Algae Biotechnology

The aim of this professional development programme is to provide introductory training and theory in algal biology, culturing, growth and biotechnology under laboratory and small-scale pilot facilities. The course will also offer insights and examples from an industrial and entrepreneurial perspective, that can help the participants to found or improve their own algal-based business. The delivery will be 3 full days online with lectures, discussion groups and breakout sessions for networking. 

The course is hosted by the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) https://www.sams.ac.uk/, Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB (Germany) https://www.igb.fraunhofer.de/en.html and Matis (Iceland) https://matis.is/en/.

The course is open to anyone with a Bachelor, MSc or PhD degree or substantial experience within the aquaculture sector or food system, especially those within the EU and EU and EIT Food associated countries. Please note that the online course will be given live in UK/CET time (we expect between 10am and 5pm), please factor this time zone in if you are planning to join from other time zones. 

We look forward to seeing you all online for Algal Biotech 2024!

1. LO1-From Academia to industry: Understand the algal biotechnology sector. Starting with taxonomy, the physiology and how algal farming works in theory and practice.
2. LO2-The tech behind Algae: Learn about the technology required in algal cultivation, the use of photobioreactors, best practice and measurements used for biochemical composition and molecular biology screening.
3. LO3-Requirements for the industry: Learn how to translate innovations into feasible business solutions for the food sector and the wider Blue Economy.

Module 1: From Academia to industry. In this module we focus on how innovative solution are being developed and tested and the various aspects that is required before it can be implemented in industry. This module will have topics such as large-scale current issues; the link between academia and industry, how to translate ideas to industry; collaboration between academia and industry and how industry can drive academia.

Module 2: The tech behind Algae. In this module we discuss the technology required in algal cultivation, the use of photobioreactors, which day-to day measurements and cultivation conditions are required all the way down to specialized analytical techniques (HPLC, GC) used for biochemical composition and molecular biology screening methods.

Module 3: Requirements for the industry from a social, legal, safety and marketing perspective. This module focusses on how society perceive and engages with algae. What the current issues and limitations of algal cultivation are from a legal, environmental, food safety and governmental perspective and discuss potential solutions.

We have carefully planned an exciting and engaging course which includes lecture/seminars introducing the theory of techniques, SOPs best practice discussion groups and networking activities. The course will also offer insights and examples from an industrial and entrepreneurial perspective, that can help the participants to found or improve their own algal-based business.

There is a short assignment before the completion certificate is given out.