International Society for 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)

20/01/2026

🌊 **New Research Highlight**

The Philippines’ rich marine biodiversity offers more than cultural heritage—it may also support future food and health innovations.

A new study published in *Food Research International* explores **Philippine marine macroalgae (seaweeds)** as sources of **macronutrients and bioactive natural products** for food applications. Drawing on samples from seven provinces, researchers analyzed the nutritional composition and biological activity of red, green, and brown seaweeds traditionally consumed as food.

🔬 **Key findings include:**
* Several seaweed species long used in local diets are rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and polyphenols
* Green algae (Chlorophyta) showed particularly high protein and antioxidant content
* Some species produce bioactive compounds with potential pharmaceutical value
* Epiphytic microorganisms can influence both nutritional quality and toxicity

🌱 This research highlights the importance of combining **cultural knowledge, chemical analysis, and biological testing** when evaluating natural foods—supporting safer, more informed use of marine resources.

📖 Read the full article: [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2025.118240](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2025.118240)

18/12/2025

ISAP Newsletter – December 2025 is out now! 📢

This new issue (2–2025) features:

A seasonal Message from the President and updates on ISAP activities, including preparations for ISAP 2027 in Perth, Australia.

In memoriam tributes to Dr. Thierry B.R. Chopin, Prof. Dr. José Antonio Zertuche González, and Dr. Harris J. (Pete) Bixler.

Articles on Asparagopsis taxiformis in the Philippines, the Young Algaeneers Symposium 2025, an ISAP Distinguished Phycologist profile, and a blue bioeconomy workshop in the high Andean region.

News and Views plus guidelines for contributing to future newsletters.

👉 Read the full newsletter and find out how to get involved with ISAP and submit your own items for upcoming issues:

11/11/2025

In Memoriam Dr. Harris J. (Pete) Bixler

With sadness we have to announce that another champion of the Seaweed Industry specifically in the hydrocolloid Industry Harris J. “Pete” Bixler has passed away last Saturday the 8th of November 2025. Pete worked effortlessly over the years on the issue of carrageenans and regulations and policy and has been instrumental in maintaining the GRAS and organic status of carrageenan supporting 1000’s of Eucheumatoid farmers in southeast Asia.

Dr Bixler’s career
Dr. Harris J. (Pete) Bixler or Pete as we know him earned his Doctor of Science in Chemical Engineering from MIT in 1959. Moved to Camden Maine to join Marine Colloids in Rockland, Maine as Vice President of Research and Technical Director in 1970. Marine Colloids at the time was the leading company in seaweed processing and hydrocolloid development. In 1992 started the company that is now known as Ingredients Solutions Inc.(ISI). The company was founded with a simple philosophy and business strategy: Offer the customer more cost-effective carrageenans, consistent quality assurance, and technical support for their particular application. Today ISI is the world’s largest independent supplier of carrageenan. Carrageenan is a family of polysaccharides extracted from red seaweeds. Dr. Bixler became one of the foremost authorities on its chemistry and industrial applications. His work focused amongst others on how carrageenan interacts with proteins like myosin in meat, forming gels that improve texture, stability, and cost-effectiveness in processed foods. He authored technical papers and gave industry presentations explaining carrageenan’s properties, including its elastic and brittle gel forms (iota vs. kappa types). He has several patents to his name such as Semi-refined carrageenan dentifrice binder Patent number: 6387354, Toothpaste composition

Patent number: 6045780, Paper making Patent number: 5178730 and Paper making using hectorite and cationic starch Patent number: 5071512. He used to team up with Hans Porse publishing several papers on the status of the global seaweed hydrocolloid industries (Bixler, H.J., Porse, H. A decade of change in the seaweed hydrocolloids industry. J Appl Phycol 23, 321–335 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-010-9529-3

One of his well know papers he presented in 2016 at the International Seaweed Symposium in Copenhagen on the controversy around carrageenan. Bixler, H.J. The carrageenan controversy. J Appl Phycol 29, 2201–2207 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-017-1132-4

ISI was Acquired by Tilley Company in 2021 however Pete continued fighting the good fight for the use of carrageenan in the food industry. He will be missed by family, colleagues and friends

Rest in Peace

Seaweed hydrocolloid markets continue to grow, but instead of the 3–5% achieved in the 1980s and 1990s, the growth rate has fallen to 1–3% per year. This growth has been largely driven by emerging markets in China, Eastern Europe, Brazil, etc. Sales of agar, alginates and carrageenans in the US ...

10/11/2025

📢 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: 🗓️ 31 January 2026

Applicants should submit a detailed proposal (as PDF files) to:
🔗 [Click here for the MOU and full call document]
https://www.appliedphycologysoc.org/page-18057/13557906

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