful quality to bring to the Science Panel table!

We're very grateful to Sofie for sharing her thoughts and insights with us. You can read her bio on the SAIC website here.