SAIC appoints 14 experts to science panel, as first funding call launched

SAIC has made a raft of appointments to the first science panel of its new era, bringing together the greatest breadth and depth of expertise in the group’s history.

The science panel consists of 14 experts from across academia and industry – with experience in the UK, Norway, Chile and Australia – to provide independent scientific advice to SAIC’s board of directors and play a key role in guiding its research and innovation activities. Each member sits on the group for up to two years, reviewing the potential impact and scientific merit of project applications.

Pieter van West, director of the International Centre for Aquaculture Research and Development (ICARD) at the University of Aberdeen, chairs the expert group, providing continuity from its previous iteration and expertise across both fish health and environmental impact. Dr Tim Bean, group leader at the Roslin Institute, has been elected vice-chair.

To ensure projects measure sustainability robustly, environmental experts Professor Keith Davidson, associate director at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS); seaweed specialist Dr Sofie Spatharis, senior lecturer in ecology and environmental change at the University of Glasgow; and Dr Tom Wilding, associate professor of innovative environmental assessment at SAMS, join van West on the panel.

Fish health expertise is provided by Professor Martin Llewellyn, an expert in molecular ecology at the University of Glasgow; Dr Byron Morales Lange, scientific researcher at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences; and Dr Sophie Fridman, senior aquaculture consultant at MacAlister Elliott & Partners. Dr Carmel McDougall, reader in marine biology at the University of St Andrews, and Tim Bean will support the panel with their experience in shellfish health.

Meanwhile, veterinary knowledge is being provided by Dr Fernando Mardones, senior lecturer in One Health and aquaculture at the University of Edinburgh; Dr Johanna Baily, aquatic veterinary pathologist at Patogen; and Dr Khalid Shahin, head of diagnostics at Pharmaq Analytiq. Professor Fateh Kerrouche from Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Computing, Engineering, and Built Environment and environmental modelling specialist Anton Edwards complete the group with their backgrounds in technology.

The appointments are in place to support the first funding call of SAIC’s new era which launched on 24 August. Earlier this year, the innovation cluster became independent from its longstanding host, the University of Stirling, and relocated to the Highlands after securing £1.4 million in annual funding for a minimum of five years from Crown Estate Scotland.

Sarah Riddle, principal officer at SAIC, said: “Our new science panel brings together one of the most diverse and experienced groups SAIC has ever convened. By bringing together internationally recognised 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.

“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. 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.”

Linda Wood, non-executive director at SAIC, said: “The scientific panel acts as an extension of SAIC’s delivery team. 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.

 “This group will play a crucial part in guiding what we fund and supporting both the board and operational team throughout the process. Their expertise will help us evaluate proposals, stress‑test methodologies, and review final project outcomes, while ensuring IP and commercial interests are protected throughout.”

Pieter van West added: “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. 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.”

Meet the Science Panel

SAIC's Science Panel brings together experts from across aquaculture, fish health, veterinary science, environmental sustainability and technology. Learn more about the people supporting SAIC's innovation programme and read member profiles.