Fellows 2023-24

Welcome 2023-24 cohort of fellows. This gateway is designed to meet your needs and those who will be working with you in Iceland. Access here practical information about the programme, such as orientation guidlines and timetables. Presentations and assignments are shared through the access limited File Storage.

Practical information

Welcome to Iceland

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

This year, September 23rd was 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 October the temperature usually ranges between 2-7 degrees Celsius. It can go below zero, especially during the night. For outdoor activities you would need a warm jumper, wind /waterproof outer shell, and good shoes.

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.

 

Incoming fellows profile

The 2023-24 cohort includes 24 fellows from 15 countries ... in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. This year men (14) are three more than women (11). The biggest line of specialisation is the Fisheries Policy and Management line (10), then Sustainable Aquaculture (6) Aquatic Resource Assesment and Monitoring (5), and Quality Management (4).

For individual fellows' profile see here >

This year´s  FTP staff

The GRÓ-FTP team at work  ...

from the left, Julie Ingham, Zaw Myo Win and Stefán Úlfarsson (holding the camera ha ha).

Missing in the photo is Þór Ásgeirsson and Davíð Tómas Davíðson.

More information here >

Fellowship info

General info

It is always challenging to settle into a new society. To help incoming fellows to orient themselves FTP has taken together a handbook with practical information on weather conditions, suitable clothing, accommodation, service hours, entertainment, transportation, important phone numbers … and last but not least about the fellowship’s responsibilities and benefits.

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

Accomodation

The GRÓ House is the Reykjavík home of the GRÓ six-month fellows (GRÓ-FTP, GRÓ-GTP & GRÓ-LRT) and houses occasionally GRÓ MS/MSc and PhD scholarship recipients and visiting guest lecturers invited by the four GRÓ Programmes. The house is located on Grensásvegur 14, close to a major shopping and recreational area with convenient access to bus routes.

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

The six-month training

The core activity of the FTP is an annual postgraduate level six-month training programme in Iceland which aims to strengthen the professional capacity and competency of FTP Fellows to actively contribute to work done in their organisations and to recognise development potential in their home countries.

Each year the course runs for six months and comprises three modules: an introductory part, a specialisation part, and an individual research project. Successful graduates receive a UNESCO GRÓ certificate of completion.

The overall framework for the 2023-24 semester presented below is a draft, intended to help general orientation. However, as the programme is by nature quite fluid and relies on cooperation of many people, institutes and companies it will need to be updated periodically.

It is possible to upload a PDF version of the Overall Plan here>

Introduction

The introductory part occupies the first 5-6 weeks of the programme and gives Fellows a holistic view of fisheries, providing them with insights into various disciplines within fisheries and their connectedness.

In this course, Fellows receive a comprehensive overview of fisheries in an international context, sharpening their understanding of fisheries in their home countries and what is needed for a fisheries sector to evolve.

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

The FTP places emphasis on environmental conservation and gender equality which are integral to sustainable fisheries and the development of the fisheries sector.

Week 1: Orientation (Nov 20 - Nov 26)

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. Changes will be announced on a day-by-day basis.

A = Assignment due; E = Special topic; O = Orientation; S = Seminar; T = Tutorial; W = Workshop /field trip; TBD = To be decided; * = Not confirmed; N/A = Information not available; MFRI = Marine and Freshwater Research Institute; Matis = Matis Food and Biotech R&D Company; UNAK = University of Akureyri

Tues 21-Nov        
From Until Venue Type Topic Responsible
           
09:30 10:30 GRÓ-house O Meet FTP staff, Þór and Julie, in 2nd floor common room 208 Staff
10:30 11:30 Public bus O Bus ride to MFRI w/help from FTP staff Staff
11:30 12:30 MFRI O Informal welcome at MFRI:
Introductions - staff and fellows
Staff
12:30 13:00 MFRI O Lunch by invitation of GRÓ-FTP Staff
13:00 14:00 MFRI O Informal welcome at MFRI  & housekeeping Staff
14:00 15:00 MFRI O Social assignments: Introduction Staff
15:00 16:00 Public bus O MFRI walk Staff
           
           
Wed 22-Nov        
From Until Venue Type Topic Responsible
08:30 09:30 Public bus O Bus ride to MFRI w/help from staff Staff
09:45 10:30 MFRI O Introduction and welcome to GRÓ-FTP Þór Ásgeirsson,
FTP director
10:30 11:15 MFRI O Introduction and welcome to MFRI Þorsteinn Sigurðsson,
MFRI director
11:30 12:15 MFRI O Computers set up Staff
12:15 13:00 MFRI O Lunch by invitation of GRÓ-FTP Staff
13:00 13:45 MFRI O Computers set up Staff
13:55 14:40 MFRI O Group dynamics and setting ground rules Brita Berglund (GRÓ-LRT staff)
14:50 15:35 MFRI O Group dynamics and setting ground rules Brita Berglund (GRÓ-LRT staff)
15:45 16:30 MFRI O Group dynamics and setting ground rules Brita Berglund (GRÓ-LRT staff)
16:40 17:25 MFRI O Group dynamics and setting ground rules Brita Berglund (GRÓ-LRT staff)
           
