UK - Aquaculture UK, the UK’s premier international aquaculture exhibition, held bi-annually in Aviemore, Scotland, has just announced an exciting prize for the author of the best student presentation from the British Isles, given on the first day of the accompanying conference.

“Novartis Animal Health has put up a ‘Young Scientist Award’ with an expenses paid trip to Canada in July, to visit one of its state of the art Research and Development facilities on Prince Edward Island,” said conference organiser David Mack.

Novartis Animal Health is a leader in developing new and better ways to prevent and treat diseases in pets and farm animals including fish.

“This is a very attractive award, which encourages extended learning in top undergraduate and graduate students of aquaculture, by facilitating interaction and knowledge sharing with leading scientists in the field of fish health research. It is certain to gain a lot of entries, and we are thrilled to be working with Novartis. We are circulating details to all UK academic institutions providing aquaculture studies, and will host the chosen presenters in Aviemore overnight,” explained David Mack.

The closing date for entries is May 20 and the winner of the award will be announced at the Conference Gala Dinner on 29 May 2014. The presentations will be judged by an independent panel.

Whilst in Canada, the student will meet leading scientists from the company, and have the opportunity to learn about fish vaccines, novel pharmaceutical developments, and revolutionary new technologies in fish health. A visit to the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island, where the Novartis Chair of Fish Health is based, is also on the itinerary.

The second day of the two-day conference looks at the challenges and opportunities for Scottish aquaculture.