SEACHEM Doctoral Candidates Make a Lasting Impact at RRB 2026
The doctoral candidates (DCs) of the SEACHEM Project proudly participated in the 2026 RRB Conference (Renewable Resources & Biorefineries), marking a significant moment for the network as it showcased its collective achievements on an international stage. Their presence highlighted SeaChem’sstrong focus on sustainable seaweed-based solutions and demonstrated the scientific maturity and cohesion developed throughout the program. Focused on the sustainable cultivation and valorisation of seaweed, SEACHEM integrates expertise from biology, (bio/electro-)chemistry, cibil and chemical engineering to develop scalable and environmentally responsible technologies. Through a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary framework, SEACHEM has fostered a new generation of researchers equipped to address global challenges related to renewable resources and circular production systems. At the core of SEACHEM lies a strong commitment to scientific excellence, international mobility, and cross-sectoral training. Over the past years, the DCs have not only advanced their individual research projects but have also built a cohesive network characterized by
Mihret’s Comparative Study of Univariate and Multivariate LSTM Models for Data-Driven Forecasting of Corrosion Rate presented at Nordic Corrosion Congress 2026
Mihret‘s research on Predicting Corrosion Rates of Carbon Steel in Real-World Aqauatic Environments Using Machine Learning was presented at Nordic Corrosion Congress 2026 (14-16 April 2026)
Journal paper: Quantifying trace metal contamination from marine cathodic protection using Saccharina latissima in laboratory and mesocosm exposure experiments
The increasing deployment of offshore infrastructure has raised concerns about the environmental impact of corrosion protection systems, particularly galvanic anodes, which release trace metals such as zinc and aluminium into the marine environment. Traditional monitoring methods often fail to capture the bioavailable fraction of these contaminants or provide adequate temporal resolution. Here, we investigate the brown macroalga Saccharina latissima as a bioindicator of metal emissions from galvanic anodes. Laboratory and mesocosm experiments demonstrated linear relationships between environmental concentrations and metal accumulation, particularly for zinc. Compared to grab and passive sampling, S. latissima provided more consistent and representative exposure estimates. These findings highlight the potential of S. latissima as a cost-effective and reliable bioindicator for offshore trace metal contamination monitoring and its integration into environmental assessment frameworks.
Successful Secondments at CTAQUA for Carlotta and Julie
Doctoral Candidate 6, Julie Grivotte from the University of Galway, and Doctoral Candidate 8, Carlotta Minardi from KU Leuven, successfully completed their secondments at CTAQUA Centro Tecnológico de Acuicultura. Over the course of their stay, Julie and Carlotta contributed enthusiastically to the collaborative research environment at CTAQUA, bringing fresh perspectives, scientific curiosity, and a strong spirit of teamwork. Their work not only supported ongoing research activities but also strengthened the connections between partner institutions across the SEACHEM network. These secondments are a key part of the SEACHEM programme, fostering knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary learning, and international collaboration. The positive impact of Julie and Carlotta’s experience reflects the value of these opportunities for both the researchers and host institutions. We extend our sincere thanks to the entire CTAQUA team for their warm support and commitment to scientific excellence, and especially to secondment supervisor Erik-jan Malta for his guidance throughout the programme. It
Journal paper: Experimental and Comparative Study of the CorrosionBehavior of Lean Duplex Stainless Steel in Seawater
The increasing deployment of offshore infrastructure has raised concerns about the environmental impact of corrosion protection systems, particularly galvanic anodes, which release trace metals such as zinc and aluminium into the marine environment. Traditional monitoring methods often fail to capture the bioavailable fraction of these contaminants or provide adequate temporal resolution. Here, we investigate the brown macroalga Saccharina latissima as a bioindicator of metal emissions from galvanic anodes. Laboratory and mesocosm experiments demonstrated linear relationships between environmental concentrations and metal accumulation, particularly for zinc. Compared to grab and passive sampling, S. latissima provided more consistent and representative exposure estimates. These findings highlight the potential of S. latissima as a cost-effective and reliable bioindicator for offshore trace metal contamination monitoring and its integration into environmental assessment frameworks.
