NEW STUDENTSHIP LAUNCHED IN MEMORY OF LATE DR IAN NAPIER

New studentship launched in memory of late Dr Ian Napier

A new annual studentship has been launched to support and inspire the next generation of fisheries scientists, offering hands-on experience in one of the UK’s most important marine environments.

The initiative is a partnership between the Shetland Fishermen’s Association and UHI Shetland, and has been established in memory of the late Dr Ian Napier, whose career exemplified strong collaboration between science and the fishing industry.

The 58-year-old was a senior fisheries policy adviser at UHI Shetland, and his work in the field was hugely respected not just locally but nationally and internationally too.

The Dr Napier Studentship will provide one undergraduate student each year with an eight-week, fully-funded summer placement based in Shetland.

Running from late June to August, the programme is designed to give participants practical experience across fisheries science, marine biology, environmental science and fisheries management.

Successful applicants will receive a £2,800 stipend, free accommodation and full-funded training required for working aboard research vessels. During the placement, students will be embedded within UHI Shetland’s Scalloway campus, with opportunities to work at sea, visit fish markets and processing facilities and engage directly with industry professionals.

“This studentship represents a unique opportunity to bridge academic learning with real-world fisheries experience,” said SFA executive officer Daniel Lawson.

“It reflects Dr Ian Napier’s legacy of fostering strong links between science and industry, while helping to build future expertise rooted in Shetland.”

Dr Beth Mouat, director of research, enterprise and impact at UHI Shetland, said: “We are delighted to be joining with Shetland Fishermen’s Association in offering this studentship. It is a valuable opportunity for students to gain real life experience of how the fishing industry operates and on the benefits of effective industry-science partnerships.

“It is a fitting tribute to our colleague Dr Ian Napier, whose work in collaboration with the fishing industry delivered such significant impact.”

The programme is open to full-time undergraduate students across the UK studying relevant disciplines. Applicants must be aged 18 or over and hold a valid driving licence. A key feature of the initiative is its emphasis on developing “homegrown” talent: applicants with Shetland connections are encouraged, and successful participants may return for up to three placements during their studies to build deeper experience and industry relationships.

Participants will gain exposure to a wide range of activities, including:

• Assisting with marine research surveys and onboard sampling
• Conducting shore-based shellfish data collection
• Visiting fishing vessels, markets, and processing facilities
• Developing skills in GIS mapping and statistical analysis
• Building professional networks within the fishing industry

Applications will open in April, with a view to the successful candidate starting the studentship from the end of June. Interested parties should keep an eye on both Shetland Fishermen’s Association’s, and UHI Shetland’s, social media pages.

The programme aims not only to attract talented students from across the UK, but also to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Shetland’s fishing sector by nurturing skilled, industry-aware scientists.

Main Image © Shetland Fishermen’s Association