Overview
Our algal research studies microalgae, cyanobacteria and macroalgae. We are interested in how algae function in a changing natural environment and how they can be used in biotechnology. Fundamental research focusses on how algae function in a changing natural environment, covering changes in community structure and cellular composition. This overlaps with more applied research which focusses on developing new products and processes especially within a circular economy. This includes developing nutrient remediation for the wastewater and other waste industries, developing novel food and feed products such as protein, healthy oils and antioxidants for the food industry and developing bioactives for the healthcare industry. Experimental research covers small scale laboratory cultivation and, biochemical and metabolome analysis, through to larger scale pilot cultivation using photobioreactors and up and downstream processing in our greenhouse facility.