Vertical Algas SP7 project takes children to discover the world of algae at the 47th Faro Book Fair

GreenCoLab was present at the opening of the 47th Faro Book Fair on 14 May with a morning dedicated to children at Jardim da Alameda. The initiative was promoted as part of the Vertical Algas SP7 project. It featured the presentation of the children’s book ‘O Verde do Azul: À Descoberta das Algas’ (The Green of Blue: Discovering the World of Algae), created in partnership with PROALGA to bring young people closer to the fascinating world of algae.

During the session, children participated in interactive activities, including reading excerpts from the book, observing microalgae under a microscope, and tactile exploration of various species of macroalgae. In a fun and educational way, they discovered how algae are present in everyday life, from food to everyday products.

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Vertical Algae Project earns Portuguese researcher international distinction

Researcher Madalena Mendes from GreenCoLab/ALGAplus presented her innovative study on Porphyra spp., commonly known as Nori, at the prestigious International Seaweed Symposium 2025, held in Victoria, Canada, by the International Seaweed Association (ISA).

The presentation, ‘Screening of Farmed Atlantic Nori Strains: Unlocking Their Full Potential for High-Value Applications,’ highlighted innovative results on growth rates, yield, lipid content, and fatty acid profiles of genetically diverse strains of Porphyra produced by ALGAplus.

This work was developed as part of the Algae Vertical project (SP1b), integrated into the Blue Bioeconomy Pact, and is dedicated to exploring the potential of Atlantic macroalgae for high-value applications. This presentation earned Madalena Mendes the prestigious Max Doty Award.

ICAB Exceeds Expectations and Confirms Global Relevance of the Algae Sector

The 1st International Congress on Algae and Biotechnology (ICAB) ended on a highly positive note, bringing together the global community around innovation and the transformative potential of algae. Over three intense days, the congress attracted more than 300 participants, over 100 organisations and representatives from 22 countries, confirming the growing interest in this rapidly expanding sector.
Organised by GreenCoLab and PROALGA, the event featured leading scientific presentations, specialised panel discussions, interactive question-and-answer sessions, and numerous networking opportunities, fostering dialogue between researchers, industry, entrepreneurs, and students.
The diversity of topics covered — from biotechnology to food and pharmaceutical applications, environmental sustainability and public policies to encourage innovation — reflected the multidisciplinary nature and dynamism of the sector.
These figures reflect more than just participation; they represent a growing commitment to the transformative potential of algae.
The enthusiasm evident among participants and the quality of the presentations reinforced the conviction that algae can play a central role in sustainable and technological solutions to the challenges facing the planet today.
With an extremely positive outcome and new international collaborations emerging, ICAB will return next year with even greater ambition, ready to continue driving the Blue Biotechnology sector forward.

Portuguese microalgae helps fight inflammation and diabetes

A microalgae cultivated in Portugal, Dunaliella salina, is proving promising in the field of health. Researchers at the University of Aveiro, in collaboration with CIIMAR, CBQF – Portuguese Catholic University, GreenCoLab and the company Necton, have discovered that this microalgae contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and blood sugar regulating properties.

The study, carried out as part of the Algae Vertical project, which is part of the Blue Bioeconomy Pact, opens the door to the development of new food supplements and functional foods. Dunaliella salina is already approved in Europe for use in supplements, which facilitates its application in the nutrition and health market.

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4th Edition of the Aquaculture Conference

From 20 to 21 March, the fourth edition of the Aquaculture Conference brought together experts in Olhão to discuss the future of aquaculture production in Portugal. The event, organised by APEZ – Portuguese Association of Zootechnical Engineering, in partnership with S2AQUAcoLAB, took place at the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) (Olhão), bringing together almost a hundred people. Copromotor S2AQUAcoLAB was present and actively participated with innovative presentations dedicated to the health and well-being of marine organisms, addressing topics such as sustainability and discussing ways to optimise and improve production.

