The British Phycological Society

UK Maerl Forum 2025
2025-04-25 08:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London)
Background

Maerl is the collective name for several species of unattached, coralline red algae that can form extensive beds where conditions are favourable. Maerl beds support a large diversity of fauna and seaweeds and are classified as Habitats of Principal Importance (Priority Habitats) under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006. Maerl beds are considered to be an essential fish habitat and due to their fragility and very slow recovery times they are defined as an irreplaceable habitat by Natural England. Maerl beds are rare throughout their range. In England, the large majority of maerl beds are within Cornwall. Maerl is designated within the Fal and Helford Special Area of Conservation and the Manacles Marine Conservation Zone. Recent evidence highlights a far greater extent of maerl beds on the South Cornish coast than was previously recognised, these are largely unprotected by designations. In the past, maerl in the Fal Estuary was seriously degraded by extractive activities, from which it has not yet recovered. Maerl is still subject to a number of pressures. As an irreplaceable habitat, there is a strong imperative to remove and reduce these pressures so that maerl in Cornwall can continue to provide a flow of ecosystem services and can begin its slow recovery.

Purpose

To bring together academics, marine managers, advisors, conservationists, and investors to share knowledge of current research and conservation efforts for maerl and to explore developing a strategy for the conservation and management of maerl in Cornwall. The event aims to foster collaboration, exchange of knowledge, identify funding and build partnerships that will contribute to the creation of a maerl recovery action plan. Monitoring and review of progress against the action plan will be carried out through future meetings ofthe forum.

Location

University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, and online (hybrid).

Date

25th April 2025.

Structure

The Maerl Forum will consist of a full day 9am – 5pm.

A series of talks.

Facilitated workshops on – key pressures to address, priorities, evidence gaps, awareness raising, potential actions.

Optional Seasearch dive on maerl on Saturday 26th January for invited & trained Seasearch divers.

Technical report – a written account of proceedings with a UK and Cornwall Action Plan.

Organisation

A Forum steering group, with membership consisting of;

Abigail Crosby, Cornwall Council

Angie Gall, Natural England

Matt Slater, Cornwall Wildlife Trust

Victoria Hobson, University of Exeter

Jean-Luc Solandt, Blue Marine Foundation.

Jason Hall-Spencer, University of Plymouth

Trudy Russell, Natural England

Funders

University of Exeter

Cornwall Council Natural England Nature Recovery Fund

Nature England

Local Investment in Nature Cornwall (LINC)

Fal & Helford Special Area of Conservation S106 Fund

Young Algaeneers Symposium (YAS) 2025
2025-06-03 00:00 - 2025-06-06 23:59

Royal Society Summer Exhibition
2025-07-01 08:00 - 2025-07-06 17:00
The BPS has set up a stall at the Royal Society Summer exhibition! This year showcases new developments in seaweed bioplastics, algae pigments and the use of Microalgae in Biotech.

Find out more here!

https://rs.brphycsoc.org

XXIV International Symposium of Cryptogamic Botany
2025-07-07 08:00 - 2025-07-10 17:00
Dear colleagues,We are pleased to welcome you to the 24th edition of the International Symposium of Cryptogamic Botany, which will be held in the city of Pontevedra (Galicia, Spain) from July 7 to 10, 2025.The theme of this edition is “Cryptogamic Diversity: Preserving the Past, Innovating the Future”. The purpose of this Symposium has always been to provide students, managers, educators, and researchers with the opportunity to share their research and development results in the five fields of cryptogamy: bryology, pteridology, phycology, lichenology, and mycology. It is also important to highlight the significance of this Symposium in fostering new networks and collaborations, as seen in previous editions, and which we are confident will be established again during this new gathering.In addition to the exciting scientific programme taking place from July 7 to 9, and the field trips scheduled for July 10, we hope you will also enjoy the rich natural, artistic, and cultural heritage that the magnificent city of Pontevedra has to offer.Save the date: July 7–10, 2025We look forward to seeing you in Pontevedra!The Organizing CommitteeXXIV International Symposium of Cryptogamix BotanyPontevedra – July 7 to 10, 2025

EIT food Algal Biotechnology course
2025-09-02 08:00 - 2025-09-04 17:00
Applications for the next algal biotech course are now open!