Journal article: Predicting Corrosion Rates of Carbon Steel in Real-World Aquatic Environments Using Machine Learning
Mihret Tegegn Girma, Wikke. Witteveen, Raf Meskens, Shahin Gelareh, Rahimeh Neamatian Monemi, Geert Potters; Predicting Corrosion Rates of Carbon Steel in Real-World Aquatic Environments Using Machine Learning. CORROSION 2026; https://doi.org/10.5006/4897 Abstract Corrosion in aquatic environments cause significant economic losses and structural degradation. This study models the corrosion rate of S235 carbon steel using machine learning (ML) under real-world aquatic conditions. A field dataset from 46 locations along the Ghent–Terneuzen canal was used, encompassing exposure and environmental parameters such as temperature, pH, total dissolved oxygen (HDO%), chlorophyll concentration, oxidation–reduction potential (ORP), total dissolved solids (TDS), chloride concentration, specific conductivity, depth, and salinity. Six ML algorithms, including Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM), Gradient Boosting Regressor (GBR), Random Forest (RF), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Neural Network (NN), and Categorical Boosting (CatBoost) were benchmarked before and after feature selection. This work demonstrates that environmental feature selection provides substantially greater predictive improvement than model architecture choice: feature selection enhanced all algorithms from poor
Journal paper: Differential sensitivity of Saccharina latissima (Phaeophyceae) to emissions from corrosion protection systems informs biomonitoring strategies
de Leeuw van Weenen C, Knoop J, Rossi B, Appels L and Larché N (2026) Differential sensitivity of Saccharina latissima (Phaeophyceae) to emissions from corrosion protection systems informs biomonitoring strategies. Front. Mar. Sci. 13:1805764. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2026.1805764 Abstract Corrosion protection systems used on offshore structures release metals or chlorine-produced oxidants into surrounding waters. Yet, their effects on marine biomonitoring species remain poorly understood. Here, we assess how emissions from induced current cathodic protection systems and zinc- and aluminium-based galvanic anodes affect the early developmental stages of the kelp Saccharina latissima. Zoospores and gametophytes were exposed for three weeks to metals or chlorine-produced oxidants at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 2500 micrograms per liter under controlled laboratory conditions. Developmental success, survival, and early sporophyte growth were quantified. Our results show that chlorine-produced oxidants from induced current systems caused the strongest inhibition in exposed gametophytes, resulting in reduced growth above 50 micrograms per liter
Mihret’s work on Predicting Corrosion Rates of Carbon Steel in Real-World Aqauatic Environments Using Machine Learning presented at Nordic Corrosion Congress 2026
Mihret‘s research on Predicting Corrosion Rates of Carbon Steel in Real-World Aqauatic Environments Using Machine Learning was presented at Nordic Corrosion Congress 2026 (14-16 April 2026)
Journal paper: Application of Electrical Resistance Probes for Corrosion Monitoring and Cathodic Protection Assessment of Offshore Structures
The increasing deployment of offshore infrastructure has raised concerns about the environmental impact of corrosion protection systems, particularly galvanic anodes, which release trace metals such as zinc and aluminium into the marine environment. Traditional monitoring methods often fail to capture the bioavailable fraction of these contaminants or provide adequate temporal resolution. Here, we investigate the brown macroalga Saccharina latissima as a bioindicator of metal emissions from galvanic anodes. Laboratory and mesocosm experiments demonstrated linear relationships between environmental concentrations and metal accumulation, particularly for zinc. Compared to grab and passive sampling, S. latissima provided more consistent and representative exposure estimates. These findings highlight the potential of S. latissima as a cost-effective and reliable bioindicator for offshore trace metal contamination monitoring and its integration into environmental assessment frameworks.
Journal paper: Advancing a restorative blue Economy: A DPSIR–Ecosystem services framework for sustainable seaweed aquaculture
Seaweed aquaculture is rapidly expanding in Europe and the Americas providing engineered ecosystem services (EES) such as nutrient removal, pH buffering, and carbon uptake. Used as a nature-based emission capture-and-utilisation technology, seaweed transforms emissions into revenue streams while delivering non-profit value, making seaweed aquaculture a promising eco-industrial system that fits well to the global agenda of green economic transitions and ecosystem health restoration. However, aquaculture activities may, in some cases, cause unwanted engineered ecosystem disservices (EED) which should be avoided.
We argue that an adaptive and cross-sectoral policy framework is imperative to guide the sustainable development of a blue circular bioeconomy, or phyconomy, from primary production to final products, involving actors across multiple governance levels and sectors. We identify likely EES/EED and their potential impacts on natural ecosystem services using the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES), and we map stakeholder linkages and policy instruments through a snowball approach.
