IFISH Innovation Exchange

In an effort to increase the potential for transdisciplinary research solutions, as well as the exchange of ideas and solutions for improving the safety and health of commercial fisheries, seafood processing, and aquaculture workers, we would like to explore the idea of setting up an IFISH Innovation Exchange Network.

This workshop would consist of either a morning or afternoon session to further the concept of “International IFISH Innovation Exchanges.” These exchanges would create a formalized mechanism for encouraging transdisciplinary problem-solving, data publication, skills development, or disseminating evidence-based health and safety solutions to different populations or locations. Exchanges would also give researchers or practitioners from developing countries an opportunity to travel to developed countries to share ideas, receive mentoring support, and learn skills they can apply at home. These month-long innovation exchanges would resemble short, time-intensive sabbaticals. Visits would allow scholars or practitioners to publish data, brush up on research skills, get training in search and rescue operations or learn more about an evidence-based program that could improve fisheries health and safety in their home country. At the end of this session, we hope to identify potential funding sources to cover travel funds and living expenses for Innovation Exchange applicants traveling to host institutions. We also hope to develop a list of interested host institutions agreeing to provide mentorship, work-space, and logistical support to Innovation Exchange applicants. The workshop will consist of an introduction to the concept and then a guided discussion session to:

1. assess interest in the concept from IFISH 6 participants,
2. explore funding opportunities, and
3. outline the basic parameters of an Innovation Exchange Program (noting opportunities and potential barriers to implementation).

At the end of the workshop, attendees will have outlined a list of action steps for launching an Innovation Exchange Program and a core list of individuals interested in leading this effort.

Innovation Exchange Group Meetings