The course will be held from 2-4 September at Matis in Reykjavik, Iceland and provides introductory training and theory in algal biology, culturing, growth, and biotechnology from laboratory to small scale facilities. We will showcase the latest developments and challenges in the sector. The course will offer insights and examples from an industrial and entrepreneurial perspective, that can help the participants to found or improve their own algal-based business. This course is open to anyone with a Bachelor, MSc or PhD degree in science or to people with substantial experience within the aquaculture sector or food system.

We will start on the first day with speakers from both academia and industry and an evening of networking opportunities. The next days we will visit various companies in the algal biotech sector ranging from start-ups to large cultivation companies to downstream processing plants.

Only 30 places available so apply now to get a spot on the next algal biotech course.

Important information

Course dates: 2 – 4 September 2025

Location: Reykjavik, Iceland

In-person only

Costs: 240 euro (incl. VAT)

Participants: small course, only 30 places available

Website: Algal Biotechnology | EIT Food Learning Services.

Application portal: Algal Biotechnology Iceland 2025 – EIT Food Application Portal.

Fife Seaweed Fest
2025-09-06 08:00 - 2025-09-14 17:00
​WHY SEAWEED?

Nutrition, Inspiration, Enrichment!Seaweed is one of the millions of companion co-species with which we share the planet. It contributes to the health of our coasts, marine life and to us. There are around 650 different species in the UK bursting with potential.

Find out more here:

https://www.fifeseaweedfest.com

Advances in Coccolithophore Research meeting
2025-09-11 08:00 - 17:00
Registrations and abstract submissions are open for the upcoming Advances in Coccolithophore Research meeting, which will be held between 9-11 September 2025 at The Marine Biological Association (MBA), Plymouth, UK.Programme HighlightsThis year’s workshop will feature Talks, Panel Discussions, Poster Presentations and Networking Opportunities on four thematic areas:> Biogeochemistry> Cell Biology> Climate Change> EcosystemsPlenary and session speakers:Colin Brownlee – PlenaryBlanca Ausin, Griet Neukermans, Alba Gonzalez-Lanchas – BiogeochemistryAndre Scheffel, Kyoko Hagino – Cell BiologyRos Rickaby, Hongrui Zhang, Boris Karatsolis – Climate Change

Catarina V. Guerreiro – Ecosystems

– Location: Marine Biological Association, Plymouth, UK– Date: 9 – 11 September 2025– Register Now!

https://mymba.mba.ac.uk/ems-event-booking-page/advances-in-coccolithophore-research-2025.html

CCAP Algaculture training course
2025-10-28 08:00 - 2025-10-29 17:00
CCAP Algaculture training course – in person at SAMS, Oban

The Culture Collection of algae and Protozoa are thrilled to announce the next in-person training course that will take place at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), Oban, on the 28 and 29th of October.

This two day course in a mix of hands-on lab practical classes and lectures. The course covers lots of aspects of algal biology, media prep and sterilization, algal maintenance techniques, strain isolation and purification, molecular phycology and bioinformatics, enumerations, scale-up and metabolomics. We have designed the course so that you will have plenty of interaction with the tutors for questions and discussions. We can even look in to working with organisms that you are most interested in!The course will run from 09:00-17:00 on both days.

You can learn more about it from the page on our website: https://www.ccap.ac.uk/index.php/algaculture2025/

A copy of the course program is attached.

Please email us if you have any questions or are interested in joining: ccap@sams.ac.uk

FEMS strategic research initiative
2025-11-11 22:30 - 23:30
Your voice matters: Help shape the future of microbiology in Europe

The Federation of European Microbiological Societies (FEMS) is conducting a survey to better understand the needs and priorities of microbiologists across Europe. We encourage all our members to take part so that our Society’s perspective is well represented.

By sharing your views, you will help identify key challenges in our field, guide how FEMS can best support the microbiology community, and ensure our collective voice is heard at the European level.

The survey takes about 12 minutes to complete and closes on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, 23:00 CET.

