Bursary in memory of fish vet 'opens the door' for university student

A University of Stirling student who is the latest recipient of the Nikos Steiropoulos Aquaculture Scholarship from MSD Animal Health UK says the award has helped to “open a door she could only have dreamed of”.

The scholarship was established in memory of Nikos Steiropoulos, a distinguished Stirling University alumnus and advanced veterinary practitioner who had a distinguished 20-year career in the industry. A past president of the Fish Veterinary Society, he died suddenly at home on December 26, 2020.

The award is designed to support the next generation of experts in sustainable aquaculture, aquatic pathobiology, or aquatic veterinary studies at the university’s Institute of Aquaculture.

Aquatic pathobiology

Running since 2024, the latest recipient of the scholarship is Bethany Scott who is now pursuing a Master of Science in Aquatic Pathobiology. Scott comes from a background in terrestrial animal biology, with a focus on pathogens.

For Scott, who is currently working as a veterinary receptionist alongside her studies, the scholarship represents more than just financial support. It is a bridge between her experience in terrestrial systems and her interest in aquatic systems, allowing her to gain cross-system insights that inform disease control across both commercial and wild environments - increasingly important in One Health and global food security contexts.

“It’s a huge honour to get this scholarship. Working in the veterinary practice means I’ve seen first-hand how MSD Animal Health works to support animal health and welfare and it’s great to be part of that company,” said Scott.

“Receiving this scholarship has removed the financial barrier to postgraduate study, allowing me to continue my education. It has opened a door I could only have dreamed of previously, connecting me with a global leader in animal health whose work spans aquaculture, livestock, and companion animals.

“The true scale of the aquaculture sector and how it is growing has really surprised me – it’s a lot more complicated than just a pack of salmon appearing on the supermarket shelves! It’s a huge opportunity and I’m thrilled to be exploring this sector.”

Fresh talent

Joel Ellis, technical support senior specialist for aquaculture at MSD Animal Health UK, said the scholarship was important for helping to attract fresh talent like Scott to the sector.

He said: “Nikos was a valued member of the MSD Animal Health team and was deeply committed to the advancement of fish health and welfare. We are thrilled to see his legacy continue through Bethany’s work. Her background in host-pathogen dynamics brings a valuable perspective to the industry.

“By supporting bright students through this bursary, we are ensuring the aquaculture sector continues to benefit from innovative thinking.”

Scott hopes the award and masters programme will allow her to span aquaculture and ecology, looking at both commercial and wild environments. She added: “I’m looking at research projects now and I’m really looking forward to getting into the laboratory. The facilities in the Institute of Aquaculture at Stirling are very hi-tech.

“Looking forward, I’m eager to explore disease dynamics in fish and other aquatic species, while developing transferable expertise that supports my broader interest in disease ecology. I really want to span both aquaculture and ecology and this support from MSD Animal Health has given me the confidence and belief that my ambitions are worth pursuing.”

Five-year commitment

The Nikos Steiropoulos Aquaculture Bursary is part of a five-year commitment by MSD Animal Health UK to foster innovation and talent within the UK’s aquaculture industry.

By alleviating the financial pressures of higher education, the bursary enables students to focus entirely on tackling the real-world challenges of fish health.

MSD Animal Health UK is a division of Merck & Co., Inc., headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey, in the United States.