The INSPIRE Restorative Aquaculture programme, led by The Seaweed Academy at SAMS (UK) in partnership with the Polish Academy of Science, is now open for applications for its 2025 edition. This in-person training will take place from 13 October to 11 November 2025 at the SAMS facilities in Oban, on Scotland’s West Coast. Aimed at beginners, the course targets students, young professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs interested in sustainable aquaculture and marine innovation.
This three-week intensive course offers a comprehensive introduction to the sector, including seaweed cultivation, finfish and shellfish biology, growth techniques, molecular analysis, and metabolite studies. In addition, participants will receive training in entrepreneurship and business idea development specifically focused on the restorative aquaculture sector. The course concludes with a final pitch event, where the most promising projects will be awarded.
Participants will benefit from a hands-on learning experience in a unique natural environment. SAMS’ Oban campus, often referred to as Scotland’s seafood capital, offers access to a seaweed nursery, pilot farm, the Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa, and a marine research aquarium. Part of the programme will also be delivered online before and after the in-person course.
INSPIRE promotes collaboration among participants from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. The programme is particularly suited to Master’s and PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career professionals in fields such as marine biology, aquaculture, food sciences, engineering, marketing, informatics or social sciences. While no formal qualifications are required, participation is limited to 25 selected candidates. Applications will remain open until 15 September 2025, and selection will be based on motivation and potential for innovation.
According to Jenny Black, from The Seaweed Academy’s teaching team, this is a one-of-a-kind programme in Europe. “We combine cutting-edge knowledge from Europe’s first and only dedicated Seaweed Academy with hands-on aquaculture expertise and real business insights. Our goal is to offer a holistic and accessible view of the aquaculture sector and how it can be adapted to restore our marine environment.”
INSPIRE Restorative Aquaculture is part of EIT Food’s wider mission to build a fairer, healthier and more sustainable food system across Europe. The course is open to participants from EU member states and EIT Food-associated countries. For more information or to apply, please contact the organisers at eit.aqua@sams.ac.uk or visit the official website: www.sams.ac.uk