After 2 years of online editions due to the pandemic, the 7th edition of the Young Algaeneers
Symposium (9 - 11.5.2023) was hosted at the University of Algarve in the beautiful city of
Faro, Portugal, with the support of the European Algae Biomass Association (EABA).
Drawing attendees from 16 countries, the event united 147 early-career researchers and
emerging professionals in the microalgae and seaweed sectors. To reinforce the
international side of the event, usually held in Europe, the YAS-committee offered 3
scholarships to international students, based on their abstract submission. The three winners
came from Israel, Tunisia and South Africa to join the event.
The symposium facilitated the exchange of experiences and ideas about the future of algal
research and industry. Participants showcased their research through poster-sessions and
top-voted posters were awarded with a package of algae products, generously provided by
YourWell Seaweed Company (NL).
As a tradition a social event with all the participants was organized to break the ice and
discuss in a more friendly environment with a beautiful view of the Faro coastline at the Eva
Senses Hotel.
Continuing the approach of YAS past editions, participants were divided into working groups, each led by a senior expert, in the areas of Biorefinery, Circular Economy, Industrial Production, Metabolomics and Strain improvement, Bioremediation and Toxicology as well as novel Food and Feed from Algae. After fruitful discussions each group shared their innovative ideas with their peers and the most outstanding group received a certificate of excellence voted by a senior board.
A highlight of the event was the CEO’s Testimonials Round Table, featuring the industry
leaders Luís Costa, the Executive Board Member at A4F – Algae for Future; Victória del
Pino, Board Member of Allmicroalgae - Natural Solutions S.A; and Jorge Dias, Co-CEO of
Sparos. The panel offered invaluable insights into the transition of algae research into
practical industry applications.
Despite the challenge posed by the warm Portuguese sun, we were excited to tour the facilities of Necton, GreenCoLab and CCMAR (Algarve Centre of Marine Sciences). These visits provided a close view at how new algal strains are being developed and how established strains are cultivated at large scale.
