Matilda is the Veterinary Practice and Cleaner Fish Manager for Bakkafrost Scotland. Having previously lived on the Isle of Harris, the importance to Scottish communities of employment through aquaculture was made even clearer when she joined the industry as a newcomer in 2014. Matilda is passionate about providing inclusive and empowering spaces for girls and women.

Rhianna is a leading voice in the UK seaweed sector, recently appointed CEO of the Scottish Seaweed Industry Association. With a background as a researcher, educator, and award-winning industry advocate—recipient of Aquaculture UK’s Rising Star Award—she brings deep expertise and unwavering passion to her role.

Irene is the Learning and Development Coordinator at Scottish Sea Farms. With responsibility for ongoing training and continual development across the company, she is currently completing an MSc in Organisational Psychology to further her expertise. Irene also fosters educational links within the local communities to promote the career opportunities within the aquaculture sector.

Ingrid is Director of the Fair Food Hub at the Lyell Centre, Heriot Watt University. Her research focuses on improving social sustainability in seafood supply through improved gender equality, worker wellbeing and equitable governance. The Hub partners with policy and industry decision-makers as well as civil society to co-create solutions that promote long-term positive change in seafood structures, consumption and institutions.

Jeni Adamson is Industry Engagement Manager at Seafood Scotland, where she works closely with businesses across the seafood supply chain to support skills development, careers awareness and workforce growth. Her role focuses on building strong industry connections and promoting the wide range of opportunities available across Scotland’s seafood and aquaculture sectors.

Joel is a Marine Biologist, supporting fish health and welfare across UK & Ireland’s salmon sectors. With a background in marine biology and experience spanning fish health management, farms assessment, and on site customer support, he is driven by practical improvements that strengthen both fish performance and the people who work with them. Joel is passionate about building supportive networks across the industry and is committed to being an active ally who listens, amplifies voices, and helps create more inclusive spaces in aquaculture.

Dr. Puja Kumari is a phycologist and lecturer at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), UK with extensive experience in seaweed biology, stress physiology, algal lifecycles, chemical ecology and algal bioprospection. She obtained her PhD from CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI) and Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University, India in March 2014.