Finally, we adapt the Drivers-Pressures-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework to seaweed aquaculture, redefining Pressure as Progress to recognise restorative outcomes. The resulting model connects EES/EED with relevant policies, supporting integrated and regenerative development of the seaweed sector.
Advancing Corrosion Prediction through Machine Learning at PredictimGlobe
During her secondment at Predictim Globe, Mihret Tegegn contributed to the development of predictive models for corrosion rates using machine learning techniques. The work focused on applying data-driven approaches to improve the prediction and analysis of corrosion behaviour, supporting more accurate and efficient monitoring strategies. Through this collaboration, Mihret gained valuable experience at the intersection of materials science, corrosion engineering, and artificial intelligence. In addition to her technical contributions, she also participated as a co-author in a research paper developed during the secondment, highlighting the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of the work carried out within the SEA-CHEM network.
Seminar at KU Leuven on ‘Sensitivity of Saccharina latissima to cathodic protection systems for biomonitoring purposes in offshore and coastal environments”
One year after her previous seminar at KU Leuven, Caya returned for the PETLab seminar with a second presentation, “Sensitivity of Saccharina latissima to cathodic protection systems for biomonitoring purposes in offshore and coastal environments.” Both seminars offered a nice opportunity to discuss her work with fellow researchers and students, and to exchange ideas in an open and supportive setting. Many thanks to the organising teams at KU Leuven for hosting these sessions.
Doctoral candidate 7, Roberto Garcia Peran successfully completed his secondment at CT Aqua
In October and November 2025, Doctoral candidate 7, Roberto Garcia Peran from KU Leuven, successfully completed his secondment at CT Aqua (Centro Tecnológico de Acuicultura). During his month in Spain, he researched the sexual reproduction and growth of Gracilaria bursa pastoris. In addition, he learned about the cultivation of seaweed in estuaries in combination with the cultivation of other species, such as oysters and clams.
Usman’s Secondment at APERAM
Usman Ali (DC 1) successfully completed his industry secondment at APERAM SA, France, an associated partner in the SeaChem project. During his stay, he worked with the R&D team under the supervision of Dr. Audrey Alion. He gained hands-on experience in novel material characterization and fatigue testing industrial protocols. He was also exposed to different laboratory environments and broader R&D activities. This experience provided valuable insight into industrial research practices and material development processes.
Doctoral candidate 7, Roberto Garcia Peran from KU Leuven, successfully completed his secondment at Teagasc
From June to September 2025, Doctoral candidate 7, Roberto Garcia Peran from KU Leuven, successfully completed his secondment at Teagasc. During his time in Ireland, Roberto worked alongside doctoral candidate 8, Hussein Ahmad Qulatein, and the talented team at Teagasc to bring new insights into ultrasound treatment of brown seaweed, with a publication currently submitted for publication. The collaboration between KU Leuven and Teagasc highlights the importance of partnerships between the private and public sectors in research.
Journal paper: Potential challenges and guidelines for ultrasound and ultrasound-assisted enzymatic treatment of seaweed biomass
Seaweed biomass is increasingly recognized as a promising renewable resource for sustainable applications in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and bioenergy sectors. Unlike terrestrial biomass, seaweed requires no additional delignification pretreatments, enabling direct processing. This reduces chemical and energy inputs while improving extraction and saccharification efficiency. Ultrasound technology has gained substantial importance in recent decades as a novel and promising approach for biomass processing. Enzymatic treatments have also been widely investigated for seaweed valorization, although they are often limited by long processing times. To overcome this, ultrasound-assisted enzymatic treatments have been proposed to increase enzymatic efficiency and reduce treatment times. Nonetheless, research practices in this field have not yet been sufficiently standardized, limiting reproducibility and hindering innovation. This review aims to provide the fundamental theoretical background of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction (UAEE), with a particular focus on seaweed biomass. The literature is critically analyzed, the ultrasound-specific factors that most significantly affect processing (frequency, amplitude, power, biomass concentration and working mode) are presented, and their roles and interactions in biomass disruption and extraction are explained. Finally, this review proposes guidelines and fair practices for designing and reporting experiments involving UAE and UAEE of seaweed biomass and recommends the use of two ultrasound-specific parameters (i.e., ultrasonic intensity (W/cm2) and energy input (W·s/g)) as parameters to compare different processes.
