Education

AQUALAB Student Conference 2006, Galway, Ireland

AQUALABS is an innovative series of 7 state-of-the-art training and networking events for early stage researchers in aquaculture and related sciences. The initiative is funded by the Marie Curie action of the 6th Framework Programme and is co-ordinated by AquaTT, an international foundation which provides project management and training services to support the sustainable development of Europe’s aquatic resources. The AQUALABS concept – to provide short, intensive, practical courses with a concentration on hot industry topics – was defined by AquaTT, with important contributions from AQUA-TNET (thematic network for aquaculture education, www.aquatnet.com) partner institutions.

The seventh and final AQUALABS training event of the 2005/06 series was the three-day AQUALAB Student Conference 2006, hosted in November at the impressive new Marine Institute headquarters in Oranmore, Galway. After a competitive application process, 52 participants were selected, representing 18 countries from across the world. While the previous 6 courses in the series focused on the transfer of state-of-the-art laboratory techniques in specific fields of aquaculture, the Student Conference programme was geared towards the transfer of generic competencies, such as communication skills, networking, proposal writing and technology transfer, which are of real value to a research career.

Prior to arrival, participants and speakers made use of an online discussion forum to introduce themselves and their research interests. Participants were also requested to complete an online questionnaire to determine personal Jung Type communication styles, the results of which were disclosed in the first session of the event. Ms. Anna Rowan, a qualified and experienced management and personal effectiveness training consultant facilitated this Communication Styles Workshop.  Participants received an individual report related to the keynote speaker’s presentation, which enabled them to reflect on their own communication style.

Following the workshop, Dr Maura Hiney, senior research coordinator of the National University of Ireland, presented excellent guidelines and advice on how to identify and source grants, an essential skill for researchers who so often need to apply for a limited pool of public and private funds.

Towards the end of the first day, an introduction was presented to describe the “ITHACA Islandâ€? case study, an exercise which puts into action theoretical knowledge and professional skills. The case study was facilitated under the expertise and mentorship of Dr. Denis Lacroix, IFREMER, with an objective to encourage each participant to consider every possible aspect involved in starting up an aquaculture business in harmony with other water users. On the second day, participants were divided into a number of groups representing relevant stakeholders, such as fishermen, the tourism board and planning officials.  All participants got not only a taste for the diverse range of issues and bodies who have an input into the sector, but also had the opportunity to practice skills such as leadership, communication, decision making, negotiation, delegation, time management and team work. Towards the end of the study, each group had to present their stakeholder position and respond to other stakeholder questions and opinions. The study was concluded with a vote to select a final development plan for “ITHACA Islandâ€?.

Following the case study, participants turned their attention to one of their major challenges as researchers, namely to transfer relevant research outcomes to sectors for which the research was carried out. Mr Paudrac de Burca, research support officer of the National University of Ireland in Galway, introduced the concepts of technology transfer as well as intellectual property rights and copyright.

In the final presentation of day two, Dr. Lluis Tort, a work-package leader in AQUA-TNET, and Ms. Magdolna Trenovszki, President of the Student Group of European Aquaculture Society, chaired a session about networking and mobility opportunities. This highlighted the situation in Europe, whereby the workforce has increasingly become more mobile, and in research activities, all European Commission funded projects are comprised of international teams. The ability to network effectively has therefore become an essential skill.

The third and final day of the workshop saw blue skies and sunny weather, as the group set out on a field trip to visit the MRI Carna Laboratories of the National University Ireland in the west of Ireland. On route, the tour winded through the unique landscape of Connemara, while Mr James Ryan provided narration detailing the area and local aquaculture activities. Hatchery and fish farms, and other interesting sights along the route were pointed out.

The guided tour at the Carna Laboratories provided students with an opportunity to see state-of-the-art technology which supports the local aquaculture sector. The laboratory hosts a cold water marine finfish hatchery, facilities to rear tropical marine species, and an industry-applied crustacean research project (shrimp, lobster and crawfish). A successful seahorse cultivation and research enterprise, owned by the private company Seahorse Ireland Ltd, is also based at the premises and is committed to the conservation of these stunning animals.

