Objective
Algal aquaculture is developing exponentially worldwide, with multiple applications in the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Current research in algal biotechnology mostly focuses on metabolite discovery, aquaculture yield improvement and engineering bottlenecks. However, agronomical experience shows that controlling the interaction of land crops with mutualistic or pathogenic microbes is most critical to successful production. Likewise, controlling the microbial flora associated with algae (the 'algal microbiome') is emerging as the biggest biological challenge for their increased usage. Bacteria can control the morphogenesis of algae, while others are indispensable to algal survival. Pathogens are causing devastating diseases, the impact of which worsens with the intensification of aquaculture practices. Thus, the overarching aim of ALFF is to train 15 ESRs (researchers and technologists) within a multinational consortium, whilst bringing a scientific step-change in our understanding of these interactions, leading to the development of superior mass algal cultivation and biocontrol strategies. ALFF tackles: 1) the identification, taxonomy and utilisation of naturally-occurring algal symbionts and pathogens; 2) inter- and intra-species signalling and chemical ecology in aquaculture, natural environment and simplified systems (i.e. axenic cultures +/- symbionts); 3) and harnesses state of the art genomics, molecular, and biochemical techniques to characterise these interactions. A highly interdisciplinary team underpins an ambitious theoretical, field, hands-on training and research program. With the support of high profile institutions, ALFF foresees an exceptionally broad range of dissemination and outreach initiatives to help policy makers and the general public better understand the opportunities and issues relating to the sustainable use of our aquatic freshwater and marine resources, within and beyond the EU.
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Programme(s)
Coordinator
PA37 1QA Dunbeg Oban
United Kingdom
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Participants (9)
07743 JENA
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78464 Konstanz
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701 03 Ostrava
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1649 038 Lisboa
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
9052 ZWIJNAARDE - GENT
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9000 Gent
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75794 Paris
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2620 Hemiksem
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Participation ended
9830 Sint Martens Latem
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Partners (18)
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
Santec
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78462 Konstanz
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AB119DB Aberdeen
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190 00 Praha
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3830-352 ILHAVO
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P75 AX07 Bantry
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63000 Clermont-Ferrand
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Coimbra
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35210 Alsancak Izmir
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Funchal
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PA37 1SZ Oban
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6041 Gosselies
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1704 CC Heerhugowaard
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3526 KV Utrecht
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L8P 0A1 Hamilton
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Hong Kong
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Cambridge
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Midlothian
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