Exploring the Impact of Salt Concentrations on Coating Performance at C-Cube
As part of her secondment at C-Cube, Mihret Tegegn carried out experimental work focused on understanding the effect of different salt environments on coating performance. During the secondment, Mihret investigated how varying concentrations of NaCl, KCl, and NaSO₄ influence coating behaviour using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The experiments provided valuable insights into coating durability and corrosion protection under different electrolyte conditions. This work contributes to the broader SEA-CHEM research objectives by improving the understanding of corrosion mechanisms and supporting the development of more reliable protective coating systems for industrial applications.
The Irish Plant Science Association Meeting (IPSAM) 2025
The Irish Plant Science Association Meeting (IPSAM) organized by the University of Galway on 16th and 17th of June 2025. MSCA DN SEACHEM researchers Vanessa Nardini and Julie Grivotte each gave a talk to present the results of their 2 years of research to their peers: The effect of different growing conditions on Ulva ecophysiology and biochemical composition to optimise its cultivation. (Vanessa Nardini) How to increase carbohydrate content in seaweeds? Case study of sea lettuce and winged kelp. (Julie Grivotte)
Ma thèse en 180 secondes
Congratulations to MSCA DN SEACHEM Julie Grivotte for taking part in “Ma thèse en 180 secondes”… and for receiving the Jury’s 3rd prize! This national competition, that took place on Friday, May 30 at the University of Galway (Ireland), brought together 15 PhD students from all over Ireland. In this challenge, participants must use creativity and scientific rigor to present their research project to a non-scientific public in less than 3 minutes… all in French! This event was organized by the Embassy of France in Ireland with its partners, the Irish Universities Association and the Association for Franco-Irish Studies.
Vanessa’s Secondment at CTAQUA: Exploring Ulva Cultivation in Spain
Over the past few months, Vanessa Nardini (DC5) completed a PhD secondment at CTAQUA, the Andalusian Aquaculture Technology Centre in El Puerto de Santa María, Spain, where she conducted experiments on optimizing growth parameters for the green macroalga Ulva. This research is a vital part of her PhD studies within the MSCA DN SeaChem program. A special thank you to Erik-Jan Malta, Manuel Macías Andrade, and the entire CTAQUA team for their support and warm welcome—it was a true pleasure collaborating with them! Vanessa will now continue her work at the University of Galway, focusing on the biochemical analysis of Ulva biomass composition.
Secondment on sensitivity and cultivation practices for seaweed early lifestages
In April and May 2025, Caya de Leeuw van Weenen carried out a two‑month secondment at in Yerseke, facilitated through Ghent University and supervised by Dr. Jessica Knoop. During this secondment, Caya worked in a specialised facility dedicated to seaweed cultivation, where she learned about sensitivity and cultivation practices for seaweed early lifestages. The hands‑on experience provided insight into the delicate conditions required for young seaweeds to thrive — knowledge that complements her broader research on offshore cultivation and environmental interactions. The secondment also offered a chance to connect with the wider research community at NIOZ, including the research groups of Jessica Knoop and Klaas Timmermans. Caya particularly appreciated the exchanges with Vera Hartman from the FloatingFuture project and Job Cohen, who is exploring the use of global kelp genetic resources to support breeding efforts and the development of sterile strains to prevent unwanted gene flow. The two months at
2025 Oostende voor anker
Last Saturday, Carlotta Minardi joined the Antwerp Maritime Academy in Oostende for the 24th edition of Oostende voor anker, one of the largest and most important maritime festivals on the North Sea. Carlotta presented the SeaChem project and her research engaging directly with the festival’s visitors. From families to maritime professionals, she had the chance to share the science and innovation behind the seaweed industry and how it can help shape a more sustainable future at sea.
SEACHEM at ISS25
Three MSCA DN SEACHEM doctoral candidates attended the International Seaweed Symposium (ISS25) in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, from 4 to 9 May 2025. Held every three years and organised by the International Seaweed Association, this highly anticipated conference brings together leading seaweed researchers from around the world. Hussein Ahmad Qulatein (DC9), Vanessa Nardini (DC5), and Julie Grivotte (DC6) each delivered oral presentations, sharing the latest results from their doctoral research. They were joined by SEACHEM partner Dr. Julie Maguire from Bantry Marine Research Station. The symposium offered an outstanding opportunity to engage with the global seaweed research community, learn about state-of-the-art developments in the field, and raise the profile of the SEACHEM project and its findings on an international stage.
