Houston named chief scientific officer for Benchmark Genetics
Former Roslin Institute scientist is also given a seat on the board
Leading aquaculture geneticist Dr Ross Houston has been appointed as Benchmark Genetics’ chief scientific officer (CSO), the company has announced.
“In this new role, Ross will lead our global research and development, oversee breeding programmes and product design, and drive strategic initiatives to strengthen our position as a global leader in applied aquaculture genetics,” said Benchmark Genetics, which was recently bought from Benchmark Holdings Ltd for £230 million by a subsidiary of international life sciences investor Novo Holdings A/S.
Houston joined Benchmark in 2022, bringing with him extensive expertise from his previous role as Chair of Aquaculture Genetics at Edinburgh University’s Roslin Institute. He is internationally recognised for pioneering the use of genomic technologies to advance breeding programmes, with nearly 150 peer-reviewed publications, several patents, and a strong presence on the global conference stage.
Reproductive technologies
Since joining Benchmark, Houston has spearheaded key scientific developments, including the establishment of its Reproductive Technologies team and a state-of-the-art molecular genetics laboratory, which now delivers advanced genotyping services to aquaculture producers worldwide.
As CSO, he will report to Benchmark Genetics’ newly appointed chief executive Dr Geir Olav Melingen and join the Benchmark Genetics board.
“I’m honoured to take up this new leadership position at a very exciting time in Benchmark Genetics’ journey. The power and value of innovation in genetics technologies to sustainable seafood production is clear, and I will focus on unlocking this potential by translating the latest science into commercial practice,” said Houston in an article on the Benchmark Genetics website.