Thur 23-Nov        
From Until Venue Type Topic Responsible
08:45 11:55 Reykjavik O Groups 1&2 - Medical check Staff
11:55 12:00 Hallgrímskirkja,
Reykjavík
O All groups - Pick up for immigration
at the GRÓ House. Please be on time a coach will take us to Immigration.
Staff
           
Afternoon N/A O All groups - Social assignment Fellows
           
Fri 24-Nov        
From Until Venue Type Topic Responsable
08:45 11:55 Reykjavik O Groups 3&4 - Medical check Staff
           
           
13:00 13:45 MFRI O Social assignment: Presentations Fellows
13:55 14:40 MFRI O Social assignment: Presentations Fellows
14:50 15:35 MFRI O Social assignment: Presentations Fellows
15:45 16:30 MFRI O Social assignment: Presentations Fellows
           
18:00 N/A GRÓ-house E FTP welcome party Postgr + fellows + staff
           

 

Week 2: The resource (Nov 27 - Dec 3)

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. Changes will be announced on a day-by-day basis.

A = Assignment due; E = Special topic; O = Orientation; S = Seminar; T = Tutorial; W = Workshop /field trip; TBD = To be decided; * = Not confirmed; N/A = Information not available; MFRI = Marine and Freshwater Research Institute; Matis = Matis Food and Biotech R&D Company; UNAK = University of Akureyri

Mon 27-Nov        
From Until Venue Type Topic Responsible
08:45 09:30 MFRI S Fish biology Tumi Tómasson
(FTP consultant)
09:40 10:25 MFRI S Fish biology Tumi Tómasson
(FTP consultant)
10:35 11:20 MFRI S Climate and fisheries Ólafur Ástþórsson
(specialist)
11:30 12:15 MFRI S Climate and fisheries Ólafur Ástþórsson
(specialist)
           
13:00 13:45 MFRI T Academic writing & presentation: Presentation skills Julie
13:55 14:40 MFRI T Academic writing & presentation: MS Word Formatting Davíð (Julie and Zaw)
14:50 15:35 MFRI T Academic writing & presentation: MS Word Formatting Davíð (Julie and Zaw)
15:45 16:30 MFRI T Academic writing & presentation: MS Word Formatting Davíð (Julie and Zaw)
           
Tues 28-Nov        
From Until Venue Type Topic Responsible
08:45 09:30 MFRI S Oceanography and fisheries Steingrímur Jónsson
(Akureyri University)
09:40 10:25 MFRI S Oceanography and fisheries Steingrímur Jónsson
(Akureyri University)
10:35 11:20 MFRI S Fishing technology Haraldur Einarsson
(MFRI/FAO)
11:30 12:15 MFRI S Fishing technology Haraldur Einarsson
(MFRI/FAO)
           
13:00 13:45 MFRI T Scientific research: Fisheries data Þór Ásgeirsson
13:55 14:40 MFRI T Scientific research: Fisheries data Þór Ásgeirsson
14:50 15:35 MFRI T Scientific research: Oceanographic data Carlos Argáez García
(MFRI)
15:45 16:30 MFRI T Scientific research: Oceanographic data Carlos Argáez García
(MFRI)
           
Wed 29-Nov        
From Until Venue Type Topic Responsible
08:45 09:30 MFRI S Population dynamics of fisheries Warsha Singh (MFRI)
09:40 10:25 MFRI S Population dynamics of fisheries Warsha Singh (MFRI)
10:35 11:20 MFRI S Ecosystem based fisheries Warsha Singh (MFRI)
11:30 12:15 MFRI S Ecosystem based fisheries Warsha Singh (MFRI)
           
13:00 13:45 MFRI S How can we manage fisheries? Þorsteinn & Óttar
(Directorate of Fisheries)
13:55 14:40 MFRI S How can we manage fisheries? Þorsteinn & Óttar
(Directorate of Fisheries)
14:50 15:35 MFRI E Special topic: Cloud based databases Villhjálmur Hallgríms
(Fisheries Technology)
15:45 16:30 MFRI E Special topic: Genetics and fisheries Áki Jarl Láruson (MFRI)
           
Thur 30-Nov        
From Until Venue Type Topic Responsible
        Workshop /field trip:  
08:45 09:30 MFRI W    Context Staff
09:40 10:25 MFRI W    MFRI facilities -- laboratories & sampling MFRI Sample team
& Tumi Tómasson
10:35 11:20 MFRI W    MFRI facilities -- laboratories & sampling MFRI Sample team
& Tumi Tómasson
11:30 12:15 MFRI W    MFRI facilities -- research vessel Árni Friðriksson Staff
           
13:00 13:45 Reykjavik W    Hampiðjan (fishing gear developer) Haraldur Einarsson
+ staff
13:55 14:40 Reykjavik W    Hampiðjan (fishing gear developer) Haraldur Einarsson
+ staff
           
           
           
Fri 01-Dec        
From Until Venue Type Topic Responsible
08:45 09:30 MFRI O FTP photo session for fellows (ca 5 minutes per fellows) Staff/Fellows
           
10:35 11:20 MFRI A Individual assignment I: Presentations Fellows
11:30 12:15 MFRI A Individual assignment I: Presentations Fellows
           
13:00 13:45 MFRI A Individual assignment I: Presentations Fellows
13:55 14:40 MFRI A Individual assignment I: Presentations Fellows
           
           

 

Week 3: Value addition (Dec 4 - Dec 10)

Below is a preliminary schedule for the third week in Iceland. Please be aware that it may be necessary to adjust it with little notice. Changes will be announced on a day-by-day basis.

