Marine / New fisheries studentship scheme a ‘fitting tribute’ to late Ian Napier
A NEW annual studentship has been launched in memory of the late Dr Ian Napier to support and inspire the next generation of fisheries scientists, offering hands-on experience in Shetland.
The initiative is a partnership between the Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA) and UHI Shetland.
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.
SFA executive officer Daniel Lawson said it is in the “spirit of ‘where does our next Ian Napier come from?’”
“Certainly from industry’s point of the view the idea is if we can continue the really good legacy here of fisheries science that understands industry, then that can only be a good thing for the future of this place [UHI Shetland], the future of Shetland fishing, hopefully Shetland as a whole.”
The news was announced at the inaugural Dr Ian Napier memorial lecture which was held at the UHI Shetland Scalloway campus last night.
Those involved in the lecture spoke to Shetland News prior to the event, and hailed the legacy senior fisheries policy adviser Dr Napier – who tragically died in 2024 – has left, particularly in bridging the gap between the fishing industry and science.
Memorial lecture to honour expert who bridged gap between fishing industry and science
Dr Beth Mouat, director of research, enterprise and impact at UHI Shetland, said historically the college has had a lot of this type of studentships in the past – highlighting that she herself started as a student.
“There’s lots of leaders across the maritime sector that have come through the doors here, so we can see that is has real impact,” she added.
“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.
It is said that 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 are advised to keep an eye on both the Shetland Fishermen’s Association and UHI Shetland social media pages.
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