The panel brings together specialists with experience in the UK, Norway, Chile and Australia, spanning fish and shellfish health, environmental sustainability, veterinary science and technology. Members will provide independent scientific advice to SAIC’s board of directors and help guide its research and innovation activities. They will serve for up to two years, reviewing the scientific merit and potential impact of project applications.
“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,” said Sarah Riddle, principal officer at SAIC, in a press release.
Pieter van West, director of the International Centre for Aquaculture Research and Development (ICARD) at the University of Aberdeen, chairs the panel, providing continuity from its previous iteration as well as expertise in both fish health and environmental impact. Dr Tim Bean, group leader at the Roslin Institute, has been elected vice-chair.
Environmental expertise comes from 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, alongside van West.
Fish health expertise is provided by 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 bring additional expertise in shellfish health.
Veterinary expertise comes from 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. Technology and modelling expertise is provided by Fateh Kerrouche, from Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Computing, Engineering, and Built Environment, and environmental modelling specialist Anton Edwards.
The appointments coincide with the first full funding call of SAIC’s new independent era, launched on 24 August. Earlier in 2026, SAIC became independent from its longstanding host, the University of Stirling, and relocated to the Highlands after securing £1.4 million in annual funding for at least five years from Crown Estate Scotland.
Linda Wood, non-executive director at SAIC, said: “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.”