A = Assignment due; E = Special topic; O = Orientation; S = Seminar; T = Tutorial; W = Workshop /field trip; TBD = To be decided; * = Not confirmed; N/A = Information not available; MFRI = Marine and Freshwater Research Institute; Matis = Matis Food and Biotech R&D Company; UNAK = University of Akureyri

Mon 04-Dec        
From Until Venue Type Topic Responsible
08:45 09:30 MFRI S Global warming and other challenges Sara Harðardóttir
(MFRI)
09:40 10:25 MFRI S Global warming and other challenges Sara Harðardóttir
(MFRI)
10:35 11:20 MFRI S Trends in world fisheries Þór Ásgeirsson
11:30 12:15 MFRI S Trends in world fisheries Þór Ásgeirsson
           
13:00 13:45 MFRI S World aquaculture Theodór Kristjánsson
(MFRI)
13:55 14:40 MFRI S World aquaculture Theodór Kristjánsson
(MFRI)
14:50 15:35 MFRI T Professional Communication Julie Ingham
15:45 16:30 MFRI T Professional Communication Julie Ingham
           
Tues 05-Dec        
From Until Venue Type Topic Responsible
08:45 09:30 MFRI S Education and training for the fisheries sector Ólafur Jón Arngrímsson
(Icelandic college of fisheries)
09:40 10:25 MFRI S Education and training for the fisheries sector Ólafur Jón Arngrímsson
(Icelandic college of fisheries)
10:35 11:20 MFRI S Innovation and fisheries Fjóla Björk Karlsdóttir
(University of Akureyri)
11:30 12:15 MFRI S Innovation and fisheries Fjóla Björk Karlsdóttir
(University of Akureyri)
           
13:00 13:45 MFRI T Professional Communication Julie Ingham
13:55 14:40 MFRI T Professional Communication Julie Ingham
14:50 15:35 MFRI T Scientific research: Data bases, cont. Þór Ásgeirsson
15:45 16:30 MFRI T Scientific research: Data bases, cont. Þór Ásgeirsson
           
Wed 06-Dec        
From Until Venue Type Topic Responsible
09:00 09:30 Matis S Introduction to Matis Gudmundur Stefánsson
(Matis)
09:30 10:15 Matis S Overview of fish handling and processing Gudmundur Stefánsson
(Matis)
10:30 11:15 Matis S Overview of fish handling and processing, cont. Gudmundur Stefánsson
(Matis)
11:15 12:00 Matis S Microorganisms and microbes in fish Páll Steinþórsson
(Matis)
           
13:00 15:00 Matis S Overview of quality changes in shelf life of fishery products Hildur Inga Sveinsdóttir
(Matis)
15:00 15:45 Matis S Overview of international legal framework for food safety Margeir Gissurarsson
(Matis)
15:45 16:30 Matis E Sidesteam utilisation Davíð T. Davíðsson
           
Thur 07-Dec        
From Until Venue Type Topic Responsible
        Workshop /field trip:  
08:45 09:00

MFRI

W     Welcome words Thor Asgeirsson
09:00 09:45 MFRI W     Fellows on aquaculture in home country Amalia Liorente (Cuba), Krystal Facey (Jamaica), Maria j. I. Arana (Nicaragua)
09:55 10:40 MFRI W     Fellows on aquaculture in home country Daniella F. Sesay (Sierra Leone), Yamikani E. Balaka (Malawi)
11:00 11:30 MFRI W     Perspective from the Faroe Islands Jóhanna Lava Køtlum (Director of Fiskaaling), Amanda Vang (Head of department, cellular biologist)
11:30 12:00 MFRI       Perspective from Iceland Theódór Kristjánsson (MFRI)
           
13:15 13:45   W     Coach from MFRI to MARS (Matis Aquaculture Research Station) Staff
13:45 15:00   W     Matis Aquaculture Research Station (MARS) Staff
15:00 15:30   W     Coach from MARS to Vaki Staff
15:30 16:45   W     Vaki (equipment supplier for aquaculture) Staff
16:45 17:15   W     Coach back to Grensásvegur 14 Staff
           
Fri 08-Dec        
From Until Venue Type Topic Responsible
10:00 10:45 MFRI A Individual assignment II: Presentations (groups 1 & 2 in double small meeting room first floor and groups 3 & 4 in in big meeting room first floor) Fellows
10:55 11:40 MFRI A Individual assignment II: Presentations (groups 1 & 2 in double small meeting room first floor and groups 3 & 4 in in big meeting room first floor)  Fellows
11:50 12:35 MFRI A Individual assignment II: Presentations (groups 1 & 2 in double small meeting room first floor and groups 3 & 4 in in big meeting room first floor)  Fellows
           

 

Week 4: Management (Dec 11 - Dec 17)

Below is a preliminary schedule for the fourth week in Iceland. Please be aware that it may be necessary to adjust it with little notice. Changes will be announced on a day-by-day basis.

