Alexandra Leeper has been appointed as the new head of research and development at Iceland Ocean Cluster, which brings together entrepreneurs, businesses with the aim of creating value for the seafood industry.

In her new role, Leeper will help identify innovative projects and opportunities both domestically and internationally to support sustainable food security and the full range of Iceland's seafood resources.

In late 2020 she took up the role of national coordinator at the European Aquaculture Society.

Leeper has spent time in various marine industries all over the world.

A PhD candidate in sustainable aquaculture, Leeper is working on a thesis tentatively entitled "Manipulation of the gut microbiome of juvenile salmonids and the consequences for behaviour."