The Institute of Aquaculture is thrilled to announce the winners of the International Women’s Day 2024 Photo Competition, themed “Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality in Aquaculture and Fisheries.” This year’s competition has highlighted the significant roles that innovation and empowerment play in this dynamic field, showcasing the stories of dedication and groundbreaking work by its participants.

Winner: Dr Benjamin Clokie (Lecturer) – “Advancing Seafood Preservation”
Dr Albalat’s captivating image within the ‘Smelly Lobster’ project vividly demonstrates her innovative use of bacteriophage treatments to combat seafood spoilage. Her research is pivotal in advancing sustainable seafood processing and highlights the critical contributions of women in addressing major industry challenges.

Winner: Dr Meredith Burke (Post-Doctoral Researcher) – “Machine Learning in Aquaculture”
Dr Burke’s submission showcases the sophisticated use of machine learning to analyse fish behaviour. This project not only pushes the boundaries of aquaculture technology but also supports gender inclusivity in a traditionally male-dominated arena, showing the essential leadership role women have in scientific innovation.

Winner: Mr. Wasseem Emam (PhD Student) – “Seaweed Farming in Zanzibar”
Mr. Emam’s photograph beautifully captures the transformative impact of seaweed farming on the economic and social fabric of Zanzibar. This initiative promotes gender equality by empowering local women entrepreneurs, marking a significant advancement in the aquaculture sector.

Honourable Mentions

• Ms. Alexandra Pounds (PhD Student) – Her photograph from Lake Victoria depicts a crucial moment of collaboration, where she stands as the sole woman in a team working on innovative fish production systems that benefit local communities and smallholder farmers.

• Ms. Laila Al Farsi (Former BSc Student and Current Technician) – Recognized for her dedicated analysis of protein content in insects, Ms. Al Farsi’s work is a key component of a well-oiled machine set to revolutionize aquafeeds with sustainable protein sources, driving forward the nutritional innovations in aquaculture.

We extend our warmest congratulations to all the winners and express our gratitude to each participant for their inspiring contributions. Their work not only promotes gender equality but also enhances the field of aquaculture through innovative and inclusive practices. The winners have also shared their experiences and the captivating stories behind their photographs during presentations on International Women’s Day.

We would also like to thank the EDI committee, particularly Deborah Keir (Academic Support Administrator) and Amalia Krupandan (PhD student) who did all the behind the scenes work on keeping the competition up and running.