A = Assignment due; E = Special topic; O = Orientation; S = Seminar; T = Tutorial; W = Workshop /field trip; TBD = To be decided; * = Not confirmed; N/A = Information not available; MFRI = Marine and Freshwater Research Institute; Matis = Matis Food and Biotech R&D Company; UNAK = University of Akureyri

Mon 11-Dec        
From Until Venue Type Topic Responsible
08:45 09:30 MFRI S Fisheries governance, communiti based Jón Geir Pétursson
(University of Iceland)
09:40 10:25 MFRI S Fisheries governance, communiti based Jón Geir Pétursson
(University of Iceland)
10:35 11:20 MFRI S Fisheries economics:
Overexploitation and modelling
Thanh Viet Nguyen
(University of Akureyri)
11:30 12:15 MFRI S Fisheries economics:
Overexploitation and modelling
Thanh Viet Nguyen
(University of Akureyri)
           
13:00 13:45 MFRI S Fisheries economics:
Managem policy implication
Thanh Viet Nguyen
(University of Akureyri)
13:55 14:40 MFRI S Fisheries economics:
Managem policy implication
Thanh Viet Nguyen
(University of Akureyri)
14:50 15:35 MFRI T Professional communication Julie Ingham
15:45 16:30 MFRI T Professional communication Julie Ingham
           
Tues 12-Dec        
From Until Venue Type Topic Responsible
08:45 09:30 MFRI S Fisheries governance, international Arnór Snæbjörnsson
09:40 10:25 MFRI S Fisheries governance, international Arnór Snæbjörnsson
10:35 11:20 MFRI S History of Icelandic fisheries:
Why manages fisheries?
Hreiðar Þór Valtýsson
(University of Akureyri)
11:30 12:15 MFRI S History of Icelandic fisheries:
Why manages fisheries?
Hreiðar Þór Valtýsson
(University of Akureyri)
           
13:00 13:45 MFRI T Scientific research: Statistics Anna H. Jónsdóttir (University of Iceland)
13:55 14:40 MFRI T Scientific research: Statistics Anna H. Jónsdóttir (University of Iceland)
14:50 15:35 MFRI T Scientific research: Statistics Anna H. Jónsdóttir (University of Iceland)
15:45 16:30 MFRI T Scientific research: Statistics Anna H. Jónsdóttir (University of Iceland)
           
Wed 13-Dec        
From Until Venue Type Topic Responsible
08:45 09:30   O Reflection Staff
09:40 10:25   O Reflection Staff
10:35 11:20 MFRI S The Icelandic Quota system:
Success through mistakes?
Hörður Sævaldsson
(University of Akureyri)
11:30 12:15 MFRI S The Icelandic Quota system:
Success through mistakes?
Hörður Sævaldsson
(University of Akureyri)
           
13:00 13:45 MFRI O Orientation Zaw
13:55 14:40 MFRI O Orientation Zaw
           
           
           
Thur 14-Dec        
From Until Venue Type Topic Responsible
           
           
           
           
        Workshop /field trip:  
12:25 13:00 GRÓ-house W    Coach from GRÓ-house to Reykjavik old harbour Staff
13:00 14:15 Reykjavik old harbour W    Visit to Brim hf. (fishing company) Staff
14:15 15:00 Reykjavik old harbour W    Harbour walk: Auction market /Ocean cluster Staff
15:00 15:45 Reykjavik old harbour W    Reykjavik Maritime Museum Staff
15:45 16:30 Reykjavik old harbour W    Intro to GRÓ International Centre Nína Björk Jónsdóttir,
(GRÓ director general)
16:30 17:00 Reykjavik old harbour      Coach from Reykjavik old harbour to GRÓ-house Staff
           
Fri 15-Dec        
From Until Venue Type Topic Responsible
10:35 11:20 MFRI A Individual assignment III: Presentations Fellows
11:30 12:15 MFRI A Individual assignment III: Presentations Fellows
           
13:00 13:45 MFRI A Individual assignment III: Presentations Fellows
13:55 14:40 MFRI A Individual assignment III: Presentations Fellows

 

Week 5: Workshop (Dec 18 - Dec 24)

Below is a preliminary schedule for the fifth week in Iceland. Please be aware that it may be necessary to adjust it with little notice. Changes will be announced on a day-by-day basis.

