SINGAPORE — The World Aquaculture Society (WAS) is proud to announce that World Aquaculture 2026 (WA2026) will return to the Singapore EXPO Convention and Exhibition Centre from June 2 to 5, 2026. Following the success of the 2022 event, this conference marks a significant return to the city-state.
The WAS-Asian Pacific Chapter (WAS-APC) has officially unveiled an awards program designed to foster excellence in research, innovation, and industry engagement. These accolades underscore a commitment to nurturing future professionals and recognizing leadership, particularly among women and emerging talents within the rapidly growing WAS-APC membership. All awards align with the global WAS framework to ensure international consistency and prestige.
Award Categories and Eligibility
The program features four distinct categories tailored to different stages of professional development:
Pre-Conference Student Travel Awards
Recognizing high-quality research before the event begins, three awards of $400 USD each will be granted based on abstract excellence.
- Selection Criteria: Abstracts are evaluated on scientific value, application potential, clarity, and adherence to submission formats.
- Requirements: Applicants must submit their abstract by the deadline, claim the award during submission, and provide proof of student status.
- Deadline: March 1, 2026.
Presentation and Poster Awards (On-Site)
These awards honor the best oral and e-poster presentations delivered during the conference.
- Oral Presentations: 1st Prize ($600 USD) and 2nd Prize ($400 USD).
- E-Posters: 1st Prize ($600 USD) and 2nd Prize ($400 USD).
- Evaluation: Judges will focus on research management value, audio-visual quality, and the ability to stimulate intelligent discussion.
Women’s Participation Travel Awards
WAS-APC is dedicated to supporting gender diversity by offering two travel grants of $600 USD each.
- Selection: Applicants must demonstrate an understanding of women’s roles in aquaculture and provide contributions that advance the industry’s future.
- Engagement: Recipients are required to present a poster at WA2026 showcasing their work to amplify its impact.
- Deadline: March 1, 2026.
Professional Merit Award
This prestigious new honor recognizes up to two individuals who have significantly impacted aquaculture in Asia.
- Impact Areas: Contributions may include technological innovation, sustainable practices, mentorship, or economic development.
- Process: Requires a nomination or external letter of recommendation from a respected industry leader or academician.
- Reward: Winners will receive an official trophy during the WA2026 Awards Ceremony.
- Deadline: March 1, 2026.
General Requirements & Contact Information
To be eligible for student and women’s awards, applicants must hold a current membership with WAS or WAS-APC. Please note that past winners of these specific awards are ineligible.
- Membership: Can be obtained at was.org.
- Abstract Submission: Must be completed online at the official WA2026 portal.
- General Enquiries: Contact the APC Secretariat at apcsec@was.org.
- Management & Sponsorship: For conference management, contact John Cooksey (worldaqua@was.org); for booths, contact Noah Cooksey or Mario Stael.
For more details, visit the official website: https://was.org/meeting/code/WA2026.
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Editor at the digital magazine AquaHoy. He holds a degree in Aquaculture Biology from the National University of Santa (UNS) and a Master’s degree in Science and Innovation Management from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, with postgraduate diplomas in Business Innovation and Innovation Management. He possesses extensive experience in the aquaculture and fisheries sector, having led the Fisheries Innovation Unit of the National Program for Innovation in Fisheries and Aquaculture (PNIPA). He has served as a senior consultant in technology watch, an innovation project formulator and advisor, and a lecturer at UNS. He is a member of the Peruvian College of Biologists and was recognized by the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) in 2016 for his contribution to aquaculture.
