Dr Charles McGurk is originally from Scotland where he graduated from Glasgow University Veterinary School in 1994 and practised for 6 years as a livestock veterinarian. He then decided to specialise in aquatic animal health and studied a Master of Science degree in Aquatic Veterinary Studies at the prestigious Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling. Thereafter, he completed a PhD degree focusing on fish parasite pathology and vaccine development and stayed for a further 3 years in academia as a research and teaching fellow.
Charles joined Skretting’s Aquaculture Research Centre in Stavanger, Norway in 2007 as a health researcher. In 2011, he became Skretting’s global health R&D manager, leading a team of 13 research scientists. In 2021, Dr McGurk became global R&D Director in Skretting and is now responsible for leading a division of 40 global R&D experts spread across 7 functional groups. As R&D Director, he oversees a diverse portfolio of projects aimed at enhancing feed efficiency, improving nutritional quality, optimising fish and shrimp health and welfare, and minimizing environmental impact. He is a member of the management team of Skretting Aquaculture Innovation.
Charles is passionate about marine species conservation and diversity. He is qualified as a Master Diver Scuba Instructor and relishes exploring underwater locations around the world. Throughout his career, Dr. McGurk has remained committed to driving positive change in the aquaculture industry, guided by a steadfast belief in the importance of responsible stewardship of aquatic resources.