A = Assignment due; E = Special topic; O = Orientation; S = Seminar; T = Tutorial; W = Workshop /field trip; TBD = To be decided; * = Not confirmed; N/A = Information not available; MFRI = Marine and Freshwater Research Institute; Matis = Matis Food and Biotech R&D Company; UNAK = University of Akureyri

Mon 18-Dec        
From Until Venue Type Topic Responsible
08:45 09:30 MFRI

S

Leadership and change Ársæll Árnason (University of Iceland)
09:40 10:25 MFRI S Leadership and change Ársæll Árnason (University of Iceland)
10:35 11:20 MFRI W Professional goals Julie, Thor
11:30 12:15 MFRI W Professional goals Julie, Thor
           
13:00 13:45 MFRI O

Orientation

Zaw, Davíð
13:55 14:40 MFRI O Orientation Zaw, Davíð
14:50 15:35 MFRI S Achieving sustainable fisheries management -- the importance of industry participation Hrefna Karlsdóttir (Fisheries Iceland - Assosiation of Icelandic Fishing Companies)
15:45 16:30 MFRI S Achieving sustainable fisheries management -- the importance of industry participation

Hrefna Karlsdóttir (Fisheries Iceland - Assosiation of Icelandic Fishing Companies)

16:30 17:30 MFRI O FPM line only: On-line meeting with head of line Hreiðar Þór Valtýsson

Hreiðar, Zaw

           
Tue 19-Dec        
From Until Venue Type Topic Responsible
08:45 09:30   W Introduction to project design Thor and Julie
09:40 10:25   W Introduction to proposal writing Thor and Julie
10:35 11:20   W Policy assignment discussion Thor, Stefan, Julie
11:30 12:15        
           
13:00 13:45 MFRI T Scientific research: Statistics Anna H. Jónsdóttir (University of Iceland)
13:55 14:40 MFRI T Scientific research: Statistics Anna H. Jónsdóttir (University of Iceland)
14:50 15:35 MFRI T Scientific research: Statistics Anna H. Jónsdóttir (University of Iceland)
15:45 16:30 MFRI T Scientific research: Statistics Anna H. Jónsdóttir (University of Iceland)
           
Wed 20-Dec        
From Until Venue Type Topic Responsible
08:45 09:30 MFRI S The SDG goals Zaw
09:40 10:25 MFRI S The SDG goals Zaw
10:35 11:20 MFRI S Policy and change /policy assignment Stefán
11:30 12:15 MFRI S Policy and change /policy assignment Stefán
           
13:00 13:45 MFRI E The Smiley project

Gunnar Stefánsson (University of Iceland)

13:55 14:40 MFRI E The Smiley project

Gunnar Stefánsson (University of Iceland)

14:50 15:35 MFRI E The Smiley project

Gunnar Stefánsson (University of Iceland)

15:45 16:30 MFRI E Ecolabelling and fisheries

Gísli Gíslason (Program Director North Atlantic at Marine Stewardship Council)

           

 

Thu 21-Dec

   Christmas field trip, whole day.

   Preliminary agenda:

      09:30 - Leave GRÓ-house
      11:00 - Explore Geysir Hot Spring Area
      11:45 - Leave Geysir
      12:15 - On the road lunch (bring own snacks or money to buy)
      12:45 - Explore Þingvellir National Park
      13:45 - Leave Þingvellir
      14:30 - Early dinner at Mjólkurbúið in Selfoss small town
      15:45 - Leave Selfoss
      16:30 - Back to GRÓ-house

 

Fri 22-Dec

   No planned activites /fellows' self orientation

 

Week 6: Christmas (Dec 25 - Dec 31)

Below is a preliminary schedule for the sixth week in Iceland. Please be aware that it may be necessary to adjust it with little notice. Changes will be announced on a day-by-day basis.

Mon 25-Dec

Holiday

 

Tue 26-Dec

Holiday

 

Wed 27-Dec

Professional goals due

 

Thu 28-Dec

No planned activity

 

Fri 29-Dec

Policy assignment due

 

Arangement for
   Professional Goals Interviews 2023-24

Schema downloadable here >

Transition from intro

On completion of the intro, fellows join one of four lines of specialisation: 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 cross-specialisation-line support and tools, such as "guidelines on roles and responsabilities” (see below); and a “schedule of common activities”(see below).

Note, materials referred to in the guidelines and the schedule are shared via File Storage here >

Guidelines on roles and responsibilities

The research project is a collaborative project between fellows, supervisors, heads of lines and the GRÓ-FTP team, where the fellow bears the main responsibility.

The fellow is responsible for:

  • Coming up with ideas for projects that are then developed in collaboration with the supervisor and GRÓ-FTP team.
  • Ensuring that the work undertaken will add value to their home institution.
  • Implementation of work related to the project.
  • Following the instructions on formatting and writing,
  • Taking the initiative in seeking help if help is needed.
  • Informing the supervisor and GRÓ-FTP team about the progress of the project.
  • Notifying the GRÓ-FTP team if progress of project implementation is little and the possible reason for that.
  • Working with the supervisor on setting regular meetings and then keeping to them.
  • Contacting the supervisor at least once a week.
  • Inviting other relevant parties to regular supervisor meetings.

Heads of lines find supervisors to assist in designing and implementing fellows’ final research project.

