Stirling University wins £17m for new aquaculture research institute
A new Institute of Aquaculture and Global Aquatic Food Security is to be launched at the University of Stirling as part of £90 million City Region Deal.
The institute, which will be unique in the UK, will operate four aquatic research facilities that between them will provide the full range of marine environmental conditions. It will create research and development opportunities to grow the export of Scottish aquaculture skills and products.
The university will receive £17 million for the new institute, as well as £5 million for an International Environment Centre, which will involve a number of partners including Forth Valley College and will connect environmental research with business opportunities and training.
University Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gerry McCormac, said: “I welcome today’s signing of a City Deal for Stirling and Clackmannanshire, which will bring significant economic benefits. Investment in world-class research through the City Deal will enable University of Stirling researchers to further tackle some of the world’s most pressing problems. By working in partnership, we can unleash our economic potential, delivering a unique source of jobs, growth, and skills development, both for Stirling, and the wider Scottish and UK economies.”
The UK and Scottish Government are investing over £90 million in Stirling and Clackmannanshire through the City Region Deal, which will drive economic growth across the region. Working in partnership with both Stirling and Clackmannanshire councils, the deal will see the Scottish and UK governments each invest £45.1 million with regional partners, including the private sector.
Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for the Economy Keith Brown said: “This deal has the power to build on the area’s socio-economic strengths and expertise, developing them to transfer the economy, bringing sustained economic growth and positive social impact to all of its communities. The successful delivery of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Regions Deal will bring significant positive benefits to both the local and national economies and I am delighted that we have been able to secure this.”
Scottish Secretary David Mundell said: “The ambitious and innovative deal will drive economic growth across the region, creating jobs and boosting prosperity for generations to come. It is now for Stirling and Clackmannanshire to get on with the hard work needed to turn these proposals into a reality.”