Take part here: https://uk01.l.antigena.com/l/uPbn5XEmy8l1xfBaPjn3l3KiVWdf-AGbCCBBDNLoGIsFobLZT2go2lu_i2v44KgbZA-bX5fjUxBIVUcRAQ9q~gQRg2kgw-SA-ixpdKX5ATAuWVQRoHlNe_W12mWdzBaz8zdsm3YnObP48wGGO_CjKnTFamT3yK4zLptL4tn75Q7QPkJ~jn9dPqBSUtmJZtlnS4B2tm8

ERIC-NE Conference
2025-11-21 08:00 - 17:00
Environmental Records Information Center – North East

Conference 2025 – 21st November 2025* 3.00 – 3.30 Welcome and refreshments* 3.30 – 3.50 Welcome and what’s been going on – Paul Stevens, ERIC* 3.50 – 4.20 Local Nature Recovery Strategies: an update from Local Authorities. – Local Authority reps* 4.20 – 4.40 A Reflection on the Ancient Woodland Inventory Update – Stephen McAvoy, ERIC* 4.40 – 5.10 BREAK* 5.10 – 5.30 Towards an Urban Flora for Newcastle and North Tyneside – James Common, NHSN* 5.30 – 5.50 Biological recording and its importance for marine management and conservation – Nick Brodin, Berwickshire & Northumberland Marine Nature Partnership* 5.50 – 6.00 Closing Remarks – Paul Stevens, ERIC

Sign Up:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=FcqhEsu1GUuv3NfY5HywR9zvHXCyzKBFuLpMrOKONxZUNE1FOE1WVUdYNEM2TFlDR1pFRDVKQ0c1Ui4u

BPS Aberystwyth 2026 Meeting
2026-01-06 08:00 - 2026-01-08 17:00
Find out more: https://aber.brphycsoc.org/wordpress/

Edinburgh Science Festival
2026-04-16 08:00 - 2026-04-17 17:00
BPS will be at Edinburgh Science Festival April 16+17, in conjunction with SAMS. The event is free entry, from 10.00 till 16.00 each day

Meet the sustainability scientists working with the most beautiful, diverse, and important organisms on our world – the algae!

Get up close and personal with algae and judge for yourself if they deserve more of our attention. Use their different pigments for some algae art. Use some science magic to turn algal extracts into biodegradable plastic. Examine the tiny, yet mighty, microalgae and the larger macroalgae (the “seaweeds”). Learn about the algal cornucopia and how algae can be harnessed to make our society more sustainable. Meet a range of scientists working on these amazing organisms and learn more about their cutting-edge research.

Presented by Dynamic Earth, the British Phycological Society and the Scottish Association for Marine Science.

Best wishes, Dan

Online CCAP Algaculture Course
2026-04-23 08:00 - 17:00
This three-day course will comprise a mix of theoretical lectures and video-based laboratory practical demonstrations. Overall, the course will cover algal biology, media preparation and sterilisation, algal maintenance techniques, sampling, isolation and purification, molecular phycology and bioinformatics, algal scale-up and enumeration. There will be plenty of time for discussion with the tutors and other experts.

The course will run from 09:00 to 13:00 BST (GMT+1) each day.

The course is aimed at students, technicians, early career researchers, industry professionals and algae enthusiasts.

Cost: 150GBP per attendee, payable by bank transfer or credit card (via PayPal).

Please note that this course will focus on microalgae. CCAP’s host institute, the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) hosts the Seaweed Academy, which offers training in macroalgae and the seaweed industry with input from CCAP.

If you have any questions please email ccap@sams.ac.uk.

