Former Roslin researcher to head Benchmark salmon genetics team

Benchmark said Dr Gonen (pictured) brings extensive expertise in salmon genetics and breeding, positioning her to drive innovation and performance in Benchmark’s global breeding programs.

Dr Gonen completed her Ph.D in 2015 at the Roslin Institute in Scotland, focusing on the genetics of disease resistance in Atlantic salmon.

She continued at the Roslin Institute as a postdoctoral researcher on the optimal use of genomic information and advancing genomic methods for livestock breeding.

In 2018, she joined Mowi in Norway as a Senior Geneticist, managing selection for two salmon breeding programs. Most recently, at AquaGen, she optimised salmon and trout breeding programme structures.

At Benchmark, Dr Gonen will lead global genomic innovations to enhance selection in the nucleus and commercial salmon lines, optimise disease resistance traits, and contribute to commercial product design. She will also participate in R&D projects to pioneer new traits and technologies, reinforcing Benchmark’s leadership in aquaculture genetics.

Director of Genetics and Innovation Dr Ross Houston commented: “We are very pleased and excited to welcome Serap to our Benchmark Genetics team. She has an outstanding background in scientific research and its application to salmon breeding and will significantly bolster our team, further improving our products and services.”