A Seaweed Spotlight: Presenting Ulva Research and Public Engagement at RRB 2026
At the beginning of June, I had the privilege of presenting my PhD research at the Renewable Resources & Biorefineries (RRB) 2026 conference, hosted by KU Leuven. During a session dedicated to seaweed cultivation, processing, and valorization, I shared my preliminary results on Ulva aquaculture as a source of high-value chemicals. It was a fantastic opportunity to discuss the potential of this green macroalga with an audience of sustainability specialists. Later in the day, together with my fellow SeaChem Doctoral Candidates, we brought the ocean to the public at the Biobased Market. Our booth featured living seaweeds, sparking curiosity and conversation. Through hands-on demonstrations, I explained the fascinating biology and ecology of macroalgae, and why they are so vital to our environment. From providing essential ecosystem services to offering sustainable, innovative solutions for the European green economy, seaweed is a true powerhouse of possibility. The experience was incredibly rewarding. There’s
PHAROS Mega Event Living Lab
As part of the PHAROS Mega Event Living Lab taking place across Kerry and Cork (26–28 May 2026), I participated in the Pint of Science evening session held at Spillane’s Bar in the Maherees, Castlegregory. The event brought marine science closer to the public in an informal and engaging setting, connecting researchers with local communities, stakeholders, and science enthusiasts. Hosted by Munster Technological University Kerry and Bantry Marine Research Station, the session highlighted ongoing work within marine research and innovation, with a strong focus on sustainability and real-world impact. My contribution focused on communicating aspects of marine biotechnology and seaweed-based biorefinery research, highlighting how seaweed cultivation and valorisation can contribute to sustainable coastal economies, climate solutions, and circular bioeconomy development. The event was a valuable opportunity to engage in science communication outside of the traditional academic setting and to discuss the relevance of marine research in addressing societal and environmental
Secondment at UCC
My secondment at University College Cork (UCC) focused on the analysis of seaweed samples generated from the Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) study, alongside the characterisation of fucoidan and alginate fractions obtained from seaweed biorefinery processes. The work involved evaluating the biochemical composition and quality of cultivated seaweed biomass, as well as analysing extracted polysaccharides for their potential applications and valorisation pathways. This secondment strengthened collaboration between partners and contributed to the development of sustainable approaches for seaweed utilisation within integrated aquaculture and biorefinery systems.
Outreach Talks at Galway City Museum
In spring 2026, I had the wonderful opportunity to take part in two public outreach events at Galway City Museum, as part of An Tír Faoi Thoinn – The Land Beneath the Waves programme, organised by the Marine Institute in partnership with Galway City Museum. On 28 March, I led a family-friendly workshop titled “A Sea of Colours: Dive into Seaweed Secrets!”, inviting participants to explore the biology of seaweeds: why they come in different colours, whether they are truly plants, and what role they play in marine ecosystems. It was so exciting to see people of all ages engage with the science and ask such curious and thoughtful questions! A few days later, on 1 April, I delivered a lunchtime talk titled “From Superfood to Fertiliser: Are Seaweeds Ireland’s Hidden Gems?“, taking the audience on a journey through the historical and contemporary uses of seaweeds, from long-standing coastal traditions
Poster presentation at VLIZ Marine Science Day 2026: Influence of light spectrum and salinity on growth and sexual reproduction in Gracilaria cf. bursa pastoris
In March 2026, I presented the work I did in my secondment at CT Aqua at the VLIZ Marine Science Day 2026 in Oostende. After attending the VLIZ conference for 3 years in a row, I expected great input from other scientists, and I was not disappointed! Book of abstracts:
Presenting my Seaweed Biorefinery Research at VLIZ Marine Science Day
This March I had the opportunity to give a short talk at VLIZ marine science day in Oostende about my PhD research on seaweed biorefinery. Speaking in front of ~400 people was a first for me and I couldn’t have asked for a nicer event, full of passionate researchers. Many thanks to VLIZ – Flanders Marine Institute for organising such an inspiring day!
Seaweed Talk at the Westside Resource Centre
On 3 February 2026, I had the pleasure of delivering a public talk at the Westside Resource Centre in Galway, as part of a series of community outreach events organised by Galway City Museum. Titled “Beyond Sushi: The Importance and Uses of Seaweed”, the talk took the audience on a journey through the many benefits and applications of seaweed, from its ecological role to its growing relevance in food, industry, and sustainability. A huge thank you to the Westside Resource Centre for hosting the event and to everyone who came along. Bringing seaweed science into the heart of local communities is something I feel really passionate about, and I hope to keep doing more of it!