The field trip culminated with a Killary cruise, which provided a unique experience of Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord. The perspective from the vessel allowed uninterrupted views of the spectacular scenery. Participants were also able to observe the workings of a mussel and salmon farm located in the harbour, while Mr James Ryan explained and commented on the aquaculture installations.

Participant and speaker feedback was encouraged at all stages, from the project discussion forum to the workshop questionnaire.  Informal networking and social events in the evenings also proved to be a success. Initial feedback clearly demonstrates a high level of interest for the holding of this event on an annual basis.  Comments from students included remarks such as, “amazing organisation and excellent networking opportunitiesâ€?; “it was refreshing to network with so many other young researchers and learn of so many other areas of research and potential opportunitiesâ€? and “I have attended a lot of conferences throughout my working career but this was by far the most inspiring!â€?

The full questionnaire summary and results will shortly be available at the Events link on the AquaTT site (http://www.aquatt.ie/aqualab7.php), as well as on the AQUA-TNET website (www.aquatnet.com) and through Training News (news@aquatt.ie).

Source: AquaTT

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Advanced course: Design and management of artificial reefs for fisheries. Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Zaragoza
7 - 11 May 2007 , Zaragoza, Spain
 
The objective of this course is to provide comprehensive and focused exposure to understand, apply and evaluate the principles and practices of artificial reef technology. The course will cover relevant topics such as: the current use of artificial reefs; planning issues; ecology, design and engineering of reefs for fishery enhancement and management; scientific evaluation of reef performance; and social and economic assessment.

Admission: The course is designed for a maximum of 25 professionals with a university degree, and is addressed to specialists in natural marine resource management, fisheries planning and coastal economics, policies and planning as well as technical advisers, engineers, researchers and other stakeholders.

Registration: Application forms may be obtained from:
Instituto Agronómico Mediterráneo de Zaragoza
e-mail: iamz@iamz.ciheam.org
web: www.iamz.ciheam.org

Deadline for submission of applications: 26 February 2007

For further information visit: www.iamz.ciheam.org

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Distance learning Postgraduate Environmental Courses, School of Environmental Sciences in conjunction with CampusOne, University of Ulster

The School of Environmental Sciences, in conjunction with CampusOne (the distance learning campus of the University of Ulster at www.campusone.ulster.ac.uk/env), has a range of high quality Distance Learning Postgraduate courses aimed at people working in the environmental field. The courses build directly on research expertise within the School, and offer students the opportunity to work at the cutting edge of knowledge in their selected field, wherever their location and in their own time. There are two intakes each year for an October or February start.

Study for a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or Master of Science (MSc) degree in:
Coastal Zone Management - Contact: Dr Andrew Cooper - jag.cooper@ulster.ac.uk
Maritime Archaeology - Contact: Dr Colin Breen - cp.breen@ulster.ac.uk
Environmental Management - Contact: Dr Alan Cooper - a.cooper@ulster.ac.uk
Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Management Contact: Dr Richard Douglas - rw.douglas@ulster.ac.uk
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - Contact: Dr Sally Cook - s.cook@ulster.ac.uk

Full details on the courses and application deadlines are available from: http://www.campusone.ulster.ac.uk/env
 

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Post your student placements, MSc/ PhD positions and vacancies in Aquaculture, Fisheries and Marine Science on WWW.PISCESTTJOBS.COM

AquaTT's human resource service PISCES TT Jobs (www.piscesttjobs.com), which has more than 600 registered candidates with comprehensive CVs, is an exciting and valuable free online service for employers and potential employees in aquaculture and related science sectors. Using a secure and innovative site format, employers and job searchers can post job vacancies and CVs, respectively, thus facilitating human resource development in the industry.

Upon registration, employers can post and instantaneously edit job vacancies, MSc/PhD and student placement positions. Companies and farms will only receive CVs of those applicants who are qualified for the position requirements. 

If you are interested in posting a job vacancy or registering for the service, please contact Marieke Reuver at marieke@aquatt.ie 

AquaTT, the European Network for Education and Training, is providing the site as an additional service to compliment their flagship project, PISCES TT, found on the web at www.piscestt.com, host to a comprehensive education database, occupational profiles, virtual tours, a discussion forum, and marine sciences activities for children.  

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