The course will be in-person at SAMS in Oban in the West Coast Highlands, Scotland, with some content delivered online before and after the in-person event.
Photo: EIT Food.
EIT Food has announced the launch of its INSPIRE - Restorative Aquaculture course, a three-week intensive programme designed to train participants in the various aspects of aquaculture, including seaweed farming, finfish, shellfish, and algae biology.
The course programme aims to provide a "comprehensive overview" of aquaculture production in Europe, as well as exploring global opportunities in the sector.
Led by The Seaweed Academy at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) in partnership with the Polish Academy of Sciences, the course offers a combination of in-person and online content, and will be based at SAMS, in Oban on the West Coast Highlands, the UK's only dedicated seaweed industry facility.
Participants will receive introductory training in seaweed farming, finfish, shellfish, algae biology, culturing methods, and algal biotechnology. They will also explore the complex economic, environmental, technical, welfare, political, and market issues impacting the aquaculture sector.
The programme also includes intensive training in business development and idea creation, culminating in a final pitch event with prizes.
The EU-subsidised educational programme also aims to support stakeholder engagement and partnerships through academic lectures, industry speakers, site visits, and networking activities.
According to EIT Food, the course is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, Masters and PhD students, post-docs, young professionals, and individuals from multidisciplinary backgrounds who are passionate about transforming the food system into a fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly one.
Places on this subsidised course are limited to 25 participants in 2024, and applications are open now until 2 September. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply early to secure their spot via the EIT Food website.