International Society for Applied Phycology

30/06/2026

Hands-on Training in Isolation, Identification and Taxonomy for Algal Biotechnology (From Theory to Practice)

🗓07–11 September 2026

📍 Chennai, India

This intensive training program is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in algal biotechnology. Participants will gain hands-on experience in essential methodologies, including algal isolation techniques, morphological and molecular identification, and taxonomic classification.

The workshop aims to bring together early-career researchers, postgraduate students, and professionals in phycology and biotechnology, providing them with an opportunity to enhance technical skills, exchange ideas, and engage with experts in the field.

Chennai, as a hub of marine and freshwater biodiversity research, provides an ideal setting for this program, ensuring participants gain exposure to a wide range of algal species and laboratory practices.

Participants who had previously registered or planned to attend on the previous dates (15–19 June 2026:) are kindly requested to update their schedules accordingly. Further details regarding registration, accommodation, and the program agenda will be communicated in due course.

ISAP looks forward to welcoming participants to this comprehensive and practice-oriented training workshop in September 2026.

More information can be found here: https://www.appliedphycologysoc.org/page-18066
Registration link :
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAUYHoei6z7yiVoenoTcfQZaMA3OZ4EsyXVQwRvHHRSNpwhg/viewform

23/06/2026

📢 Call for Articles – ISAP Newsletter
The International Society for Applied Phycology (ISAP) invites contributions for its upcoming bi-annual newsletter.
We welcome submissions from researchers, practitioners, students, and industry professionals across the field of applied phycology.
✍️ We are seeking contributions including:
Technical articles on microalgae and macroalgae from any ecosystem
Announcements of conferences, workshops, symposia, and training courses
Project updates and research highlights
Book reviews
Reviews of emerging technologies and services

These contributions provide an excellent platform to share knowledge, showcase innovations, and connect with the global phycology community.
📄 Submission Guidelines
Detailed author guidelines are available in the latest newsletter issue or via the ISAP website:
👉 ISAP Newsletter & Submission Info https://www.appliedphycologysoc.org/Newsletters/

26/05/2026

ISAP Awards Support for Algal Biotechnology Training Program in Chennai

The International Society of Applied Phycology (ISAP) has announced the selection of a training initiative for partial financial support following the evaluation of three proposals submitted this year.

The funding has been awarded to Dr. S. Nagaraj of the University of Madras for organizing a specialized program titled “Hands-On Training in Isolation, Identification, and Taxonomy for Algal Biotechnology (From Theory to Practice).”

The training course will be held at the Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, from 15 June to 19 June 2026. The program aims to provide practical and theoretical insights into algal biotechnology, equipping participants with essential skills in the field.

This initiative will be conducted with financial assistance from ISAP, highlighting the organization’s continued commitment to advancing research and capacity-building in applied phycology.

09/03/2026

**In Memoriam: Amha Belay**

The International Society for Applied Phycology (ISAP) honors the life and legacy of Dr. Amha Belay — an extraordinary scientist, industry leader, and former Editor-in-Chief whose vision helped shape our Society and the global applied phycology community.

Over a career spanning more than four decades, Dr. Belay became one of the most influential figures in microalgae science, particularly in advancing the understanding and large-scale production of *Spirulina* (now *Limnospira*). His work bridged fundamental research and commercial application, demonstrating how rigorous science can drive sustainable innovation in nutrition and health.

Born in Ethiopia, Dr. Belay completed his undergraduate studies at Addis Ababa University (formerly Haile Selassie I University) and earned his PhD in algal physiology, phytoplankton ecology, and limnology in the United Kingdom. He later served as Associate Professor and Head of Biology at Addis Ababa University and held distinguished fellowships and research appointments internationally.

In the private sector, he provided scientific and strategic leadership as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Earthrise Nutritionals, where he guided the development of one of the world’s most successful large-scale *Spirulina* production systems. As Founder and CEO of Algae4All LLC, he continued to mentor, educate, and advise across the algae value chain.

Within ISAP, Dr. Belay’s contributions were foundational. As a founding member, Executive Committee member, and Editor-in-Chief, he championed scientific excellence, integrity, and the practical application of phycological research. His editorial leadership strengthened the quality, reach, and relevance of our publications and reinforced ISAP’s role as a global forum for applied phycology.

His scholarly contributions include numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, as well as co-editing the landmark volume Spirulina in Human Nutrition and Health — a key reference for researchers and practitioners worldwide. In recognition of his impact, ISAP awarded him the Distinguished Applied Phycologist Award, and he also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Algae Biomass Organization.

Beyond his accomplishments, we remember Dr. Belay for his generosity, mentorship, and unwavering belief in the power of algae to contribute to global sustainability and well-being. His influence will continue through the many scientists, innovators, and students he inspired.

On behalf of ISAP, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. We are deeply grateful for his leadership, his scholarship, and his enduring commitment to applied phycology.

03/03/2026

We would like to invite you to submit an article for publication in the 2026 ISAP bi-annual newsletter.

The deadline for submitting an article is 1st June 2026.

We welcome the submission of any technical articles in the field of applied phycology from any type of institution or organisation. Other types of contributions may include announcements for conferences, workshops, symposia, training courses and events, project updates, book reviews as well as reviews of technology and services.