SEACHEM Network-Wide Training Event #4 Successfully Held in Antwerp, Belgium
The SEACHEM consortium successfully organised its fourth Network-Wide Training Event (NWE#4) in Antwerp, Belgium, from 22 to 25 April 2025. Hosted at the Antwerp Maritime Academy, the event brought together doctoral candidates (DCs), supervisors, and consortium partners for several days of scientific exchange, professional development, and collaborative discussions. The programme opened with a dedicated workshop on business modelling for the SEACHEM doctoral candidates, followed by consortium meetings focused on project implementation, research progress, and academic achievements across the network. DCs presented updates on their ongoing research activities, creating opportunities for feedback and interdisciplinary discussion among project partners. The second day combined consortium technical discussions and Supervisory Board meetings with training sessions addressing broader academic and professional development topics. Participants attended a session led by Prof. Barbara Rossi on experiences as a woman in academia, followed by a workshop on critical thinking delivered by Prof. Geert Potters. A highlight of
Secondment at Bantry Marine Research Station
MSCA DN SEACHEM Doctoral Candidate Julie Grivotte (DC6, University of Galway) completed a one-month research secondment at Bantry Marine Research Station (BMRS) in March 2025, a partner institution within the SEACHEM network. During her stay, Julie conducted indoor cultivation experiments with Alaria esculenta, Ireland’s most cultivated seaweed species. She investigated how nutrient availability influences the production of commercially valuable polysaccharides which are compounds widely used as gelling agents across multiple industries. This work contributes to optimising sustainable seaweed production and represents an important step forward in Julie’s doctoral research within the SEACHEM network. Many thanks to the BMRS team for their warm welcome and support throughout the secondment.
Secondment at KU Leuven
From October 2024 to January 2025, Caya de Leeuw van Weenen completed a two‑and‑a‑half‑month secondment at KU Leuven, working under the guidance of Prof. Lise Appels and Amina Akharroub, with additional support from Roberto García Perán and Carlotta Minardi. During this period, Caya focused on extraction techniques and analytical methods for biochemical components in the seaweeds used in her experiments. The secondment offered a valuable opportunity to work in an academic laboratory environment again, surrounded by other PhD researchers. Being part of a lively research group allowed her to exchange ideas, and experience the day‑to‑day rhythm of a university lab. The stay at KU Leuven strengthened both her technical skills and her understanding of how different research strands within the SeaChem network connect. Although intensive, it was a motivating and enjoyable time working alongside supportive colleagues and gaining new perspectives on seaweed bioprocessing.
Seminar at KU Leuven on ‘Potential of seaweed as a monitoring tool for heavy metal pollution in the marine environment’
In December 2024, Caya de Leeuw van Weenen gave a short seminar at KU Leuven, sharing ongoing results from her PhD research on seaweed‑based biomonitoring. The talk, “Potential of seaweed as a monitoring tool for heavy metal pollution in the marine environment”, was presented during the Campus De Nayer PhD seminar series.
SEACHEM Network-Wide Training Event #3 Successfully Held in Brest, France
The SEACHEM consortium successfully organised its third Network-Wide Training Event (NWE#3) in Brest, France, from 14 to 17 October 2024. The event brought together doctoral candidates (DCs), supervisors, and project partners for a dynamic programme of training sessions, workshops, scientific exchanges, and consortium discussions focused on offshore seaweed aquaculture and related technologies. The first day of the event focused on wellbeing and sustainability awareness, featuring yoga sessions and a workshop exploring how yoga can support scientific work and research practices. Participants also took part in a Climate Fresk workshop aimed at strengthening understanding of climate-related challenges and collaborative approaches to sustainability. On the second day, participants attended activities organised as part of Sea Tech Week®, an international event dedicated to marine and maritime science and technology held in Brest. The programme included the opening ceremony, exhibition visits, and a high-level session on safety in marine environments. SEACHEM doctoral candidates also
SEACHEM at Sea Tech Week 2024
On the 15th of October, some of MSCA DN SEACHEM‘s Doctoral Candidates will be presenting their work at the Sea Tech Week 2024. Four DCs will organize a workshop titled, “𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐀𝐧 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲: 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬” including 4 presentations: Usman Ali – KU Leuven: 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑢𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑥 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 Mohammad Hassanzadeh – French Corrosion Institute: 𝐷𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑂𝑓𝑓𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑠: 𝑂𝑛𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑀𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑏𝑦 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑆𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑠 Caya de Leeuw van Weenen – French Corrosion Institute: 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑒𝑛𝑣𝑖𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 Hussein Ahmad Qulatein – Bantry Marine Research Station – 𝑂𝑓𝑓𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑘𝑒𝑙𝑝 𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑛 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑀𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖-𝑇𝑟𝑜𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑐 𝐴𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑆𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚: 𝐴 𝑐𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑦 𝑖𝑛 𝐼𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑑 Also, expect poster presentations covering all the different topics within SeaChem from seaweed growth to design and assessment of aquaculture structures to extraction of valuable compounds from seaweed. We hope to
SEACHEM researchers Caya and Mohammad Participate in Sea Tech Week Promotion Video
Researchers from the SEA-CHEM project participated in Sea Tech Week and contributed to promoting the event through a dedicated video featuring SEA-CHEM doctoral candidates Caya and Mohammad. In the video, they share their experience of participating in Sea Tech Week and highlight the importance of international events that bring together researchers, industry representatives, and innovation actors from across the marine and maritime sectors. They also discuss the opportunities such events create for networking, collaboration, and showcasing ongoing research activities within the SEA-CHEM project. The participation of SEA-CHEM researchers reflects the project’s commitment to scientific dissemination, international cooperation, and active engagement with the wider marine science community. A dedicated article about SEA-CHEM’s participation in Sea Tech Week is available here.
