Fellows 2026-27

Welcome to Iceland

You arrive at the time of the year when winter is coming ... and the Christmas season is approaching.

This year, September 22nd is the day of the equinox, i.e., when daytime and night-time are of equal duration all over the planet.

After that we have progressively longer night-time than daytime here in the north and we also start to experience colder weather and occasional snow storms.

In September, typical daytime high temperatures in Reykjavik reach about 12°C, while overnight lows drop to 6°C with occasional drop to below zero. Overall, the monthly average temperature hovers around 8°C to 9°C, marking the crisp transition from summer to autumn.

On the official tourism website Visit Iceland  you find a lot of practical information on the weather, what to wear, food, currency, safety issues etc.

MFRI, Hafnarförður- photo by MFRI

Incoming fellows profile

The 2026-27 cohort includes 18 fellows from 10 countries -- in the Caribbean, Africa and Asia. Although we strive to have equal number of men and women in the programme, this year men are 11 and women only 7. The distribution on lines of specialisation is equal this year, 6 fellows on each (the Fisheries Policy and Management line, the Aquatic Resource Assessment and Monitoring line and the Sustainable Aquaculture line).

For individual fellows' profile see here >

This year´s  FTP staff

The GRÓ-FTP team ...

from left, Stefán Úlfarsson, Zaw Myo Win, Julie Ingham and Þór Ásgeirsson.

More information here >

Practical information

It is always challenging to settle into a new society. To help incoming fellows settling in, FTP has put together a handbook with practical information on weather conditions, suitable clothing, accommodation, service hours, entertainment, transportation, important phone numbers and so on.

It is possible to upload a PDF version of the GRÓ FTP Handbook here>

Six-month Training - Curriculum

Below is a brief extract from GRÓ FTP's most recently updated curriculum.

For the full version, please download here>

The core activity of GRÓ FTP is an annual post-graduate level training programme in Iceland, which aims to strengthen the professional capacity and competency of fellows to actively contribute to work done in their respective organisations. Each year the course runs for six months and comprises three modules: Introduction, specialisation and individual research project. Successful graduates receive a UNESCO GRÓ certificate of completion.

Introduction

The introductory part occupies the first 7 weeks of the programme and gives fellows a holistic view of fisheries, providing them with insights into various disciplines within fisheries and their connectedness.

The fellows receive a comprehensive overview of fisheries in an international context, sharpening their understanding of the challenges and opportunities in fisheries in their home countries.

The introduction consists of a series of seminars, tutorials, site visits and assignments, touching upon the subject of personal and professional growth and group dynamics.

GRÓ FTP puts emphasis on environmental conservation and gender equality, both integral to sustainable fisheries and the development of the fisheries sector.

Specialisation

On completion of the introduction, fellows join one of four lines of specialisation for the next 7 weeks of the programme: Fisheries Policy and Management; Aquatic Resource Assessment and Monitoring; Quality Management of Fish Handling and Processing; or Sustainable Aquaculture.

Fellows now have the task of attending a full specialisation programme while, at the same time, developing research project ideas into a proposal.

During this phase, heads of lines provide fellows with course outlines, time schedules and reading materials specific to their lines of specialisation. They also lead the process of assigning supervisor(s) to work with fellows on their research project.

FTP staff, on the other hand, monitor fellows’ progress and also provide support and tools across the specialisation lines.

Research project

The programme culminates in a 12-week research project in which fellows work closely with a supervisor on a pressing issue related to their work at home.

The project work combines the fellow’s experience and practical skills gained in the introductory and specialist training, along with their personal goals on an individual research topic. Final projects most often involve data directly from fellows' home countries.

On completion, a research paper is submitted and published on the GRÓ-FTP website.

In addition, fellows are required to design an information poster summarising their research and present their results in an open dissemination meeting.

Six-month Training - Course catalogue

The course catalogues offer an overview of the programme's typical content and is not intended to be exhaustive.

Lecture topics and content may be adjusted between programme cycles to ensure that the curriculum remains relevant and responsive.

Such adjustments enable us to address the specific needs and interests of participating fellows while also reflecting the availability and expertise of guest lecturers and faculty members.

For the Introductory Course Catalogue , please download here>

Six-month Training - Schedule

Introduction

Week 1 (Aug 24-30): Orientation

Below is a preliminary schedule for the first week in Iceland. Please be aware that it may be necessary to adjust it with little notice. 

Week 2 (Aug 31-Sep 6): Aquatic biomass

Below is a preliminary schedule for the second week in Iceland. Please be aware that it may be necessary to adjust it with little notice. 

Week 3 (Sep 7-13): Governance

To be published ...

Week 4 (Sep 14-20): Blue food

To be published ...

Week 5 (Sep 21-27): Agents of change

To be published ...

Weeks 6 (Sep 28 - Oct 4): Northern trip

To be published ...

Specialisation & research

To be published ...