Monday 24th November 2025, 12:36pm
The Scottish Seaweed Industry Association (SSIA) Conference 2025 brought together farmers, scientists, policymakers and investors from 11th to 13th November for three days of collaboration and discussion under the theme “Building a Connected Seaweed Sector: Cooperation and Collaboration, Turning the Tides of Innovation.”
Held in Oban, the annual conference focused on accelerating sustainable growth in Scotland’s emerging seaweed sector by strengthening partnerships across the entire value chain.
Sessions covered regulation, research, market development and the increasing role of innovation in aquaculture.
Val Hughes-White, Director of Innovation at Roslin Innovation Centre and Chair of the UKSPA Scotland Group, attended the event, representing both organisations and emphasised the importance of cross-sector partnerships:
“Scotland’s seaweed industry is at an exciting point in its development. What will unlock its full potential is genuine collaboration between science, industry and investment.”
Val Hughes-White, Director of Innovation at Roslin Innovation CentreKeynote speakers included Melanie Siggs of the Global Seafood Alliance and Dr Susan Løvstad Holdt of the International Seaweed Association, who provided global perspectives on market opportunities, sustainability and sector-wide innovation.
Delegates participated in expert-led sessions covering regulatory frameworks, offshore co-location with wind energy, animal interactions, and new market applications in food, pharmaceuticals and animal feed.
During the conference, Val Hughes-White visited the European Marine Science Park (EMSP) with representatives from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, to gain further insight into Scotland’s expanding aquaculture research landscape.
The EMSP campus - home to Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) - hosts world-leading marine science facilities set against the dramatic scenery of Scotland’s west coast.
“The depth of aquaculture science happening here is exceptional. From the research labs to the companies embedded on site, you can feel the momentum. And with views over Loch Linnhe and Dunstaffnage Castle, it’s a truly inspiring place to see innovation in action.”
Val Hughes-White, Director of Innovation at Roslin Innovation Centre
Women in Scottish Aquaculture (WiSA) hosted a breakfast session featuring a panel of female leaders discussing pathways into the industry, the importance of mentorship, and the value of diversity of thought.
Speakers encouraged emerging leaders to embrace risk-taking, authenticity and active listening.
The closing day featured roundtable discussions on funding, science-industry partnerships, and new directions for seaweed innovation. Representing both Roslin Innovation Centre and UKSPA Scotland Group, Val Hughes-White contributed to a panel on strategies to enhance collaboration between research organisations and industry, drawing on her experience within an innovation ecosystem and the AAA (Animal Health, Agri-tech, Aquaculture) sector.
The conference concluded with a poster session and announcement of the SSIA Innovation Competition, where finalists pitched for up to £17,000 in funding sponsored by the Mustardseed Trust. The competition aimed to spotlight projects capable of driving growth within the Scottish seaweed industry.
This marked the end of a highly productive gathering focused on strengthening Scotland’s seaweed sector and a shared vision of sustainable growth.
Roslin Innovation Centre
The University of Edinburgh
Easter Bush Campus
Midlothian EH25 9RG