Find out more here

Apply here

Young Algaeneers Symposium
2026-05-26 08:00 - 2026-05-29 17:00
We’re excited to invite you to the Young Algaeneers Symposium (YAS), taking place in the Hub of Algae Research: Wageningen, Netherlands, from May 26–29th, 2026 (https://yas.eaba-association.org/en).Locally organized by the Chair for Bioprocess Engineering (WUR) and AlgaePARC, YAS brings together early-career professionals and experts in the algae field for an engaging and inspiring event. 🌟 Our full Program 🌟Speakers🌊Maria Barbosa -WUR🌊Alexander Mathys – ETH Zurich🌊Julie Zedler – Friedrich Schiller University🌊Susan Løvstad Holdt – DTU National Food Institute…more to be announced!Site-visits🍃AlgaePARC (with Algreen)🍃Lgem🔬Young Algaeneer Talks and Poster PresentationsAt YAS the Young Algaeneers take center stage! Pitch your project either during our poster sessions or in our Young Algaeneer Talk formatThe Young Algaeneer Talk sessions are:-Cultivation-Processing-Physiology and Genetic Engineering-Applications-SustainabilityWorkshops🌱Business Workshop with AlgaeProBANOS🌱Science Impact Workshop with StartHUB🌱Algae Mixology Workshop with Algreen🌱Algae Printing Workshop with L’eautelier🌱Algae Design Workshop with Poorva Shrivastava (SeaSpark)🌱Storytelling workshop with Emma HolmesWorking GroupsIn our new and exciting working group concept we offer real-world case-studies provided by academia and industry leaders:💡by Laszlo Nemes (Holodetect)💡by Antonio Ida (Spireat)💡by Iulian Boboescu (WUR)💡by Sarah d’Adamo (WUR)💡by Antoinette Kazbar (WUR): Seaweed as an Enabling Platform for Future Biotechnology and Bioprocess Systems💡by Meinke van Oenen (Algaenius)💡by Laurent Picot (University of La Rochelle): Designing a Sustainable and Commercially Viable Vegetable Oil Naturally Colored and Functionally Enhanced with Microalgae- or Cyanobacteria-Derived Pigments💡 by Edgar Suarez Garcia (Revyve) How to mildly disentangle the chloroplast in green algae and extract proteins (Rubisco+) from it💡YAS Workshop – How can we build the community?…more to be announced!🌏YAS-Alumni RoundtableFor our 10th anniversary, we bring together YAS-Alumni in an exciting roundtable format lead by Rene Wijffels🌿Seaweed suiteTravelers today demand change, yet often struggle to find eco-conscious hotels that don’t sacrifice quality for sustainability. The Seaweed SuiteTM by Morgan Rae from L’eautelier solves this paradox. This travelling pop-up demonstrates how seaweed can transform the hospitality sector.The Seaweed SuiteTM will open the doors to the general public for the first time during YAS26! Young Algaeneers will gain exclusive access, combined with a hands-on algae-printing workshop!Find the official press release attached – spread and share!🏆Innovation CompetitionFollow our Innovation competition, where Young Algaeneers pitch their innovative business ideas in front of an expert jury! Get inspired and vote for your favorite pitch!Kind regards,YAS2026 TEAM, locally organized by WUR and AlgaePARC

📢 Special offers🌟 Bsc and Msc students can now buy our special 10th anniversary student pass for 65 Euro (limited program access)!Register here: https://forms.gle/mWXjBCRaiSTHGAGn7DeadlinesDon’t miss the deadlines:Event RegistrationRegistration with Abstract Submission (for Poster Presentation or Young Algaeneer Talks) until: 26th March 2026Registration without Abstract Submission until: 1st May 2026Host YAS27: Application for YAS27 hosts end 15th April2026Social Events🤝Pubquiz evening in the Grandcafé Loburg🤝Anniversary Dinner at Slot Doddendael🤝Storytelling Show

16th European Diatom Meeting
2026-07-06 08:00 - 2026-07-10 17:00
16th European Diatom Meeting, Murcia (Spain), 6-10th July 2026

” ” “Habitat degradation caused by environmental changes and human activities has increased progressively, endangering not only the survival of some species but also the maintenance of several economic activities. In environmental prevention, control, and management, diatoms are essential, as they help us interpret both current and past changes. These extraordinarily beautiful microalgae, with frustules synthesized on a nanometric scale, are not only indispensable in environmental studies across all aquatic systems but can also provide ingredients of great interest and economic value in aquaculture, agriculture, nutrition, cosmetics, and medicine, besides their relevance in forensic sciences. We hope that this meeting, organized for the first time in Spain, will showcase anactive diatomist community with a strong cohort of young researchers (promoters of the event), promising a bright future for the study of these marvellous organisms.

