The 9th European Phycological Conference will take place 30 August – 3 September 2027 in Kraków, Poland.  Members of BPS are automatically also

members of FEPS and students are especially encouraged to apply for a BPS grant to attend.  Full details to follow on the FEPS website: www.feps-algae.org

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Topics will include:

1. Biodiversity and Biogeography of Algae and Cyanobacteria

Conveners: Pavel Škaloud, Bente Edvardsen This session focuses on the diversity, phylogenetic relationships, and spatial–temporal distribution of algae and cyanobacteria in marine and freshwater ecosystems. It will highlight new species discoveries, phylogenetic insights, and the expanding role of molecular and genomic tools in algal systematics. Contributions using integrative approaches to investigate diversity, distribution, and species delineation are welcome.

2. Harmful Algae and Cyanobacteria

Conveners: Judita Koreivienė, Fredrik Ryderheim This session examines mechanisms underlying harmful bloom formation, persistence, and ecological impacts. Topics include bloom ecophysiology, environmental drivers, toxin production, and links to nutrient and carbon cycling. Studies on monitoring, forecasting, mitigation, and management across freshwater, brackish, and marine systems are encouraged.

3. Ecology

Conveners: Marina Montresor, Henrik Pavia This session covers interactions between algae and other organisms, including microbiomes, viruses, parasites, and environmental drivers. It highlights secondary metabolites, life‑cycle regulation, and adaptations to changing environments. Laboratory, field, and functional genomic studies are welcome.

4. Climate Change, Anthropogenic Effects, and Mitigation

Conveners: Jason Hall‑Spencer, Thomas Wernberg This session explores how human activities influence algal performance, community structure, and ecosystem function. Topics include coastal urbanisation, warming, heatwaves, pollution, ocean darkening, acidification, invasive species, and ecosystem disruption. It also highlights algae’s roles in carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, seaweed farming, and habitat restoration as climate solutions.

5. Evolution

Convener: Ester Serrão Topics include local adaptation, phenotypic plasticity, experimental evolution, selection and mutation, speciation, and multicellularity.

6. Genes and Genomes

Conveners: Gwenael Piganeau, Thomas Mock Topics include algal genomes, genome architecture, genetic engineering, population genetics, genetic diversity, and population structure.

7. Algal Biotechnology and Sustainable Innovation

Conveners: Solène Connan, Elin Lindehoff This session explores biotechnological applications of micro‑ and macroalgae, including biofuels, renewable energy, functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and high‑value compounds. Circular‑economy models involving resource recycling, waste valorisation, and integrated biorefineries will be highlighted.

8. Physiology and Metabolism

Conveners: Hélène Launay, Peter Kroth Topics include photosynthesis, carbon assimilation, mixotrophy, heterotrophy, anaerobic metabolism, microbial consortia, and symbioses. The session focuses on physiological and metabolic adaptations across environmental gradients and their biogeochemical significance.

9. Algae in Art, Culture, History, and Society

Conveners: Vespa Laine, Conny Sjöqvist This session explores cultural, historical, artistic, and societal dimensions of algae, including traditional uses, natural pigments, citizen science, and public engagement.

10. Algal Culture Collections: Societal Relevance and Gene Repositories

Conveners: Filip Pniewski, Maike Lorenz This session highlights the role of culture collections in research, taxonomy, biomonitoring, education, and biotechnology. Topics include strain isolation, preservation, cryopreservation, axenic cultures, DNA barcoding, and cultivation of novel symbiotic lineages.