Poster presentation at AlgaEurope 2025: Enhanced sequential extraction of bioactive molecules from Ascophyllum nodosum using advanced extraction techniques
This December, I had the opportunity to attend the AlgaEurope 2025 conference in Riga, Latvia. I had the chance to present my research using a poster and to talk to many researchers in my field. Even though the conference was more focused on microalgae, I still obtained a lot of useful advice and ideas to test with my microalgae.
Presentation at Stainless Steel World 2025
In November 2025, I participated the Stainless Steel World conference in Maastricht, the Netherlands to present my study results on the localized corrosion behavior of diplex stainless steels in seawater. Meeting with the representatives of the biggest steel producers from all around the world was a nice experience.
Secondment at Inagro
Last week marked the end of my secondment at Inagro vzw as part of my PhD research within the MSCA DN SEACHEM project. It was a unique experience. I had the chance to return to my roots and work in microbiology as well as to step far outside my comfort zone by conducting experiments in the greenhouse! I learned so much during my time there and I’m incredibly grateful to the amazing team at Inagro and Anissa Chamekh for their support and guidance. Stay tuned to find out what seaweed has to do with plants and microbes! \
Secondment at Antwerp Maritime Academy
During my 2nd secondment, I could successfully launch a one-year field test in Ostend Port, Belgium. A major milestone for corrosion monitoring within the SEACHEM project! This achievement was made possible through the strong collaboration between French Corrosion Institute, Antwerp Maritime Academy, and KU Leuven, focusing on an ER corrosion sensor developed by Mohammad Hassanzadeh.
Secondment at Teagasc
My secondment at Teagasc focused on pilot-scale seaweed biorefinery development and the implementation of sustainable extraction technologies. Activities included pilot-scale processing, optimisation of extraction parameters, and evaluation of bioactive compound recovery using green chemistry approaches. This secondment contributes to the development of scalable and environmentally sustainable seaweed valorisation strategies.
Participation at the 13th International Marine Biotechnology Conference 2025 [Brest (France), 7-11 July 2025]
I had the chance to attend IMBC2025 in Brest, a valuable conference for anyone involved in marine biotechnology. I found it really inspiring to be surrounded by so many researchers pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in our field. One of my favourite moments was Wednesday’s excursion with the group heading to Lorient and later to the Concarneau Marine Station. The workshop in Lorient, hosted by the Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Chemistry (LBCM), offered a deep dive into biofilms, antifouling strategies, and innovative biotechnological tools. It was insightful, and a great chance to meet researchers working on topics outside my usual bubble. In the afternoon, we continued to Concarneau, where we explored the MNHN Marine Station and its biomimicry‑focused activities. Seeing the labs, learning about ongoing projects and visiting the historical facilities up close was really special. I had some great conversations and took home plenty fresh ideas. Throughout the week,
Pint of science 2025
On the 21st of May 2025, I presented for the first time at the international wide event “Pint of Science”. Taking place every year, the goal of this event is to bring science to the public by having researchers delivering talks… in pubs! Having witnessed the amazing presentation of my colleague Vanessa Nardini a year ago, I was very excited to present myself this year, at the Hole in the Wall (Galway, Ireland). My talk, called “Seaweed: there is a world beyond sushi”, was super fun to put together! I ended up bringing a lot of seaweeds to the pub, including different species of fresh seaweeds for people to look at, seaweed crisps to taste, posters on common seaweed species on Irish shores to take home, and food wraps listing seaweed as ingredient to make the presentation interactive. I truly enjoyed disseminating knowledge on seaweeds in a more casual way
Just wrapped up an inspiring experience at the European Maritime Day 2025 in Cork, Ireland (21–23 May)!
