We are now welcoming applications for the 2016 MSC science scholarship program. Applications are invited from undergraduate or postgraduate students seeking funding to assist with research into fisheries science and management.
Applications are open until 1 February 2016. Two scholarship proposals, judged to offer the most innovative and effective research, will each be awarded a grant to the value of £4000 to help develop their project.
Now in its sixth round, the MSC science scholarship program helps towards the promotion of sustainable fishing practice and transformation of seafood markets by supporting the study of problems and best practice solutions.
Previous MSC scholarships have funded both biological and socio-economic studies focusing on aspects of environmental improvement, performance or best practice in fisheries or supply chain management. Topics have ranged from the effectiveness of fishery improvement projects (FIPs) and the issues affecting artisanal fishery supply chains, to the feasibility of bycatch reduction devices.
Qualifying requirements
We invite applications from students across the world studying a particular fishery or comparative study of fisheries problems or management. Direct linkage to an MSC certified fishery or one pursuing certification is not a requirement, although this is an additional point of interest for the MSC.
This year, the MSC also welcomes applications from students researching best practice in sustainable seaweed harvesting and management, a new area of development for the MSC.
MSC Science & Standards Director, David Agnew says “We are delighted to open the scholarship program for 2016, and to support students who are conducting novel scientific research into sustainable fishing practices. The scholarship program promotes research advancement and science based solutions to help inform policy development and transform global fishing practices. The program can also give an important career boost to our future fisheries scientists”.
The closing date is Monday, 1 February 2016 (17:00 GMT).
For further information, please contact [email protected].