Oyster Academy - Oyster Academy scholarship 

Oyster Academy scholarship

You will receive a one-off payment of 10,000 SEK (about 900 EUR), which will be paid out as a personal grant. This comes from the Ostronakademien (Oyster Academy), a non-profit organisation based in Grebbestad on the west coast of Sweden. The prize is awarded once a year for research into the Swedish flat oyster (Ostrea edulis). This may involve building up knowledge about this species, developing more sustainable harvesting methods or devising sustainable farming methods. As a prize winner, you will give a short presentation on your work at one of the Academy’s events.

Who can apply

• Level: You are studying at a university or college and are planning to write, are currently writing, or have already written a thesis on the subject of oysters. Early-career researchers and PhD students who are not yet registered with the research councils may also apply.
• Your idea: Your project or dissertation focuses on the Swedish flat oyster, more environmentally friendly fishing methods or sustainable oyster farming.
• Field of study: All disciplines are welcome, provided the work relates to the theme of ‘oysters’. Previous winners have included representatives from the fields of marine biology, architecture and industrial design.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply.
• University: You can study at any college or university.

How to apply

There is no application form. Please send a brief introduction about yourself, together with a statement explaining why you are applying. Please send a signed copy by post and a copy by email to the Academy in Grebbestad. Applications are accepted throughout the year; the deadline for applications is 31 December. The board makes its decision approximately one month before the annual general meeting in February or March.

How realistic are your chances?

This award is very narrowly defined: your work must genuinely focus on the Swedish flat oyster, meaning that very few people meet the criteria. The Academy sets the bar high and did not award any prizes at all between 2013 and 2021, as no application met its standards. If your dissertation or project clearly fits the theme of oysters and you can present it well, your chances are good, as the pool of suitable candidates is very small.