1St International Congress on AlgaeBiotechnology, 9 a 11 April, Lisbon

The 1st International Congress on Algae Biotechnology is arriving soon, 9 to 11 April 2025, this event brings together a dynamic mix of researchers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to shape the future of algae innovation. Organized by PROALGA and GreenCoLab, this transformative event will explore groundbreaking advancements and practical applications of algae in sustainability, health, and industry. Over three action-packed days in LISPOLIS, Lisboa, attendees will delve into the latest research, discover disruptive technologies, and network with pioneers shaping the algae ecosystem.

SP7 | Algae Cooking Workshop: “Algas no Menu”

GreenCoLab, in partnership with Chef Leonel Pereira from Restaurant CheckIn in Faro, continues to develop initiatives under the “Algae on the Menu” project to disseminate SP7 and the SP4b sub-project.

On World Algae Day and World Food Day, two more “Algae on the Menu” creative culinary workshops were held with participants from different backgrounds and interests.

In this interactive workshop, participants learned about the nutritional benefits of seaweed and its versatility in the kitchen. The activity began with a brief introduction to the different types of edible algae and their unique properties. Next, the participants were encouraged to get their hands dirty, preparing their culinary creations in groups, under the guidance of the chef.

At the end, there was a collective tasting to share and enjoy the dishes prepared, promoting an exchange of experiences and flavors.

19th GERLI Lipidomics Meeting | Universidade de Aveiro

From 23 to 26 September 2024, the Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer (IUEM) in Brest hosted the 19th GERLI Lipidomics Meeting, organized by the Université de Bretagne Occidentale, IRD, CNRS and IFREMER. The event brought together experts in lipidomics to discuss advances in understanding the structure and function of lipids in aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Subproject 1 was represented by the University of Aveiro, which presented innovative studies on the bioactive lipids of Gelidium corneum and Dunaliella salina, with potential applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors. Rita Pais and Joana Dias, as part of Subprojects SP1a and SP1b, presented posters entitled ‘Uncovering the Functional Lipidome of Dunaliella salina: Bioactive Lipids with Potential Nutraceutical Applications’ and ‘Upgrading the Lipidome of Gelidium corneum biomass and byproducts as sources of added-value lipids and bioactive ingredients’ respectively.

SP4 | Innovative Advances in Rheology: Exploring Macroalgae Extracts and Sustainable Food Solutions at IBERHEO 2024

SP4 was present at IBERHEO 2024, the Iberian Rheology Meeting, which took place at the Instituto Superior de Agronomia, co-promoter of the Algae Vertical project. Researcher Filipe Vinagre presented the poster ‘Rheology properties of gelled foods based on Atlantic macroalgae extracts’; on the theme ‘Polymer rheology (solutions, gels, solids, melts and composites’, an opportunity to share innovative research into the rheological properties of foods based on Atlantic macroalgae extracts. José Matheus also presented his work entitled ‘Analysing the Viscosity of Tomato Pulp Incorporated with Seaweed, Microalgae, and Apple Pomace for the Development of a New Product’ at this event. This biennial international event is a collaboration between the Spanish Rheology Group (GER) and the Portuguese Rheology Society (SPR). It brings together experts from all over the Iberian Peninsula to discuss the latest advances in the field.

Innovation in Aquaculture: SP5 Promoters Highlight Microalgae Diets at AQUA24 in Copenhagen

SP5 – Aquaculture Feeds was present at the AQUA24 World Aquaculture Society Meetings, which took place from 26 to 30 August in Copenhagen, Denmark. Co-organizers Sparos, CIIMAR, CCMAR, GreenCoLab and S2AquaColab highlighted their innovative work on microalgae-based diets to increase the robustness and immunity of larvae and juveniles during times of stress.
There was also a presentation by researcher Rodrigo Mendes, from CCMAR/SPAROS, who discussed the impact of biological feeding on the performance and robustness of juvenile gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata).
The AQUA event, co-organized by the European Aquaculture Society (EAS) and the World Aquaculture Society (WAS), is one of the main platforms for exploring the latest advances in research and innovation in the aquaculture sector.