This gateway is designed to meet the needs of GRÓ-FTP's 2026-27 fellows and lecturers. Here they can access practical information about the programme, such as orientation guidelines and time schedules. Lecture materials and assignments, however, 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 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 >
Fellowship - admin
General information
It is always challenging to settle into a new society. To help incoming fellows to orient themselves FTP has put 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 GRÓ FTP Handbook here>
Accommodation
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>
Fellowship - course
The core activity of GRÓ FTP is an annual postgraduate level training programme in Iceland, which aims to strengthen the professional capacity and competency of fellows to actively contribute to work done in their 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 challanges and oportunities 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 places emphasis on environmental conservation and gender equality which are 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 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. 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.
The overall 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. *S = Seminars (to know); T = Tutorials (to do); M = Master class (to be); O = Other.
Week 2 (Aug 31-Sep 6): 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. *S = Seminars (to know); T = Tutorials (to do); M = Master class (to be); O = Other.
Week 3 (Sep 7-13): Governance
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. *S = Seminars (to know); T = Tutorials (to do); M = Master class (to be); O = Other.
Week 4 (Sep 14-20): Blue food
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. *S = Seminars (to know); T = Tutorials (to do); M = Master class (to be); O = Other.
Week 5 (Sep 21-27): Agents of change
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. *S = Seminars (to know); T = Tutorials (to do); M = Master class (to be); O = Other.
Weeks 6 (Sep 28 - Oct 4): Northern trip
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. *S = Seminars (to know); T = Tutorials (to do); M = Master class (to be); O = Other.
Specialisation & research
Following completion of the introduction module, fellows go through a dedicated specialisation module (approximately 6 weeks) before embarking on a 3 month intensive research work. It is a hectic time that requires clarity about responsibilities and good time management ...
Responsibilities
The fellow is responsible for:
- Coming up with ideas for a project that is 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 slow 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 projects.
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 activities
To be published later
Fellows news
News headlines
Congratulations 2025-26 fellows
Quality Management fellows present findings
Graduation Wednesday 20th of May
Aquatic Resource fellows present findings
Sustainable Aquaculture fellows present findings
Fisheries Policy and Management fellows present findings
Presentations of research projects
Dr. Anthony Taabu Returns to Iceland as Key Guest Speaker at GRÓ FTP Event
Fellows Explore Iceland’s Geothermal Resources on Pre-Christmas Field Trip
Dr. Nasser Kasozi Addresses GRÓ FTP Fellows and Fisheries Scientists During Visit to Iceland
Welcome 27th cohort of fellows
Congratulations 2024-25 fellows
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