Recherche scientifique

A research project for the biocontrol of harmful algae

Over Two million euros for research on using pathogens as biocontrol agents of harmful algae.

PHABB

Concept du projet PHABB

© PHABB

We are pleased to announce the start of the Marie Curie Doctoral Network ‘Pathogens of Algae for Biosecurity and Biocontrol (PHABB) in January 2024. This project is funded by the European Union and UK Research & Innovation for a total sum of 2.8 million euro for four years, and coordinated by the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris and the University of Aberdeen in the UK. It connects academic partners and SMEs from Austria, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Scotland, Spain, Portugal and The Netherlands.

Harmful algae form a major threat for drinking water supply and aquaculture, and the burgeoning seaweed aquaculture is plagued by poorly-known diseases. PHABB foresees the recruitment and interdisciplinary training of 10 PhD students towards designing novel and sustainable solutions for biocontrol of harmful algae by understanding their pathogens. To achieve this, it will tackle the biological and evolutionary processes linked to microbial community dynamics, virulence and host specificity of pathogens that target desirable or harmful algae in freshwater and marine environments. This new knowledge will be applied towards developing and implementing novel, durable biosecurity and disease control strategies that support natural ecosystems and allow for a reduced use in chemical pesticides.

List of partners :

The University of Aberdeen ; Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas ; Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V. ; Koninklijke Nederlandse Akademie van Wetenschappen ; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique ; Università della Tuscia ; Universität Innsbruck ; University of Akureyri ; University of Amsterdam ; OTAQ ; Langenomics Biodetect sl ; BioPol ehf ; Water Insight B.V. ; IAGE ; Parity QC ; Algaplus ; Hortimare BV ; Sorbonne Université ; Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo.

Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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