News

The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) is thrilled to reveal the winners of the Young Researcher Poster Competition, featured at the 2025 Algae Biomass Summit on the Arizona State University campus. This year's event highlighted exceptional emerging talent in algae and seaweed research and innovation, with entrants hailing from institutions across the globe.

Nearly 100 researchers competed in the poster session at the 2025 Algae Biomass Summit. Judges evaluated entries based on experimental design, alignment with existing scientific literature, visual appeal, and presentation quality. The winners' groundbreaking research covers a wide range of topics in algae and seaweed science, including environmental sustainability, biodiesel production, innovative textile uses, and toxin analysis.

The recipients of the Algae Biomass Summit’s Young Researcher Poster Competition are:

1st Place in Research Design and Methods:
Joyce Marumo (New Mexico State University, USA)

Title of Poster: “Beyond Waste: Microalgae-based Remediation Systems for Dairy Wastewater - A Systematic Review”

1st Place in Engineering Innovation:
Alireza Fallahi (Missouri University of Science and Technology, USA)

Title of Poster: “CFD-Driven Innovations in Photobioreactor Design: Enhancing CO2 Mass Transfer for Sustainable Microalgal Growth.”

1st Place in Biological Innovation:
Sarah Alsaif (Newcastle University, UK)

Title of Poster: “Palmaria palmata as a sustainable platform for biosynthesis of selenium nanoparticles as an anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis agent”

1st Place in Aspirational Research and Creativity:
Mustafa Velioglu (McNeese University, USA) 

Title of Poster: “Cultivating Nannochloropsis oculata Micralgae Species to Extract Total Algal Lipids and Isolate Phospholipids via Solid Phase Extraction”

"The Young Researcher Poster Competition is a cornerstone of the Algae Biomass Organization's mission, spotlighting the next generation of innovators whose fresh ideas and rigorous science are driving algae and seaweed technologies forward," said Kavin McGraw, board chair of the Algae Biomass Organization.

The Algae Biomass Summit serves as the leading forum for professionals and experts in the algae industry to exchange ideas, explore new research, and promote the ongoing development of algae-based solutions for a sustainable future. The Young Researcher Poster Competition is a key component of the event, providing a platform for emerging talent to present their work and network with industry leaders.

The Algae Biomass Organization congratulates the recipients on their well-deserved achievements. Their dedication to advancing algae research and innovation promises a brighter, more sustainable future.

DES MOINES – The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) is the world’s largest trade organization focusing on promoting the development of viable commercial markets for renewable and sustainable commodities derived from algae.  The ABO’s diverse membership includes over 150 commercial algae companies, academic institutions, national research laboratories, governmental agencies and professional consulting groups. The ABO has been in existence for over 20 years and operates as a non-profit organization.

The ABO’s current Executive Director, Jon Kallen, M.S., Esq. announced his resignation from this position effective after the ABO’s Annual Summit – October 19-22 in Tempe, Arizona.  Jon served as interim Executive Director from February 2023 to October 2023 and was named permanent Executive Director in October 2023.  During his tenure, the ABO has successfully worked to grow and diversity membership; satisfy all debt obligations; relaunch member committees for Government Relations, Sustainable Aviation Fuel, Feed and Food and Environmental Resources; revamp the monthly newsletter; launch enhanced member webinars showcasing member companies, research and projects; launch affinity programs for member discounts on laboratory analytical services, greenhouse purchases and HR/PEO offerings; revamp the board of directors composition and run successful summits in Madison, WI and Houston, TX and this year in Tempe, Arizona. 

According to Jon, “Now is the time for me to step down to focus on other pursuits.  I have worked with our awesome board of directors and staff to positively position the ABO for future success.”

According to the ABO’s Board of Directors Chairman, Kevin McGraw, the ABO is thankful for the efforts of Jon to position the ABO on a sustainable path for future growth.  “Jon has been an impactful leader during the past 3 years and the Board of Directors appreciates all of his tireless efforts.  The ABO is in the best financial position it has been in over 5 years thanks to Jon’s efforts.”

According to Mr. McGraw, the ABO will be led in the interim by a Board Advisory committee until new leadership is recruited.  The ABO will continue to rely on the exceptional skills and work of Carrie Cox, Marketing and Administrative Coordinator, going forward. 

Registration for the AZcati tour and dinner will be closing tomorrow by end of the day, please make sure if you plan to attend, to register now as we will not be allowing registration for these events at the door. See the links below to register.

Register now >>>

AzCATI Celebration Dinner: https://abo.wildapricot.org/event-6229894/Registration
AzCATI Tour: https://abo.wildapricot.org/event-6229911/Registration

We’re thrilled to unveil the speaker lineup for the 2025 Algae Biomass Summit, taking place October 19-22, 2025, at Arizona State University! This premier event brings together the brightest minds in algal biotechnology, sustainability, and bioeconomy to share groundbreaking insights and shape the future of this dynamic field.

