David C Little Editor

Dr Kim Thompson is a Principal Investigator at Moredun Research Institute, where she leads the Aquaculture Research Group. She holds a Biochemistry degree (University of Stirling), a Masters in Immunology (University of Aberdeen), and a PhD in Fish Immunology (University of Stirling). With over 30 years of experience, her contributions to vaccine development, functional feeds, and disease resistance in fish are well-recognized. She has over 200 publications (Orcid ID 0000-0003-3550-4842) and has led multiple EU and UK-based research projects. She has also collaborated extensively with the aquaculture industry on health challenges globally. Dr Craig Shoemaker is a research molecular biologist at the United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service, Aquatic Animal Health Research Unit in Auburn, Alabama. He holds a BS and MS in Biology (University of North Dakota) and a PhD degree in Fish Health (Auburn University) and is nationally and internationally recognized for microbiological expertise in farm-raised catfish and tilapia. In his 28-year career as a research scientist, he has published over 165 peer reviewed journal articles (including 10 patents). Recently, pioneering studies by his domestic and international collaborators on selection for increased disease resistance to the top three bacterial pathogens (Streptococcus iniae, S. agalactiae and Francisella orientalis) of Nile tilapia were recognized with the 2023 Federal Laboratory Consortium Impact Award in the United States. Dr David C. Little is a specialist in aquatic resource development and capacity building, with a track record in research and outreach with commercial and development partners with an aquatic food security focus. He has over thirty-five years of experience in interdisciplinary research and education and has published over 150 academic papers and reviews; He has supervised over 100 postgraduate student research projects, of which more than 30 have been PhD. He has maintained his interest in tilapia since his initial PhD work on mass production of all male juveniles through to the current day. He was part of the core science team of the Blue Food Assessment (www.bluefood.earth).