The following are some of the supervisors’ responsibilities:

  • The supervisors, in collaboration with the heads of lines, and in consultation with FTP staff, are responsible for coaching the fellows through the research project. That includes helping them to define research topics, planning the project, and provide the fellows with necessary support (logistics, facilities, consultation etc).
  • The supervisor should assist the fellow in the development of the project idea and assist in the preparation of a project proposal.
  • The supervisor must ensure that all academic requirements are met, specifically the use and registration of sources (references and bibliography).
  • The supervisor is expected to meet the fellow at least once a week. It is important that the supervisor establishes rules regarding communication and regular meetings with the fellow so that time is used as efficiently as possible, and distractions are reduced. The supervisor should ensure that the fellow has access to the data and people needed to complete the project. If the supervisor must be absent for some time, he or she bears responsibility for ensuring that the fellow knows what needs to be done in his or her absence.

Although the heads of lines /supervisors oversee the professional aspects of the research project, the GRÓ-FTP team will always monitor the process closely and intervene if necessary. It is therefore important that both supervisors and fellows are in good communication with the GRÓ-FTP team. If any problems arise, they should be resolved as soon as possible. It is very important that the short time allotted for the project is used well and that fellows have a balanced workload throughout the period. The supervisor and fellow will formally meet with the GRÓ-FTP team 2-3 times to review the status of the project.

Schedule of common activities

It is possible that some dates or other arrangements may need to be changed at later stage. In that case, FTP will inform relevant fellows /supervisors.

  • Jan 19 (Fri) > All lines: Project idea worksheet. This is entirely a voluntary exercise. However, it is strongly recommend that fellows go through it by themselves. It will help in getting started with the research project. It will also help as a preparation for the upcoming design workshop (see below). Please download the worksheet here >. Follow the instruction in the worksheet. Keep the paper for yourself – you don’t need to hand anything in. There is not any planned feedback from FTP staff.
  • Jan 27 (Saturday) > ARAM + QM + SAq: Project design workshop. Fellows will receive instructions about the structure and format criteria for the main submitted papers, i.e. the project proposal and research report. Organised as a whole day workshop at the location of the MFRI (Hafró). Exact timing and other logistics communicated later.
  • Jan 29 (Mon) > FPM: Project design workshop. Fellows will receive instructions about the structure and format criteria for the main submitted papers, i.e. the project proposal and research report. Organised as a whole day workshop at the location of UNAK Akureyri. Exact timing and other logistics communicated later.
  • Feb 5 (Mon) > All lines: Draft proposal submission. By noon fellows are supposed to hand in a draft proposal (send to: stefan@groftp.is). They should follow instructions provided during the Project design workshop held earlier (see above). Based on the draft proposals individual fellows and /or heads of lines may be contacted directly to make sure project is on schedule. When fellows hand in the draft proposal, it can differ how much their supervisors have already become involved. However, from now on we expect fellows and supervisors to work closely together, preparing for the upcoming deadlines according to the schedule below.
  • Feb 8 (Thu) - 13 (Tue) > All lines: Proposal presentations. Open presentations held at the location of each line of specialisation (15 minutes presentation + 5 minutes discussion per fellow). Confirmed order: ARAM (morning) Feb 8 /// QM (morning) Feb 9 /// FPM (all day) Feb 12 /// SAq (morning) Feb 13. Exact timing and other logistics provided later.
  • Feb 16 (Fri) > All lines: Proposal Submission. Project proposal handed in (send to: stefan@groftp.is).
  • Feb 19 (Mon) > All lines: Start of Research project module. In the days following the proposal submission, fellows will receive: 1) A notification from FTP on whether their proposal has been accepted or if there are still issues that need to be addressed; and 2) how incurred research cost -- if any -- may be reimbursed.
  • Mar 12 (Tue) - 14 (Thu) > All lines: First progress meeting. Progress is assessed based on approved proposal. At the first progress meeting special focus is on methodology, collection and quality of data, research design and overall structure of report. Also to be discussed is the working relationship between fellows and supervisors and any other issues that may arise. The meeting is usually organised as hybrid online/in-person meetings between a fellow, his /her supervisor(s) and FTP staff (20-30 minutes per fellow). Provisional order: SAq (morning) + ARAM (afternoon) March 12 /// FPM (all day) March 13 /// QM (morning) March 14. Exact timing and other logistics provided later. Note: Fellows are supposed to update their research report regularly and hand it in 5 working days before the progress meeting (send to: stefan@groftp.is).
  • Apr 5 (Fri) - 10 (Wed) > All lines: Second progress meetings. Again, progress is assessed based on approved proposal. At the second progress meeting special focus is on preliminary results and their interpretations. Also to be discussed is the working relationship between fellows and supervisors and any other issues that may arise. The meeting is usually organised as hybrid online/in-person meetings between a fellow, his /her supervisor(s) and FTP staff (20-30 minutes per fellow). Provisional order: ARAM (morning) April 5 /// QM (morning) April 8 /// SAq (morning) April 9 /// FPM (all day) April 10. Exact timing and other logistics provided later. Note: Fellows are supposed to update their research report regularly and hand it in 5 working days before the progress meeting (send to: stefan@groftp.is).
  • Apr 22 (Mon) > All lines: Poster design workshop. More details later.
  • May 2 (Thu) > All lines: Academic posters due. More details later.
  • May 6 (Mon) - 8 (Wed) > All lines: Research project presentation. Open seminars held at the location of each line of specialisation (20 minutes presentation + 10 minutes discussion per fellow). Provisional order: FPM (all day) May 6 /// SAq (morning) + ARAM (afternoon) May 7 /// QM (morning) May 8. Exact timing and other logistics communicated later.
  • May 13 (Mon) > All lines: Submit papers -- final date.
  • May14 (Tue) > All lines: Poster exhibition set up.
  • May 15 (Wed) > All lines: Graduation.

