Aquaculture sector scholars win support for studies

Andrew Richardson, the technical and standards manager at trade body Salmon Scotland, has been awarded a scholarship from the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.

Richardson is the founder of the Young Aquaculture Society, and his study work is called: “Young professional networks: comparing agriculture to aquaculture, with a view to support growth.”

The work is being supported by the Elizabeth Creak Charitable Trust (a Clyde Higgs Scholarship).

Richardson’s scholarship is one of two awarded to scholars in the aquaculture sector.

The other goes to Mollie Gupta, a seaweed solutions project manager at WWF UK who works closely with the seaweed industry to promote the development of British seaweed farming. 

Her study is called “How do we move British seaweed farming to commercial scale and reach its full potential?” and is supported by the Richard Lawes Foundation.

International travel

In all, the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust has announced the appointment of 24 new scholars for 2025. Over the course of their scholarships, they will travel internationally to gain an in-depth understanding of their study topic from global experts and leaders.

“Applications this year were incredibly strong, which made the job of our selection committee particularly challenging,” said Rupert Alers-Hankey, director of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust. 

 “This is my first year as director and I have been so impressed by the cohort of 2025 scholars, who come from a wide variety of backgrounds and sectors. The list of topics the scholars have chosen to explore is inspiring and reflects some of our industry’s most pressing challenges. Nuffield Farming Scholarships help develop future leaders in the UK’s agriculture and rural sectors. There is no doubt in my mind that the 2025 Nuffield Farming scholars will lead positive change.”