Media release – 19 May 2015 SAIC invites funding applications from engineering sector The Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre has launched an open call for engineering-‐
based solutions for sea lice control Emerging technologies based on engineering could be a powerful tool in sea lice control. These technologies could include devices to physically remove lice from salmon, without harming the fish, or new filtration or barrier systems. In order to promote the development of engineering-‐based solutions suitable for commercial salmon farms, the Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre has issued an open call for expressions of interest (EoIs) for engineering-‐based solutions to sea lice control. Such solutions could complement control measures such as biological methods and medicines. SAIC issued the call for EoIs at an Innovation Centre workshop at the National Telford Institute, at the University of Dundee on 19 May The invitation to the engineering sector to develop aquaculture solutions stems from SAIC’s desire to attract businesses and researchers from related fields, from genetics to engineering, to the aquaculture sector. Launching the call for EOIs at the National Telford institute, Heather Jones, CEO of the Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre, said “Commercially-‐successful innovation is often the result of thinking and knowledge from one discipline switching on the lights in another. “The engineering sector has a valuable role to play in tackling issues in aquaculture, contributing to the sector’s commercial success, and preparing it for the future. In doing so, engineering businesses and researchers could also boost their own profile, impact or revenues.” SAIC’s call for EoIs is open until 26 June 2015. Funding applications must be led by an industry partner (or partners), and include at least one academic partner based at a Scottish research institute. Guidance on SAIC’s project funding criteria and application processes are available on the SAIC website at www.scottishaquaculture.com Ends About the Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre Industry Success Through Research Partnerships The Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) brings together industry and research to provide innovative solutions to industry-‐defined problems within Scottish aquaculture. We aim to deliver transformational change in the relationship between the aquaculture industry and research community to support the growth, sustainability and profitability of the Scottish aquaculture industry and, in doing so, impact positively on the Scottish economy. SAIC is funded by the Scottish Funding Council in partnership with Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. For more information, please visit www.scottishaquaculture.com.