Exact timing & logistics, updates

First progress meetings

Progress is assessed based on approved proposal workplan. At the first progress meeting special focus is on methodology, collection and quality of data and overall structure of report. Also to be discussed is the working relationship between fellows and supervisors and any other issues that may arise. The meetings are organised as hybrid online/in-person meetings between a fellow, his /her supervisor(s) and FTP staff (20-30 minutes per fellow). 

Line Place Room Weekday Date Time   Fellow Country Supervisor(s)
FPM UNAK R302 in Borgir Tuesday 12.03.2024 08:30   Patrick Kenya Catherine
FPM UNAK R302 in Borgir Tuesday 12.03.2024 09:15   Tiwonge Malawi Gustavo, Rannveig
FPM UNAK R302 in Borgir Tuesday 12.03.2024 10:00   Philip Papua New Guinea Gustavo, Daði
FPM UNAK R302 in Borgir Tuesday 12.03.2024 10:45   Aruna Sri Lanka Thanh, Daði
FPM UNAK R302 in Borgir Tuesday 12.03.2024 11:30   Eric Liberia Thanh, Daði
                   
FPM UNAK R302 in Borgir Tuesday 12.03.2024 13:15   Fonda Kenya Daði, Thanh
FPM UNAK R302 in Borgir Tuesday 12.03.2024 14:00   Ropate Fiji Sæmundur, Óttar
FPM UNAK R302 in Borgir Tuesday 12.03.2024 14:45   Sikudhani Tanzania Hjördís, Þorsteinn
FPM UNAK R302 in Borgir Tuesday 12.03.2024 15:30   Ibrahim Sierra Leone Hjördís, Óttar, Þórarinn, Viðar
FPM UNAK R302 in Borgir Tuesday 12.03.2024 16:15   James Solomon Island Thanh, Rannveig
                   
SAq MFRI Large meeting room 1. floor (close to canteen) Tuesday 12.03.2024 09:00   Amalia Cuba Matis
SAq MFRI Small meeting room 1. floor Tuesday 12.03.2024 09:30   Daniella Sierra Leone David Benheim
SAq MFRI Small meeting room 1. floor Tuesday 12.03.2024 10:00   Krystal Jamaica Hrönn, Sólveig
SAq MFRI Small meeting room 1. floor Tuesday 12.03.2024 10:30   Maria Nicargua Theodor, Ragnar
SAq MFRI Small meeting room 1. floor Tuesday 12.03.2024 11:00   Yamikani Malawi Amanda, Mast
                   
QM Matis Room 244 Thursday 14.03.2024 09:00   Jimmy Uganda Hildur
QM Matis Room 244 Thursday 14.03.2024 09:30   Moksha Sri Lanka Cecile
                   
QM Matis Room 311 Thursday 14.03.2024 13:00   Christina Indonesia Valur
QM Matis Room 311 Thursday 14.03.2024 13:30   Srimantha Sri Lanka Kolbrún /Aðalheiður
QM Matis Room 311 Thursday 14.03.2024 14:00   Brian Jamaica Jónas B
                   
ARAM MFRI Meeting room 4. floor Monday 18.03.2024 09:30   Cesilia Tanzania Teresa, Anna
ARAM MFRI Meeting room 4. floor Monday 18.03.2024 10:30   Andrea Saint Kitts and Nevis Einar, Warsha
ARAM MFRI Meeting room 4. floor Monday 18.03.2024 11:00   Gobiraj Sri Lanka Will, Klara
ARAM MFRI Meeting room 4. floor Monday 18.03.2024 12:30   Amara Sierra Leone Chris, Warsha
ARAM MFRI Meeting room 4. floor Monday 18.03.2024 13:00   Rickson Papua New Guinea Julian, Maggi

Project proposal sessions

Open presentations held at the location of each line of specialisation (15 minutes presentation + 5 minutes discussion per fellow).

