AQUALAB Student Conference 2006

Date: 2 - 4 November 2006
Venue: Irish Marine Institute Headquarters, Galway (Ireland)

The seventh and final AQUALABS training event of the 2005/06 series was the three-day AQUALAB Student Conference 2006, hosted in November at the impressive new Marine Institute headquarters in Oranmore, Galway. After a competitive application process, 52 participants were selected, representing 18 countries from across the world. While the previous 6 courses in the series focused on the transfer of state-of-the-art laboratory techniques in specific fields of aquaculture, the Student Conference programme was geared towards the transfer of generic competencies, such as communication skills, networking, proposal writing and technology transfer, which are of real value to a research career.

Prior to arrival, participants and speakers made use of an online discussion forum to introduce themselves and their research interests. Participants were also requested to complete an online questionnaire to determine personal Jung Type communication styles, the results of which were disclosed in the first session of the event. Ms. Anna Rowan, a qualified and experienced management and personal effectiveness training consultant facilitated this Communication Styles Workshop.  Participants received an individual report related to the keynote speaker’s presentation, which enabled them to reflect on their own communication style.

Following the workshop, Dr Maura Hiney, senior research coordinator of the National University of Ireland, presented excellent guidelines and advice on how to identify and source grants, an essential skill for researchers who so often need to apply for a limited pool of public and private funds.

Towards the end of the first day, an introduction was presented to describe the “ITHACA Island” case study, an exercise which puts into action theoretical knowledge and professional skills. The case study was facilitated under the expertise and mentorship of Dr. Denis Lacroix, IFREMER, with an objective to encourage each participant to consider every possible aspect involved in starting up an aquaculture business in harmony with other water users. On the second day, participants were divided into a number of groups representing relevant stakeholders, such as fishermen, the tourism board and planning officials.  All participants got not only a taste for the diverse range of issues and bodies who have an input into the sector, but also had the opportunity to practice skills such as leadership, communication, decision making, negotiation, delegation, time management and team work. Towards the end of the study, each group had to present their stakeholder position and respond to other stakeholder questions and opinions. The study was concluded with a vote to select a final development plan for “ITHACA Island”.

Following the case study, participants turned their attention to one of their major challenges as researchers, namely to transfer relevant research outcomes to sectors for which the research was carried out. Mr Paudrac de Burca, research support officer of the National University of Ireland in Galway, introduced the concepts of technology transfer as well as intellectual property rights and copyright.

In the final presentation of day two, Dr. Lluis Tort, a work-package leader in AQUA-TNET, and Ms. Magdolna Trenovszki, President of the Student Group of European Aquaculture Society, chaired a session about networking and mobility opportunities. This highlighted the situation in Europe, whereby the workforce has increasingly become more mobile, and in research activities, all European Commission funded projects are comprised of international teams. The ability to network effectively has therefore become an essential skill.

The third and final day of the workshop saw blue skies and sunny weather, as the group set out on a field trip to visit the MRI Carna Laboratories of the National University Ireland in the west of Ireland. On route, the tour winded through the unique landscape of Connemara, while Mr James Ryan provided narration detailing the area and local aquaculture activities. Hatchery and fish farms, and other interesting sights along the route were pointed out.

The guided tour at the Carna Laboratories provided students with an opportunity to see state-of-the-art technology which supports the local aquaculture sector. The laboratory hosts a cold water marine finfish hatchery, facilities to rear tropical marine species, and an industry-applied crustacean research project (shrimp, lobster and crawfish). A successful seahorse cultivation and research enterprise, owned by the private company Seahorse Ireland Ltd, is also based at the premises and is committed to the conservation of these stunning animals.

The field trip culminated with a Killary cruise, which provided a unique experience of Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord. The perspective from the vessel allowed uninterrupted views of the spectacular scenery. Participants were also able to observe the workings of a mussel and salmon farm located in the harbour, while Mr James Ryan explained and commented on the aquaculture installations.

Participant and speaker feedback was encouraged at all stages, from the project discussion forum to the workshop questionnaire.  Informal networking and social events in the evenings also proved to be a success. Initial feedback clearly demonstrates a high level of interest for the holding of this event on an annual basis.  Comments from students included remarks such as, “amazing organisation and excellent networking opportunities”; “it was refreshing to network with so many other young researchers and learn of so many other areas of research and potential opportunities” and “I have attended a lot of conferences throughout my working career but this was by far the most inspiring!”

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