Food security expert will take centre stage at aquaculture conference
Dr Modadugu Vijay Gupta named as a plenary speaker for World Aquaculture 2025 in India
Dr Modadugu Vijay Gupta, a global leader in aquaculture research and development for over 50 years, has been named as the second plenary speaker for this year’s World Aquaculture Society (WAS) conference.
World Aquaculture 2025 India will take place in Hyderabad from November 10-13.
Gupta’s work has a strong focus on improving food and nutritional security in developing countries. He has implemented projects and programmes across more than 20 countries in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific, with particular emphasis on empowering rural women and landless communities through aquaculture.
He will deliver a keynote address on “Aquaculture Opportunities, Options, and Optimism,” highlighting key challenges and opportunities for the sector.
In May, organisers announced Dr Manuel Barange, assistant director general of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation and director of its Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, as the first plenary speaker at the conference, which will be held at the Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre.
The conference is hosted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), with strong support from P.V. Narsimha Rao Telangana Veterinary University and the Society of Aquaculture Professionals (SAP).
Abstract deadline extended
Conference organisers have extended the abstract submission deadline to September 30, 2025. Student submissions will also be eligible for the WAS Asian Pacific Chapter (APC) Awards which offer cash prizes to help cover travel costs.
The award categories are:
- Pre-conference Student Travel Awards (Best Abstracts): 3 awards of US $400 each.
- Women’s Participation Travel Awards: 2 awards of US $600 each.
- Student Presentation & Poster Awards (during the conference): Prizes ranging from US $400–$600.
The deadline for both awards in September 30.
This year also features the launch of a new Professional Merit Award, presented alongside the established Student and Women’s Participation Awards. The award honours up to two individuals for outstanding contributions to aquaculture in Asia. Again, the deadline is September 30.
Applicants for the awards must be current WAS or WAS-APC members. Abstract submission is required for Student Travel Awards. Past winners are not eligible.