Usman Ali (DC1) is completing his first secondment at the University of Oxford to carry out detailed experiments on hybrid structural components
Usman Ali, our DC1 from KU Leuven, is completing his 4.5-month-long secondment at the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, under the supervision of Prof. Barbara Rossi. He is working in the Sustainable Metal Structures Laboratory, where Prof. Rossi’s research group focuses on testing metal structural components under various types of loading. During his stay, Usman is preparing and testing stainless steel and hybrid structural components, along with conducting supplementary tests, including material and geometric characterization. The hybrid stainless steel structural components represent the first-of-its-kind experimental database, completed by DC1 and her research team under the supervision of Prof. Rossi. The secondment mainly involves setting up the testing equipment, performing detailed material characterization, followed by geometric measurements using a CNC machine, which is a low-cost solution adopted by DC1, alongside the sample preparation for Digital Image Correlation (DIC). Subsequently buckling response of the structural members, which is
Secondment at APERAM
SeaChem is an interdisciplinary project involving multiple industrial and academic parties. As a collaboration within this scientific network, Mohammad Hassanzadeh from the French Corrosion Institute joined APERAM in Isbeurg for his secondment to run a series of Critical Pitting Temperature (CPT) tests.
Vanessa joins the “Bioactives in Ulva” Workshop and Training School
The “Bioactives in Ulva” workshop and training school, held from 24th to 28th of June 2024 and organized by ALGAplus, the University of Jena, and the Universidade de Aveiro under the SeaWheat – COST Action CA20106 initiative, brought together the next generation of scientists to explore advanced interdisciplinary research on bioactives in Ulva. Vanessa Nardini (DC5) was among the presenters and participants, contributing to the success of this inspiring event. Over three enriching days, Vanessa and fellow junior scientists engaged in theoretical classes, hands-on laboratory experiences, and an insightful visit to ALGAplus. The event provided a unique platform for learning, collaboration, and exploring the vast potential of Ulva bioactives.
SEACHEM researchers at the 8th Congress of the International Society for Applied Phycology
The 8th Congress of the International Society for Applied Phycology took place in Porto between 16 and 21 June 2024. MSCA DN SEACHEM researchers Vanessa Nardini and Hussein Ahmad Qulatein presented two posters on the results of their first year of PhD: “Composition and Morphometric Variations of Kelp Co-Cultivated with Atlantic Salmon in an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture System in Ireland” (Hussein) “The effect of abiotic factors (temperature, salinity) on physiology and chemical composition of the high-shore seaweed Ulva intestinalis (Chlorophyta)” (Vanessa)
Conference paper: Extension of the direct strength method to fabricated I-profiles under compression
Langone, Gregory; Shamlooei, Majid; Ali, Usman; Ruan, Xiongfeng; Rossi, Barbara Extension of the direct strength method to fabricated I-profiles under compression https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12213706 Abstract The direct strength method (DSM) was developed to predict the strength of cold-formed steel members susceptible to local, distortional, and global buckling or a combination thereof. The method has also been extended to fabricated and hot-rolled steel sections. However, past investigations have suggested that the general form of the DSM provides overly conservative estimations for the compressive strength of I-profiles when the normalized section dimension is greater than 10.94. In this case, the cross-section exhibits substantial post web local buckling reserve leading to yielding in the flanges, with little flange deformation. In this paper, the post-buckling strength capacity of such cross-sections is explored, and a modified form of the direct strength method is proposed which expands the applicability of the method to a greater subset of fabricated
SEACHEM Consortium Meeting and Doctoral Training Week Successfully Held in Ireland
