A University of Aberdeen academic has been appointed to the Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre's (SAIC) board.
Pieter van West, director of the University’s International Centre for Aquaculture Research and Development, is one of three appointments made to the organisation’s leadership team to support the centre’s drive towards a more sustainable future for aquaculture.
SAIC is one of eight innovation centres introduced by the Scottish Government to drive growth in areas of key economic and social importance
In addition to joining the SAIC board, Professor van West has also been appointed to the innovation centre’s Independent Scientific Panel as deputy chair. Pieter has an extensive academic background as part of the International Centre of Aquaculture Research and Development and the School of Medical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen. He is also an elected fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
Pieter van West said: “I am looking forward to working with the other board members to facilitate and stimulate collaboration between the research community and the aquaculture industry to help create innovative impact in the sector. Innovation has been, and will be, a driving force for progress and continued success in the Scottish aquaculture industry.”
Commenting on the new appointments, David Gregory, chair of SAIC, said: “Our three new board members will be great additions to the leadership team. They are industry stalwarts, widely respected across the sector, and share SAIC’s passion and vision for driving sustainable growth of aquaculture in Scotland and beyond. Each of our new board members will bring valuable knowledge and experience to the table, with international expertise in multi-species aquaculture, academic know-how and a track record of collaborating across industry and applied science.
“Greater collaboration will play a key role in supporting aquaculture’s recovery from the impact of Covid-19, helping it to meet the rising demand for quality, sustainably sourced protein. By fostering collaborative networks we can help Scottish aquaculture to thrive with new technology and cost-effective, sustainable, data-led ways of working that can future-proof the sector.”