Meet the SAIC Science Panel

August 26, 2026

Independent expertise helping shape the future of sustainable aquaculture

SAIC's Science Panel brings together experts from across academia and industry to provide independent scientific advice and robust assessment of the innovation projects we support.

Representing organisations across the UK and internationally, the panel brings expertise spanning fish health, shellfish, seaweed, environmental sustainability, veterinary medicine, and enabling technologies. Together, they play a vital role in evaluating funding applications, reviewing project outcomes and ensuring the research and innovation we support delivers meaningful benefits for the aquaculture sector.

As well as providing guidance to SAIC's board and delivery team, members of our science panel act help us identify and support innovations and project ideas with the potential to make a lasting impact on aquaculture sustainability, productivity and resilience.

Meet our science panel

Behind every science panel member is a person with their own professional experiences and personal interests. To showcase the expertise and personalities that make up our science panel, we've spoken with members about their careers, research interests and what they enjoy doing outside work. Read the profiles below to learn more about the people helping shape SAIC's innovation activities.

Available profiles

Dr Tim Bean
SAIC Science Panel's Vice Chair, Group Leader (shellfish health), Roslin Institute.
Prof Anton Edwards
Environmental modelling specialist.
Prof Fateh Kerrouche
Sensor systems, technology and engineering academic with aquaculture experience, Edinburgh Napier University.
Dr Byron Morales Lange
Fish health researcher at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences.
Dr Fernando Mardones
Vet and aquaculture specialist at the University of Edinburgh with extensive international experience including Chile.
Dr Sofie Spatharis
Seaweed and environmental sustainability expert, University of Glasgow.
Dr Tom Wilding
Associate Professor of Innovative Environmental Assessment, SAMS

Coming soon

Pieter van West
Chair of the SAIC Science Panel and Director of ICARD, University of Aberdeen
Further profiles will be added as they become available

Expertise across the sector

The Science Panel includes specialists in:

Fish health and welfare
Shellfish health and production
Seaweed cultivation
Environmental sustainability and assessment
Aquatic veterinary science
Aquaculture technologies
Data science and modelling
Innovation and commercialisation

Together, this breadth of knowledge helps ensure SAIC-funded projects are evidence-based, impactful and capable of addressing the challenges and opportunities facing aquaculture today.