The SEACHEM consortium successfully gathered in Ireland from 27 to 31 May 2024 for a productive week of meetings, workshops, and training activities involving project partners, supervisors, and doctoral candidates (DCs). The event began at the University of Galway, where consortium members reviewed project progress, discussed ongoing collaboration across work packages, and aligned on upcoming milestones and activities. The meetings also provided an opportunity to strengthen cooperation among partners and exchange knowledge across the consortium. Alongside the consortium sessions, SEACHEM doctoral candidates participated in a series of workshops and training activities focused on both scientific and transferable skills development. These sessions encouraged interdisciplinary learning and collaboration among the researchers involved in the project. In the second part of the week, the activities continued at the Bantry Marine Research Station (BMRS) in Bantry, where the DCs took part in additional workshops and practical training sessions linked to marine
Julie’s first CTAQUA secondment
MSCA DN SEACHEM Doctoral Candidate Julie Grivotte (DC6, University of Galway) completed a three-month research secondment at CTAQUA, Spain, a partner institution within the SEACHEM network. During her stay, Julie carried out a series of controlled laboratory experiments focused on optimising the growth and polysaccharide production of Ulva ohnoi. Her work investigated the influence of key abiotic factors including light, temperature, and salinity on this species, yielding valuable insights such as its high tolerance to a wide range of cultivation temperatures. This secondment represents an important step in Julie’s doctoral research and reflects the collaborative, cross-institutional spirit at the heart of the SEACHEM programme. Many thanks to the CTAQUA team for their support and hospitality throughout the visit.
Vanessa’s Secondment at Pure Algae: Advancing Seaweed Research in Denmark
We’re thrilled to share that Vanessa Nardini (DC5) recently completed a productive secondment at Pure Algae in Grenaa, Denmark, under the local supervision of Esben Christiansen and Lasse Hornbek Nielsen. This collaboration marks another exciting step in the SeaChem network’s commitment to fostering international research and innovation. During her time at Pure Algae’s state-of-the-art laboratory, Vanessa focused on enhancing the biomass of the green macroalga Ulva sp. Her experiments explored how different growth conditions influence the algae’s biochemical composition and physiological traits—key factors for its application in the food, health, and personal care industries. This secondment not only yielded valuable scientific results but also highlighted the power of teamwork and cross-border collaboration in driving research forward. A special thank you to the Pure Algae team for their warm welcome and support, which made this experience both rewarding and inspiring.
Sharing Research at ESAI 2024: Vanessa’s First Poster Presentation
At the end of March, Vanessa Nardini (DC5) had the opportunity to present her first scientific poster at the Environmental Science Association of Ireland (ESAI) conference, hosted by South East Technological University in Waterford. The presentation provided an overview of the MSCA DN SeaChem network and introduced her PhD research plan: “Assessment of Ulva intestinalis (Chlorophyta) optimal growth factors under laboratory conditions.”
First in-person meeting of the SEACHEM researchers
The ten SEACHEM doctoral candidates Usman Ali, Mohammad Hassanzadeh, Mihret Tegegn, Caya de Leeuw van Weenen, Vanessa Nardini, Julie Grivotte, Roberto García Perán, Carlotta Minardi, Hussein Ahmad Qulatein, and Maxime Ekoule, met for the first time in occasion of the first SeaChem Network-Wide Training Event, which took place in Leuven, 13 – 17 November 2023. As an icebreaker, they participated to the insightful workshop on diversity and inclusive communication led by Dr. Edwin Hoffman. Special thanks to our SeaChem project colleagues Raf Dewil, Lise Appels, Nick Sweygers, Sofie Van Den Hende, Erik-jan Malta, and Geert Potters for the great talks and workshops organised during the week!
Carlotta Minardi joins SEACHEM to advance sustainable seaweed biorefinery technologies
SEACHEM is delighted to welcome Carlotta Minardi as Doctoral Candidate 8 (DC8) at KU Leuven. Her research focuses on the enzymatic fractionation and valorization of seaweed biomass for the recovery of high-value compounds. The project contributes to the development of sustainable seaweed biorefinery approaches supporting circular bioeconomy objectives and the production of innovative bio-based materials and chemicals.