It was a pleasure to join ocean leaders, researchers, policymakers, and innovators at this flagship event where Europe’s maritime community comes together to collaborate on the future of our sustainable blue economy. Hosted by the European Commission, Cork City Council, and the Department of Environment, Climate, and Communications, EMD2025 delivered an incredible programme of keynote talks, thematic sessions, and interactive workshops. A key highlight was witnessing the signing of the EMD Blue Cities Declaration — a powerful step forward in aligning European coastal cities toward a shared vision of marine sustainability, climate action, and innovation at the local level. I was also thrilled to try some seaweed-based products and discuss our work on the MSCA DN SEACHEM project, particularly our research in sustainable seaweed biorefinery, novel marine structures, and green extraction technologies. It’s exciting to see such momentum building around marine-based solutions that are both scientifically sound and commercially viable.
European Maritime Day 2025
I took part in European Maritime Day (EMD) 2025 in Cork, Ireland, held from 21–23 May. The event brought together ocean leaders, researchers, policymakers, industry representatives, and innovators to discuss the future of Europe’s sustainable blue economy. EMD 2025 featured a rich programme of keynote speeches, thematic sessions, and interactive workshops focused on marine sustainability, climate action, and innovation. A major highlight of the event was the signing of the EMD Blue Cities Declaration, marking a significant step toward strengthening collaboration among European coastal cities in advancing shared goals for marine environmental protection and sustainable development.
My week at the International Seaweed Symposium
From 4–9 May 2025, I attended the International Seaweed Symposium (ISS) in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, where I presented my research through both a poster and an oral presentation. The conference provided a global platform to share and discuss ongoing work in seaweed science, with a strong focus on sustainable cultivation, biorefinery approaches, and the valorisation of marine biomass. My presentations highlighted key aspects of my research within the SeaChem project, including seaweed-based biorefinery development and integrated approaches for improving the sustainability and efficiency of seaweed production systems. ISS 2025 also offered valuable opportunities to engage with international researchers, industry stakeholders, and academic experts, fostering new collaborations and exchanging insights on the future of the seaweed sector and its role in the blue bioeconomy.
Poster presentation at VLIZ Marine Science Day 2025: Optimized cascade extraction of bioactive compounds from brown seaweed via advanced extraction techniques
In March 2025, I presented one of my experiments using a poster presentation at the VLIZ Marine Science Day 2025 in Bruges. I obtained valuable inputs from other researchers and learned a lot about related topics. I can’t wait for next year’s edition! Book of abstracts:
Sharing Research, Building Connections – My Experience at Sea Tech Week 2024
I recently had an incredible chance to take part in Sea Tech Week 2024, which was held in Brest France, and it was my first international conference experience, and a truly memorable one. I took part in a poster presentation and co-organized a workshop alongside fellow DCs from the SEACHEM team. It was an exciting platform to showcase our work, exchange ideas, and build connections with professionals from both academia and industry. We talked about SEACHEM and the progress that has been done in many areas during our workshop. This was an example of team collaboration, and I was proud to contribute. During the session, I shared insights into my research progress, including the materials selection, the applicability of existing design methods, and the experimental work I have been conducting. I also introduced my concept of a new design Proposal for these innovative hybrid structural members, an area I have
Secondment at KU Leuven
During my secondment at KU Leuven, DC7, DC8 and I focused on post-harvest treatment strategies for seaweed biomass, investigating how different processing and preservation methods influence biomass quality, stability, and the recovery of valuable compounds. The work included evaluating techniques such as drying and pretreatment approaches and assessing their effects on the physicochemical and phytochemical properties of seaweed. This secondment provided valuable expertise in post-harvest optimisation and sustainable biomass handling for downstream valorisation processes.
Poster presentation at SeaTech Week 2024
In October 2024, I attended the SEATECH international conference held in Brest, France. During the event, I had the opportunity to have both oral and poster presentation to introduce an innovative corrosion sensor that I developed for monitoring the corrosion condition of offshore structures. The conference provided an excellent platform to showcase our research and highlight the contributions of the SEACHEM project to a broad international audience.
My adventure at Sea Tech Week 2024
During Sea Tech Week® 15–17 October 2024 in Brest, I participated in a dedicated workshop organised by MSCA DN SEACHEM Doctoral Candidates, focused on offshore seaweed cultivation as an emerging industry, with particular emphasis on structural durability and biosafety considerations. Within this workshop, I presented my work on offshore kelp cultivation in an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) system in Ireland. The presentation highlighted how IMTA systems can support sustainable offshore aquaculture by integrating seaweed cultivation with finfish production, enhancing nutrient recycling and contributing to environmentally responsible marine production systems.
