Cosmetics meets Aquaculture!
Explore the unlikely link and why Cosmetics Professionals should dive into an Aquaculture Course.
Algae, Seaweed or other marine-sourced ingredients ...unlocking the Beauty of the Sea!
Immersive Learning and Real Connections - Reflections on the EIT Food Education, Regenerative Aquaculture Course
Source Testimonial : Blog Article from Margarita Sidorova, Founder & President Canadian Cosmetic Cluster & Alumna Inspire-Restorative Aquaculture Course 2024
"This October, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit SAMS (Scottish Association for Marine Science) in Scotland as part of the EIT Regenerative Aquaculture course. It was an incredible experience where I learned about aquaculture, which is central to our Beauty by the Sea initiative. Understanding where our ingredients come from and the methods behind sustainable farming was invaluable. The course went beyond seaweed, shellfish, and fish; it covered the broader scope of aquaculture, an industry rich in innovation and sustainability. The program featured cutting-edge knowledge, advanced innovations, and insights from various experts. We had hands-on experiences, such as visiting farms, nurseries, and witnessing the latest industry advancements."
Margarita's experience with the course
Margarita: "SAMS is one of the world’s premier institutes in marine sciences, making this a rare and valuable learning opportunity. The course, offered by EIT as a European partnership, brought together members from Poland, the UK, Scotland, and other parts of Europe, adding a diverse perspective to our learning experience.
Uniquely, this program also emphasized entrepreneurship. The business component provided crucial insights into building a sustainable venture in agriculture, making it ideal for startups and those looking to develop a comprehensive understanding of the regenerative agriculture supply chain.
I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in entering or advancing within this field. It spans about a month, including live lectures in the UK time zone—so be prepared for early mornings if you're joining from different time zones! The experience, however, is immersive and deeply engaging. The knowledge shared by the speakers, combined with the camaraderie among participants, creates an impactful and even life-changing experience."
"EIT offers various courses in sustainable food and agriculture; though primarily food-focused, they hold immense relevance for those in cosmetics, materials, and other related industries. This course in particular gave me a fresh perspective on the food industry, which deepened my understanding of supply chains from a cosmetic viewpoint.
I’d especially recommend keeping an eye out for future courses, such as those on microalgae, which provide valuable insights for anyone passionate about sustainable and regenerative practices in food, agriculture, and beyond."
Editor's Note : In the meantime, Margarita also featured as a Guest Speaker on the EIT Food Education Algae Biotechnology Course
Photo Credit : SAMS
Oban - unique historical location of the course
"During my visit to Oban—a town steeped in history and rich in coastal tradition—added a unique dimension to my study of aquaculture at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS). Known as the "Gateway to the Isles," Oban’s roots as a bustling fishing port have long made it a central point of connection for Scotland's western coast. Surrounded by rugged landscapes and ancient castles, the town embodies a deep relationship with the sea, which is reflected in its strong maritime heritage. This historic background provides a fascinating context for the innovative research in aquaculture happening at SAMS today.
Oban's longstanding ties to fishing and seafaring have laid the groundwork for the town's role as a leader in marine science and sustainable aquaculture. SAMS, located here in the heart of Oban, carries forward the town’s maritime legacy by applying scientific rigor and modern technology to tackle today’s aquaculture challenges. From its state-of-the-art labs to experimental seaweed farms, SAMS merges Oban’s historical seafaring knowledge with cutting-edge research. This blend of past and present creates a unique environment for studying the principles of aquaculture, particularly as they relate to sustainable practices rooted in respect for the sea."
Photo Credit : Margarita Sidorova
Blending tradition with innovation
"Experiencing aquaculture research in Oban is more than a scientific endeavor; it’s an immersion into a culture that has always valued its waters as a source of sustenance and trade. The town’s long history in the fishing industry resonates through SAMS’ mission to support responsible marine practices. Working alongside researchers and industry experts at SAMS, I observed how the institution builds on Oban’s heritage to address the challenges of modern aquaculture. This commitment to blending tradition with innovation allows SAMS to produce research and solutions that are both scientifically advanced and ecologically mindful.
Studying aquaculture in a place as historically rich as Oban has given me a deeper understanding of the role that tradition plays in shaping sustainable marine practices. This experience has not only contributed to my academic development but has also instilled in me a sense of continuity—connecting the past with the present and guiding the future of aquaculture in a way that respects the legacy of towns like Oban."
Photo Credit : SAMS
Meet the Inspiring Team Behind the Seaweed Academy Program
"The Seaweed Academy at SAMS, in partnership with the University of Cambridge and the Polish Academy of Science, leads this groundbreaking course.
As the UK’s only dedicated seaweed industry facility, the Academy offers a comprehensive program of training, education, and business development—a true one-stop shop for anyone looking to grow in the seaweed aquaculture field.
Learning from these brilliant minds brought an immense sense of joy and fulfillment, with every moment filled with insights, inspiration, and camaraderie. Here’s a look at the exceptional individuals who made this experience truly unforgettable: Dr Matthew Davey, Dr Francisca Vermeulen, Dr Lindsay Vare, Jenny Black & Dr Daniel Zarski.
Learning from this talented team was an absolute joy, and their expertise added tremendous value to the course. Their dedication and passion for advancing the seaweed industry left a lasting impression, making this a truly unforgettable experience for anyone passionate about regenerative aquaculture."
Photo Credit : Margarita Sidorova
Margarita's Team and Project on the Aquaculture Course
"I want to give a shout-out to my group— Paul Reisberg, Ambrosio Joseph Pagaran and Rúben Filipe Nascimento Marques. You all were amazing, and I truly enjoyed working together on our projects. It was such a fulfilling experience, and I’m definitely looking forward to future opportunities to collaborate with each of you. This course really highlighted the power of bringing together people with different skills but a shared goal. If you’re looking to build a strong, well-rounded team, this is the kind of program that makes it possible.
During the course, we worked on a project called Secord—a polysaccharide algae blend designed for twine and rope in the agricultural and marine sectors. It was an incredible project, and I’m grateful to have been part of such a fantastic group. The entire course experience was invaluable to me. One of my biggest takeaways is this: if you want to enter an industry, immerse yourself fully. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. You need to get out there, talk to people, and learn from hands-on experience.
Today, especially, it’s essential to step away from the computer and actively engage with the field. Go to the seas, visit the farms, connect with professionals, and genuinely build relationships. Real connections take time and often require in-person interactions. Whether you’re interested in agriculture or any other industry, this is a vital lesson—true understanding and relationships come from real-world experience."
Photo Credit : Margarita Sidorova
The link between Cosmetics and Aquaculture
Editor's Note
The cosmetics industry and aquaculture are linked through the use of marine-derived ingredients, particularly seaweed and algae, which are rich in bioactive compounds like antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals beneficial for skin health.
These marine plants offer anti-aging, hydration, and anti-inflammatory properties, making them popular in beauty products.
Aquaculture plays a key role in sustainably cultivating seaweed and algae, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality ingredients. As demand for eco-friendly, natural products grows, the use of marine-based ingredients aligns with sustainability trends in cosmetics.
Aquaculture courses offer opportunities for careers in sustainable sourcing, research, and development of these bioactive compounds for the beauty industry.
“It was an incredible experience where I learned about aquaculture, which is central to our Beauty by the Sea initiative. Understanding where our ingredients come from and the methods behind sustainable farming was invaluable. The course went beyond seaweed, shellfish, and fish; it covered the broader scope of aquaculture, an industry rich in innovation and sustainability.”