September 13, 2022

 

UK's CIEL debuts R&D funding opportunity for aquaculture sector
 

 

The UK-based Centre for Innovation and Excellence in Livestock (CIEL) is diving into aquaculture research as it launches a new funding opportunity to help the sector continue on its sustainable growth trajectory.

 

Businesses are invited to apply for a share of £100,000 (US$101,223) seed funding to help accelerate their research and develop new processes, products or services that could help bridge the gap between the agri and aqua food sectors or define life cycle assessment (LCA) tools for aquaculture to evaluate the impact of the sector on the environment.

 

CIEL recently expanded its remit to include research and innovation in aquaculture. The move adds to the capabilities and resources that CIEL has invested in for the livestock sector and leverages its linkages across livestock food production systems.

 

CIEL chief executive Lyndsay Chapman highlighted the need for the organisation to accommodate the aquaculture sector without duplicating existing sector activity.

 

"We know there are increasing pressures on food systems to produce sustainable, resource efficient, environmentally friendly sources of protein," Chapman said. "Our key focus is to therefore use CIEL's network and capabilities to bring fresh thinking and a new perspective."

 

CIEL will be focusing on where it can bring most value to the sector, be that signposting access to R&D facilities, encouraging networking, supporting SMEs or producing independent and science-based research to guide the sector. There are several priority focus areas that overlap with CIEL's existing livestock sector remit, including health and welfare, feed efficiency and sustainability.

 

Leading CIEL's aquaculture activity is Martin Sutcliffe, who joined CIEL in May from the Dorset Coast Forum, having held a number of roles within the independent strategic coastal partnership over the last five years.

 

CIEL will be focusing on where it can bring most value to the sector, be that signposting access to R&D facilities, encouraging networking, supporting SMEs or producing independent research

 

Sutcliffe explained a key priority for CIEL is to develop a deeper understanding of what the industry needs and wants and provide the research and evidence to move the UK sector forward.

 

"The focus is on bringing agrifood and aquaculture together, encouraging knowledge exchange and best practice while utilising the academic expertise that underpins CIEL's network," Sutcliffe said. "Collaboration is key to developing the sector across the whole of the UK.

 

"We want to ensure that any research activity we do within aquaculture either complements or adds something new to help drive the productivity, profitability and resilience of the agrifood sector.

 

"Consequently, we're really pleased to offer the opportunity to apply for seed funding. It's a straightforward application process, and the call is deliberately timed to coincide with the macro algae growing season to ensure the whole sector can benefit. I'd encourage anyone considering applying to get in touch with me. CIEL can help businesses identify an appropriate research partner and discuss ideas in confidence."

- The Fish Site