The issues faced by southern European countries, including Spain, deserve attention, particularly in the management of their coastal, transition water zonesand semi-arid streams, without neglecting the essential aspects of evolution and phylogeny. The topics proposed surely will promote fruitful discussions not only for scientists but also for managers and politicians in charge of environmental questions. The future of diatomology is in the shoulders of young people and they will have especial protagonism in the new format of flash talks. Finally, this is also a good opportunity to know the Region of Murcia (Southeast Spain), the roman archaeological sites in Cartagena, Murcia cathedral, The Mar Menor coastal lagoon or not very far the castles of Mula and Caravaca de la Cruzand prehistoric cave paintings. Hope you join us and enjoy the sunny charm of Murcia.

Topics

Diatoms as indicators of past and present environmental change.

Diatoms in the era of big data and integrative biology.

Diatoms as ecosystem players and tools of sustainability.

Plenary speakers

* The life of marine benthic diatoms in intertidal sediments. Graham J.C. Underwood, University Essex, United Kingdom.* Genomic insights into the speciation and adaptation of diatoms. Eveline Pinseel, University Ghent, Belgium.* Unraveling diatom communities in temporary rivers: taxonomic and functional perspectives. Helena Novais, University Evora, Portugal

Scientific committeeSalomé Almeida, University of Aveiro, PortugalMarco Cantonati, University Bologna, ItalyMartyn Kelly, University of Nottingham, United KingdomLourenço Ribeiro, University Lisbon, PortugalZrenka Ljubesic, University Zagreb, CroatiaJana Kulichová, Charles University Prague, Czech RepublikRoksana Majewska, Nord University, NoruegaNelida Abarca, Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum Berlin, GermanyElena Jovanoska, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History MuseumFrankfurt and Main, GermanyElisa Falasco, University Torino, Italy

Workshops

The genera Pseudostaurosira and Nanofrustulum in Europe: a morphological and taxonomic overview of all reported species.Bart Van de Vijver1,2, Margaux Pottiez1 & Carlos E. Wetzel31Meise Botanic Garden, Belgium, 2University of Antwerp, Belgium,3Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Luxembourg

Digital diatomology and intercalibration.Michael Kloster and Andrea Burfeid-Castellanos, University Duisburg-Essen, Germany.Hands on workshops

Exploring Diatom Morphology with Field Emission SEMScientific and Technic Research Area of Murcia University (ACTI)Only for groups until 7 persons that can bring their own samples.

Confocal Microscopy for Diatom Research: Principles and ApplicationsScientific and Technic Research Area of Murcia University (ACTI)Only for groups until 7 persons that can bring their own samples.

Field trips and excursions– Three excursions and field trips are proposed and will be organized on demand.

Mar Menor coastal lagoon visiting the five islands.

Semiarid streams and marshes.

Fees

Inscription – Before April 16th – After April 16thAcademics/professionals – 225 – 300Students – 150 – 225Accompanying persons – 120 – 195

WorkshopsAcademics/professionals – 150 – 200Students – 50 – 100Inscription fees include congress materials, coffees, lunches and banquet.

Important dataInscription and abstracts: November 15th – April 24th.Abstracts acceptance: May 15th.Definitive Programme: May 31st.

Sign Uphttps://edm2026.es

Photosynthesis 2026
2026-07-26 08:00 - 2026-07-30 17:00
Photosynthesis 2026is coming to Liverpool, 26 – 30 July 2026.

The study of photosynthesis has attracted the attention of successive legions of biologists, biochemists, chemists and physicists for over 200 years. Never in the history of photosynthesis research, however, has progress in our understanding of photosynthetic mechanisms, regulation and improvement been made as rapidly as it has over the past 5 years. Substantial efforts to improve the efficiency and productivity of photosynthesis have the potential to increase crop yields without further increasing fertilizer and water use. Moreover, tailoring photosynthesis to meet the needs of nature-based solutions to climate change and to the sustainability of food production remain global challenges to be addressed by the photosynthesis community.This meeting will galvanise participants from academia and industry to translate this new mechanistic understanding of photosynthetic function into improved crop production and more efficient terrestrial carbon sinks.

Featuring 25 concurrent sessions, the International Conference on Photosynthesis Research 2026 (ICPR26) will be held in the heart of Liverpool on the banks of the River Mersey at the spectacular ACC.

Abstract submission is now open!

Early-bird registration opens January 2026.

Abstract submission closes:March 31st for oral presentationsMay 15th for poster presentationshttps://photosynthesis2026.com/