Excel sheet with more detailed information (including Teams /Zoom links to presentation sessions) is downloadable here >

Line Place Room Weekday Date Time   Fellow Country Supervisor(s)
ARAM MFRI Big meeting room 1. floor Thursday 08.02.2024 09:30   Andrea Saint Kitts and Nevis Einar, Warsha
ARAM MFRI Big meeting room 1. floor Thursday 08.02.2024 09:50   Rickson Papua New Guinea Julian, Maggi
ARAM MFRI Big meeting room 1. floor Thursday 08.02.2024 10:10   Amara Sierra Leone Chris, Warsha
          10:30   Coffee break    
ARAM MFRI Big meeting room 1. floor Thursday 08.02.2024 10:45   Cesilia Tanzania Teresa, Anna
ARAM MFRI Big meeting room 1. floor Thursday 08.02.2024 11:05   Gobiraj Sri Lanka Will, Klara
QM Matis MV12 248-Hengill Friday 09.02.2024 10:00   Christina Indonesia Valur
QM Matis MV12 248-Hengill Friday 09.02.2024 10:30   Jimmy Uganda Hildur
QM Matis MV12 248-Hengill Friday 09.02.2024 11:00   Moksha Sri Lanka Cecil
QM Matis MV12 248-Hengill Friday 09.02.2024 11:30   Brian Jamaica Jónas
FPM UNAK N201 Monday 12.02.2024 09:00   Aruna Sri Lanka Thanh, Daði
FPM UNAK N201 Monday 12.02.2024 09:30   Eric Liberia Thanh, Daði
FPM UNAK N201 Monday 12.02.2024 10:00   Fonda Kenya Daði, Thanh
          10:30   Coffee break    
FPM UNAK N201 Monday 12.02.2024 10:40   Philip Papua New Guinea Gustavo, Daði
FPM UNAK N201 Monday 12.02.2024 11:00   Tiwonge Malawi Gustavo, Rannveig
FPM UNAK N201 Monday 12.02.2024 11:30   James Solomon Island Thanh, Rannveig
          12:00   Lunch break    
FPM UNAK N201 Monday 12.02.2024 13:00   Ibrahim Sierra Leone Hjördís, Viðar
FPM UNAK N201 Monday 12.02.2024 13:30   Sikudhani Tanzania Hjördís, Þorsteinn
FPM UNAK N201 Monday 12.02.2024 14:00   Ropate Fiji Sæmundur, Óttar
FPM UNAK N201 Monday 12.02.2024 14:30   Patrick Kenya Catherine
SAq MFRI Small meeting room 1. floor Tuesday 13.02.2024 09:00   Amalia Cuba Matis
SAq MFRI Small meeting room 1. floor Tuesday 13.02.2024 09:20   Daniella Sierra Leone David Benheim
SAq MFRI Small meeting room 1. floor Tuesday 13.02.2024 09:40   Krystal Jamaica Hrönn, Sólveig
          10:00   Coffee break    
SAq MFRI Small meeting room 1. floor Tuesday 13.02.2024 10:15   Maria Nicargua Theodor, Ragnar
SAq MFRI Small meeting room 1. floor Tuesday 13.02.2024 10:35   Yamikani Malawi Amanda, Mast

 

Project design workshops

  • For QM, SAq and ARAM specialist lines on Saturday 27th January 13:00 to 18:00. Meet at MFRI, Fornubúðir 5 in good time. Þór and Julie will be holding this workshop in the lecture rooms on the ground floor.
  • For FPM specialist line on Monday 29th January 09:00 to 15:00. Please meet at BORG in the room R262. Þór will be holding this workshop. Lunch break between 12:00 and 13:00.

 

Specialisation

On completion of the introductory part, each Fellow joins a specialist line according to their area of expertise and responsibilities at home. The lines focus on one specific area of fisheries and aims to hone each Fellow’s knowledge and experience throughout a six-week programme of lectures, assignments, and site visits. During this time, Fellows develop ideas for a final project in collaboration with their supervisors communicated through a project proposal submitted orally and in writing.


The FTP offers training in four areas of specialisation:

  • Fisheries Policy and Management (University of Akureyri in the north of Iceland)
  • Aquatic Resource Assessment and Monitoring (Marine and Freshwater Research Institute in Hafnarfjörður, near Reykjavík)
  • Quality Management of Fish Handling and Processing (Matís, Food Science and Biotechnology Institute in Reykjavík)
  • Sustainable Aquaculture (Marine and Freshwater Research Institute in Hafnarfjörður, near Reykjavík)

Research project

The programme culminates in a 12-13 week research project in which fellows work closely with a supervisor to conduct research 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. Project design skills are applied to develop and present a research proposal, and then research is conducted individually through close collaboration with an expert supervisor. 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.

News headlines

GRO-FTP
19 February 2024

Cape Verde fisheries under study by former fellow

In a recently published paper a former fellow, João Antonio F. Brito, sheds new light on the status of the fisheries sector in his home country, Cape Verde, and its contribution to total output and employment.
GRO-FTP
Fellows watching humpback whales in Eyjafjordur. Photo: Magnús Víðisson
26 January 2024

Always good weather

The group of FTP fellows specialising in fisheries policy and management are currently settling into daily life in Akureyri ... and have already made it into the local news.
GRO-FTP
19 January 2024

Having an impact

How do we get where we want to be with our fisheries? How do we come up with policies that have impact? How do we ensure social acceptance of changes? What has worked in this and what has not worked?
GRO-FTP
14 December 2023

The big challenges

Some of the big challenges we are facing as inhabitants of planet earth, and its impact on fisheries, were the main focus of study during the third week of the 2023-24 Six-month training programme.
GRO-FTP
2 December 2023

Busy schedule for fellows

Marine and freshwater resources were the main focus of study during the second week of the just launched 2023-24 Six-month training programme.

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