Hussein Ahmad Qulatein begins SEACHEM research on pilot-scale seaweed biorefineries
SEACHEM welcomes Hussein Ahmad Qulatein as Doctoral Candidate 9 (DC9) hosted by BMRS. His doctoral research focuses on the development of sustainable pilot-scale seaweed biorefinery processes. The project aims to support the efficient conversion of seaweed biomass into valuable bio-based products through integrated and environmentally sustainable processing technologies, contributing to the future of the blue bioeconomy.
SEACHEM welcomes DC1 Usman Ali to research offshore aquaculture steel structures
SEACHEM is pleased to welcome Usman Ali as Doctoral Candidate 1 (DC1) in the project. Based at KU Leuven, his research will focus on the strength, maintainability and reliability of stainless-steel structures used in offshore seaweed aquaculture systems integrated with offshore wind farms. His work will investigate how marine conditions affect structural durability and long-term performance, contributing to the development of safer and more sustainable offshore cultivation infrastructure for the blue economy.
Mohammad Hassanzadeh joins SEACHEM as DC2 focusing on corrosion monitoring
SEACHEM is delighted to welcome Mohammad Hassanzadeh as Doctoral Candidate 2 (DC2). Hosted by Institut de la Corrosion, and enrolled in a PhD programme at KU Leuven, his doctoral research addresses biofilm-induced corrosion in metal structures used for aquaculture applications. The project will also develop advanced corrosion sensors and monitoring strategies to support optimized maintenance of offshore aquaculture systems. His research will help improve the durability and operational safety of marine infrastructure supporting seaweed cultivation.
Maxime Ekoule joins SEACHEM as DC10 researching sustainable seaweed biorefinery systems
SEACHEM is pleased to welcome Maxime Ekoule as Doctoral Candidate 10 (DC10). Hosted by the University of Copenhagen, his doctoral research focuses on the sustainability assessment of brown seaweed cultivation and biorefinery systems designed according to green chemistry principles. The project aims to evaluate the environmental costs and benefits of the SEACHEM concept and contribute to the development of more sustainable offshore seaweed production and valorisation pathways for the blue bioeconomy.
SEACHEM welcomes Mihret Tegegn as DC3 in marine corrosion mapping research
Mihret Tegegn has joined the SEACHEM Doctoral Network as Doctoral Candidate 3 (DC3) at Antwerp Maritime Academy. Her research focuses on mapping corrosion around marine structures using advanced corrosion sensor technologies. The project aims to improve understanding of corrosion behaviour in offshore environments and support predictive maintenance approaches for sustainable seaweed aquaculture infrastructure.
Julie Grivotte starts SEACHEM doctoral research on seaweed polysaccharide production
SEACHEM welcomes Julie Grivotte as Doctoral Candidate 6 (DC6) at the University of Galway. Her doctoral project investigates the environmental drivers influencing the production of industrially important seaweed polysaccharides. The research will examine how factors such as light, nutrients, CO₂ levels and wave action affect polysaccharide yields under both present-day and future climate conditions. The project aims to support the identification of future-proof offshore cultivation sites and improve the sustainable production of high-value seaweed-derived compounds.
Vanessa Nardini joins SEACHEM as DC5 researching future-proof seaweed cultivation
SEACHEM is pleased to welcome Vanessa Nardini as Doctoral Candidate 5 (DC5) at the University of Galway. Her research focuses on optimizing seaweed composition under current and future environmental conditions. Through the study of changing marine environments and climate-related scenarios, the project aims to identify cultivation conditions that support resilient and sustainable offshore seaweed production systems for high-value applications.
Roberto Garcia Peran joins SEACHEM to advance extraction methods for brown seaweed valorisation
SEACHEM welcomes Roberto Garcia Peran as Doctoral Candidate 7 (DC7) at KU Leuven. His doctoral research focuses on microwave- and ultrasound-assisted extraction methods for recovering valuable components from brown seaweed species. By developing more efficient extraction processes, the project will contribute to sustainable seaweed biorefinery technologies and the broader valorisation of marine biomass.
Caya de Leeuw starts SEACHEM doctoral research on environmental monitoring
SEACHEM is pleased to announce the arrival of Caya de Leeuw as Doctoral Candidate 4 (DC4), hosted by Institut de la Corrosion, and enrolled in a PhD programme at KU Leuven, . Her research project focuses on environmental monitoring for algae cultivation together with condition monitoring of offshore structures. By combining marine environmental data with infrastructure monitoring approaches, her work will contribute to more resilient and efficient offshore seaweed farming systems.