Make Algae Great Again

AlgalBBB Conference in Pheonix Arizona

Several of us attended the International Conference of Algal Biomass, Biofuels and Bioproducts, held in mid-June in Pheonix, Arizona. Despite the outrageous temperatures (45C+) we managed to have a terrific time including a site visit to AzCATI. Here are some of the experiences from the group.

by Austin Semple

Our group just attended AlgalBBB 2025 which was held in Phoenix, AZ, during the hottest season of the year. Despite the 47 °C heat, we found serenity in the airconditioned conference venue, where researchers from across the world gathered to discuss all things algae. From talks on innovative bioreactor design, synthetic biology, waste utilization, and high value bioproducts, the range of topics on show was extensive, allowing me to meet and discuss algae with people from diverse scientific backgrounds. I really enjoyed having the opportunity to give my first conference talk on my PhD project, allowing me to share my ideas and receive valuable feedback from the community. It was great to watch my lab peers present their own work, with Josie giving an excellent talk, and Jose winning an award for his poster presentation! I am also very grateful to have had the chance to explore the local sights after the conference, including the Grand Canyon, Sedona and Flagstaff, which were all beautiful places to visit.

By Jose Cachay

Attending the International Conference on Algal Biomass, Biofuels and Bioproducts (AlgalBBB 2025) in Tempe, Arizona, was an inspiring and energizing experience. The event brought together leading researchers from around the world to share breakthroughs in algal biotechnology. A highlight was the pre-conference visit to the Arizona Center for Algae Technology and Innovation (AzCATI), where it was exciting to see large-scale outdoor ponds and photobioreactors in action alongside cutting-edge laboratory research. I had the great opportunity to present my work on bioengineering the marine microalga Nannochloropsis oceanica for the expression of plant-derived enzymes, both through a poster and a three-minute mini oral presentation. Receiving a Mark of Excellence award for the poster made the experience even more rewarding.

The conference program covered a wide range of topics, including metabolic engineering, cultivation technologies and the production of high-value bioproducts. Keynote speakers addressed resource circularity and advanced engineering strategies for algal systems. Presentations on extremophilic algae like Galdieria sulphuraria and new transformation techniques for Synechococcus sp were particularly memorable. Informal career development sessions and networking with algae researchers from countries such as Mexico, Italy, the USA and Australia created exciting opportunities for future collaboration. Thanks go to the British Phycological Society for their travel support and the conference organisers and the AzCATI team for making the experience possible.