A World-Class Lineup of Algae Innovators

This year’s summit features an exceptional roster of researchers, industry leaders, and innovators who are pushing the boundaries of algae science and application. From advancements in biofuels and high-value products to sustainable solutions for food security and climate resilience, our speakers will cover the latest breakthroughs and real-world applications transforming industries like energy, agriculture, and biomanufacturing.

Expect thought-provoking keynotes, in-depth technical sessions, and engaging discussions on topics such as:

• Novel bioprocessing techniques for micro- and macroalgae
• Sustainable product pathways, from biofuels to bioplastics
• Strategies for scaling algae-based solutions in the global market
• Innovations in biomass stabilization and high-value compound isolation

Why Attend the 2025 Algae Biomass Summit?

The Algae Biomass Summit is more than a conference—it’s a hub for collaboration and discovery. Whether you’re an academic researcher, a climate tech investor, a seaweed farmer, or a student passionate about sustainability, this event offers unparalleled opportunities to:

• Learn from leading experts driving algae innovation
• Network with professionals across academia, industry, and policy
• Discover emerging trends in the algae bioeconomy
• Explore new markets for algae-derived products, from renewable energy to healthcare

Join Us in Arizona!

Mark your calendars for October 19-22, 2025, and join us at Arizona State University for an inspiring and impactful event.  For more information, visit the 2025 Algae Biomass Summit event page.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the algae revolution! We can’t wait to see you in Arizona as we explore the limitless potential of algae shaping a sustainable future.

Stay connected with us on social media for updates and highlights from the 2025 Algae Biomass Summit!

#AlgaeBiomassSummit #AlgaeInnovation #Bioeconomy #Sustainability #Biotech

Mark your calendars for an exciting opportunity to dive into the world of algae research and innovation! The Arizona Center for Algae Technology and Innovation (AzCATI) is hosting a webinar on September 25, 2025, at 1:00 PM CDT, and you’re invited to join us for an in-depth look at how we’re advancing the future of sustainable biotechnology.

Event Details

• Date: September 25, 2025

• Time: 1:00 PM CDT

• Location: Online https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/a7d5732e-705f-42d9-9d57-8c8bdb92c25d@89da468f-2eda-4857-a562-578a0c1c09b1

• Cost: Free

About AzCATI

Founded in 2010 on the Arizona State University Polytechnic campus, AzCATI has established itself as an internationally recognized leader in algae research. As a premier testbed, we support a wide range of initiatives, including U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-funded projects, university collaborations, and partnerships with industrial companies. Our mission is to accelerate the development of algae-based technologies by providing access to standardized outdoor control trials, enabling researchers and innovators to validate and optimize their projects for real-world applications.

What to Expect at the Webinar

During this presentation, we’ll take you behind the scenes of AzCATI’s groundbreaking work. Here’s a sneak peek at what we’ll cover:

• Current and Upcoming Research Projects: Learn about the innovative studies we’re conducting to push the boundaries of algae applications in biofuels, bioproducts, and sustainability.

• State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: Discover the advanced facilities and resources at AzCATI that support the scale-up of applied algae projects.

• Future Opportunities: Get a glimpse into our plans for expanding infrastructure and fostering collaborations to drive the algae industry forward.

This webinar is a unique chance to explore how AzCATI is shaping the bioeconomy and contributing to a sustainable future through cutting-edge research and industry partnerships.

Why Attend?

Whether you’re a researcher, industry professional, or sustainability enthusiast, this webinar will provide valuable insights into the rapidly evolving field of algae technology. You’ll hear directly from experts, gain a deeper understanding of AzCATI’s role in the global algae research community, and learn how you can get involved in this exciting space.

Mark your calendars for an insightful afternoon session at the 2025 Algae Biomass Summit! On Monday, October 20th, from 1:50 PM to 3:25 PM, we’re hosting "Safeguarding Algaculture: Advancements in Algal Cultivation and Crop Protection" at Arizona State University in Tempe.

This session will delve into groundbreaking strategies to address bacterial pests, contamination, and environmental challenges in algal cultivation.

Attendees will gain valuable insights from experts showcasing cutting-edge crop protection methods, advanced monitoring tools, and technologies designed to boost biomass yield by an impressive 40% while enhancing scalability. Topics will include antivirulence strategies, high-throughput imaging, and in-line sensors, all aimed at building resilient algal farming practices.

Get to know our exceptional speaker lineup, featuring leaders in the field. Head over to our website to view the full schedule and secure your spot for the summit, happening October 19-22nd.

Register now and be part of this transformative event!

https://whova.com/web/OvuKJcKvBcLosMMTvo%40Jh6L5Ocv7MAISXOUEFMQLBwI%3D/