From 3 to 6 June 2025, the city of Almería in Spain hosted the Young Algaeneers Symposium (YAS), a unique event that every year brings together young scientists from all over the world dedicated to research and innovation in the microalgae and seaweed sectors.
The YAS is more than a scientific symposium – it’s a space created by and for young researchers, aimed at promoting the exchange of knowledge, networking and enthusiasm for sustainable solutions based on algae. This year’s event brought together more than 100 young professionals from 25 countries, all with new ideas, promising projects and contagious energy.
The organisation of the event was also in the hands of the new generation, with a dynamic group of national and international young people leading all the preparations. This group was chaired by Daniel Figueiredo, a PhD student at GreenCoLab, who, along with Rafael Vitorino and many others, played an essential role in making it a reality. The spirit of collaboration and dedication was visible in every detail of the symposium.
Over four intense days, participants presented their work in oral sessions and poster exhibitions, covering a wide variety of topics ranging from biotechnology to the circular economy. But YAS wasn’t just about science: there was also time for cultural visits to the city and to emblematic microalgae research sites, making the experience even richer and more inspiring.
Participating on the GreenCoLab side, Rafael Vitorino and Inês Trincheiras besides winning the Working Groups competition with their impactful proposal on “Boosting Animal Nutrition with Algae”, they also showcased their research through insightful posters:
- “Euglena gracilis β-glucan: Functional nutrition in aquaculture” – Rafael Vitorino (Algae Vertical project)
- “Optimised UV Mutagenesis for Strain Improvement in Tisochrysis lutea and Pavlova gyrans“ – Inês Trincheiras (Algae Vertical project)
Also, as part of the event’s agenda, Kricelle Deamici, GCL Food Nutrition Leader, hosted the workshop “Cooking Green: Exploring Microalgae in Everyday Foods”, bringing new ideas to the kitchen!
