Dates announced for World Aquaculture 2026 (WA2026)
The dates have been announced for World Aquaculture 2026 (WA2026).
The conference will be held in Singapore from 2-5 June at the Singapore EXPO Convention and Exhibition Centre, marking a return to the vibrant city-state following the highly successful WA2022 event.
The World Aquaculture Society – Asian Pacific Chapter (WAS-APC) – has also launched the awards programme for this year’s event, which aim to recognise and support excellence in aquaculture research, innovation, and engagement, particularly among students and women in the field.
A spokesperson for the society said: “These awards represent our commitment to nurturing the next generation of aquaculture professionals and recognising leadership and dedication across the sector.
“With a rapidly growing WAS-APC membership, we are enthusiastic about identifying and supporting emerging talents. WAS-APC also grants the Professional Merit Award for individuals who have made a significant positive impact on aquaculture in Asia, alongside our existing student and women participation awards.”
All awards are aligned with the global WAS framework to ensure fairness, consistency, and recognition across regions.
The four categories are:
1. Pre-conference student travel awards – Best three abstract awards (to be judged on abstract quality) – Three awards will be presented to three individuals based on the evaluation of submitted abstracts.
Abstract/travel awards - $400 USD each for 3 recipients.
The selection will be done based on the submitted abstract against the following criteria: format for submission, abstract title, abstract content, scientific and research value, application potential, scope, clarity.
Eligibility & Requirements for Pre-conference Student Travel Awards:
• Submission of the abstract by the deadline.
• Application for the student travel award must be claimed during the submission of abstract.
• Proof of the student status of the first author.
Application deadline: 1 March, 2026.
2. Presentation/poster awards for students (judged during the conference): Awards for best oral and poster presentations delivered during the event:
· Presentation 1st Prize – $600 USD.
· Presentation 2nd Prize – $400 USD.
· Poster 1st Prize – $600 USD.
· Poster 2nd Prize – $400 USD.
The selection will be done against the following criteria: scientific and research value, management value and application potential, scope, verbal/audio-visual presentation, clarity, and conciseness, stimulated intelligent discussion, abstract and title.
3. Women’s Participation Travel Awards: Two travel grants will be awarded to women in aquaculture:
· $600 USD each for 2 recipients.
WAS-APC is currently providing the opportunity for women aquaculture people to attend the conference. Applicants need to complete and answer the question below and will be assessed against the following selection criteria.
1. Knowledge and understanding of the role of Women in the aquaculture industry.
2. Capacity to contribute to the future development of the aquaculture industry.
3. Potential benefits to the individual and the sector that they work in.
4. Demonstrated skills that would enable effective participation as a member of the WAS-APC information at the booth exhibition.
In addition to travel support, successful recipients will be required to produce and present a poster at WA2026 Singapore, showcasing their contributions to the aquaculture industry. This will ensure their achievements are visible, celebrated, and appreciated by all attendees, amplifying the impact of their work.
Applications close on 1 March, 2026.
4. Professional Merit Award – Call for Nominations
This new award for 2025 honours up to two individuals who have made a significant, positive impact on aquaculture, especially in Asia. Awardees will be recognised during the WAI2025 Awards ceremony.
The “significant positive impact” on aquaculture can include contributions to:
• Technological advancements or innovative solutions.
• Sustainable aquaculture practices and adoption.
• Capacity building and mentorship within the aquaculture community.
• Economic development or job creation in the aquaculture sector.
• Positive voice for the aquaculture value chain to attract the public.
For an award recognising significant impact, it is required at least one nomination or external letter (for self-nomination) of recommendation from a respectable colleague, industry leader, or academician familiar with the nominee’s work, to provide justification for the contributions made by the individual to aquaculture.
Eligibility & Requirements for Professional Merit Award:
· Nominees must be current members of WAS or WAS-APC.
· Individuals may be nominated or self-nominated.
· Final selection by the WAS-APC Awards Committee.
· Winners will receive a trophy.
Nominations close on 1 March, 2026
General eligibility for student and women’s awards (1-3):
• To be eligible, applicants must be a current student member or a member of WAS or WAS-APC. Membership can be easily obtained at www.was.org/Meeting/MemberData/DeclareCountry
• Abstract submission online is required for student travel awards. Submit the abstract at was.org/Meeting/Abstract/Submit/WA2026
• Past winners of WAS-APC Student Travel Award or Women’s Awards are not eligible.
• All decisions made by the judging panel and the WAS-APC Awards Committee are final and not subject to appeal.
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