Oral presentation on “Cultivating seaweeds for alleviating impacts of corrosion protection systems in marine environments” at the international Sea Tech conference [Brest (France),
I took part in Sea Tech Week in Brest, a gathering that brings together people working across marine and maritime science. During the workshop Offshore Seaweed Cultivation: Structural Durability and Biosafety Issues, I gave a short presentation on my research, focusing on how seaweeds interact with offshore emissions, and how this knowledge might help us better understand environmental impacts around offshore structures. It was a small piece of a much broader conversation, but it was encouraging to see genuine interest in the topic and to exchange ideas with people coming from very different backgrounds. The workshop itself was very collaborative, with presentations from fellow SeaChem researchers and partners, followed by an open discussion that tied everything together. I appreciated the relaxed atmosphere and the chance to learn from others working on related challenges. Overall, Sea Tech Week was a good reminder of how interconnected our fields are, and I think it shows
Poster presentation at SeaTech Week 2024 (Brest): Effects of light intensity and temperature on the growth, maximum quantum yield and chlorophyll content of Ulva spp
In October 2024, I had the opportunity to present the preliminary results of my doctoral research at the SeaTech Week in Brest. My poster, titled “Effects of light intensity and temperature on the growth, maximum quantum yield and chlorophyll content of Ulva spp.”, showcased work carried out in collaboration with SEACHEM partner CTAQUA, Spain.
Poster Presentation at ISAP 2024
From June 16 to 21, 2024, I presented a poster at the 8th Congress of the International Society for Applied Phycology (ISAP 2024) in Porto, Portugal. The work focused on evaluating the growth performance, morphometric characteristics, and biochemical composition of kelp cultivated within an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aq uaculture (IMTA) system alongside Atlantic salmon. The study investigated how co-cultivation in aquaculture environments influences seaweed biomass quality and nutrient dynamics compared to conventional cultivation conditions. The presentation generated valuable discussions on the role of IMTA systems in improving sustainability, nutrient recycling, and the production of high-value seaweed biomass for future biorefinery applications.
Poster presentation at IPSAM 2024: Effects of light intensity and temperature on the growth, maximum quantum yield and chlorophyll content of Ulva spp
In June 2024, I had the opportunity to present the preliminary results of my doctoral research at the Irish Plant Science Association Meeting (IPSAM), held in Cork, and what a milestone it was as my very first conference! My poster, titled “Effects of light intensity and temperature on the growth, maximum quantum yield and chlorophyll content of Ulva spp.”, showcased work carried out in collaboration with SEACHEM partner CTAQUA, Spain. IPSAM was a fantastic platform to share the SeaChem project with a broad audience of plant scientists from across Ireland. I really enjoyed connecting with peers, exchanging ideas, and gathering feedback on my research, and of course it was wonderful to represent the SEACHEM network at a national level! I am truly thrilled with these preliminary results, which already reveal some exciting insights into how light and temperature shape Ulva growth and biochemistry. They have only made me more eager
Pint of Science 2024
I had a fantastic time speaking at Pint of Science Ireland! I had the incredible opportunity to talk about algae to the public in one of the best possible Irish locations: a pub! I got to share all about the fascinating world of algae and take the audience on a journey through the evolution of these organisms. I shared my favourite anecdotes about phytoplankton and seaweed, and explained how they are used in various applications, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The event would not have been possible without the help of all the amazing volunteers, and it was made even more accessible to everyone thanks to the Irish sign language interpreters. After the talks, we all enjoyed a lovely pint together, and of course, a fun pub quiz just had to be part of the evening! I heard the Botany and Plant Science team won some really cool gadgets…
Poster presentation at VLIZ Marine Science Day 2024: Comparative evaluation of techniques for extracting bioactive compounds from brown seaweed
In March 2024, I had the chance to participate in my first scientific conference at VLIZ Marine Science Day 2024 in Oostende. It was a great opportunity to discover the value that attending conferences brings to my own research. By talking to other researchers in my field, I took home many ideas and valuable advice. Link to book of abstracts: https://dx.doi.org/10.48470/71
A Seaweed Spotlight: Presenting Ulva Research and Public Engagement at RRB 2026
Presenting my Seaweed Biorefinery Research at VLIZ Marine Science Day