First Recipient of the Nikos Steiropoulos MSD Animal Health UK Aquaculture Bursary announced
MILTON KEYNES, U.K., 27 November 2024 – The University of Stirling has announced Laila Al Farsi as the inaugural recipient of the Nikos Steiropoulos Aquaculture Bursary.
This prestigious award, sponsored by MSD Animal Health UK, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), supports students with a passion for aquaculture and allows them to pursue advanced studies in sustainable aquaculture, aquatic pathobiology or aquatic veterinary studies at the university’s Institute of Aquaculture.
Nikos was a proud alumnus of the University of Stirling, having completed a masters in aquatic veterinary studies before qualifying as an advanced veterinary practitioner in fish health and production. He went on to have a 20-year career in the industry.
With aquaculture remaining a niche sector in the UK, Vicki Farr, technical and marketing lead for MSD Animal Health UK integrated livestock species, reflects on how proud Nikos would have been to see the next generation of aquaculture professionals being supported in this way to enable the sector to continue to grow and prosper.
“Nikos was an invaluable member of the aquaculture industry with a clear passion and dedication to fish health and welfare. We’re delighted to be able to support a budding aqua industry professional in this way, in his honour.”
On receiving the bursary, Miss Al Farsi said: “I initially stumbled into aquaculture almost by accident. In Oman if you perform well at high school, you’re eligible for a scholarship from the Ministry of Higher Education and Innovation to support with future, higher level studies.
“There are multiple scholarship options to choose from and I ticked the aquaculture box by chance.”
Having pursued a foundation course initially and then an undergraduate degree in aquaculture at the University of Stirling she has grown to have a real passion for the complexity and potential of aquaculture.
“On graduating I was fortunate to get a job with the Nutritional Analytical Service at the University of Stirling, focusing on fish nutrition.
“I then realised I wanted to do more in this field. I was encouraged to pursue the masters in aquaculture and apply for the bursary by my supervisor. I feel like it was meant to be.”
Miss Al Farsi has thanked MSD Animal Health UK for their generosity. “It has eased a significant financial burden and given me the confidence and peace of mind to fully focus on my studies and personal growth,” she said.
The Nikos Steiropoulos Aquaculture Bursary is set to support a new student each year for the next five years, showcasing MSD Animal Health UK’s commitment to fostering innovation and development within the aquaculture industry.
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About MSD Animal Health
At MSD, known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA in the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than a century, we’ve been at the forefront of research, bringing forward medicines, vaccines and innovative health solutions for the world’s most challenging diseases. MSD Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business unit of MSD. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, MSD Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of connected technology that includes identification, traceability and monitoring products. MSD Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. MSD Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.msd-animal-health.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).