A guidance document on how to submit an article can be found to the end of the latest newsletter.

Thank you for your time and we look forward to receiving your submissions!

24/02/2026

Final Call 📢 Call for Proposals: ISAP Support for Training Courses in Algal Biotechnology (2026)

The International Society for Applied Phycology (ISAP) is pleased to announce a call for requests for support to organize a training course in Algal Biotechnology. 🌿

As part of ISAP’s mission to promote education and capacity-building for the next generation of scientists and engineers in algal biotechnology, the society will allocate annual funding to support qualified members in hosting training courses.

Who can apply?
✅ ISAP members with permanent positions in research or teaching institutions located in DAC-list countries
✅ Applicants with proven teaching and organizational experience

Support details:
💶 Up to 2,000 EUR (max. 50% of total course budget)
📅 Courses should last at least 5 working days and include lectures & practical sessions
📘 Funds can cover travel for specialists, accommodation, meals, field trips, and training materials

Deadline for proposals: 🗓️ 28th February 2026

Applicants should submit a detailed proposal (as PDF files) to:
🔗 [Click here for the MOU and full call document]
https://lnkd.in/eRqx9MJa

Join ISAP in advancing education and innovation in algal biotechnology! 🌱

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

19/02/2026

The COSEC project: a Horizon Europe initiative turning biogenic CO₂ from bioenergy plants into **carbon‑negative energy carriers** using algae and cyanobacteria. Instead of releasing CO₂, the system captures it from flue gases, feeds it to photosynthetic microbes grown on waste nutrients, and converts the biomass into biocrude and biogas that are upgraded with renewable hydrogen into biofuels and biomethane.

The goal is a modular, scalable solution that boosts the sustainability of bioenergy while helping the EU move closer to Net‑Zero 2050. If you’re interested in carbon‑negative fuels, algae‑based CO₂ capture, or circular bioenergy systems, definitely check out the project page: https://cosec-project.eu

Biogenic CO2 capture into Sustainable Energy Carriers: A novel photosynthetic and hydrogenotrophic CO2 fixation combined with waste nutrient upcycling for production of carbon negative energy carriers

17/02/2026

Deadline Extension 📢 Call for Proposals: ISAP Support for Training Courses in Algal Biotechnology (2026)

The International Society for Applied Phycology (ISAP) is pleased to announce a call for requests for support to organize a training course in Algal Biotechnology. 🌿

As part of ISAP’s mission to promote education and capacity-building for the next generation of scientists and engineers in algal biotechnology, the society will allocate annual funding to support qualified members in hosting training courses.

Who can apply?
✅ ISAP members with permanent positions in research or teaching institutions located in DAC-list countries
✅ Applicants with proven teaching and organizational experience

Support details:
💶 Up to 2,000 EUR (max. 50% of total course budget)
📅 Courses should last at least 5 working days and include lectures & practical sessions
📘 Funds can cover travel for specialists, accommodation, meals, field trips, and training materials

Deadline for proposals: 🗓️ 28 Feb 2026

Applicants should submit a detailed proposal (as PDF files) to:
🔗 [Click here for the MOU and full call document]
https://lnkd.in/eRqx9MJa

Join ISAP in advancing education and innovation in algal biotechnology! 🌱

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

12/02/2026

APPLICATION EXTENSION 📢 Call for Proposals: ISAP Support for Training Courses in Algal Biotechnology (2026)

The International Society for Applied Phycology (ISAP) is pleased to announce a call for requests for support to organize a training course in Algal Biotechnology. 🌿

As part of ISAP’s mission to promote education and capacity-building for the next generation of scientists and engineers in algal biotechnology, the society will allocate annual funding to support qualified members in hosting training courses.

Who can apply?
✅ ISAP members with permanent positions in research or teaching institutions located in DAC-list countries
✅ Applicants with proven teaching and organizational experience

Support details:
💶 Up to 2,000 EUR (max. 50% of total course budget)
📅 Courses should last at least 5 working days and include lectures & practical sessions
📘 Funds can cover travel for specialists, accommodation, meals, field trips, and training materials

Deadline for proposals: 🗓️ 28 February 2026

Applicants should submit a detailed proposal (as PDF files) to:
🔗https://lnkd.in/eRqx9MJa

Join ISAP in advancing education and innovation in algal biotechnology! 🌱

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

11/02/2026

🔬 Spotlight on women in science

The International Society of Applied Phycology (ISAP) is sharing UNESCO’s new report *“Status and trends of women in science: new insights and sectoral perspectives”* as a timely reminder of how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go. [unesdoc.unesco](https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000393768)

Globally, women make up only about **one‑third of researchers**, and their representation drops further in leadership roles and some STEM‑heavy fields. This report dives into the data, showing where women are training and working in science, including emerging areas like quantum and water sciences, and highlights the uneven progress across regions and disciplines.

Within applied phycology, we’re proud to see growing participation and leadership from women researchers, but there’s still room to support more inclusive environments, mentorship, and visibility for early‑career scientists. (https://www.unesco.org/en/science-technology-and-innovation/gender-equality)

If you’re curious about the numbers and stories behind women in science, the full report is freely available here:
[Status and trends of women in science – UNESCO Digital Library](https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000393768)