Training a new generation of researchers in offshore seaweed aquaculture to produce high-value chemicals

ongoing

SeaChem will provide high-level R&D training for early-stage researchers in the emerging field of marine biomass production. By addressing hot issues in offshore seaweed cultivation and its application as a source of renewables, Seachem will take away current hurdles for its wide adoption in the EU. Concurrently, the interdisciplinary SeaChem network (composed of academia, industry and sector organisations) and the variety of scientific disciplines integrated into the SeaChem R&D scheme, guarantees a multidisciplinary formation of the 10 next-generation highly-trained doctoral candidates. The main SeaChem R&D objectives are indeed spread over construction engineering (development of stainless steel offshore structures), biology (optimal conditions for seaweed cultivation) and chemical engineering (intensified extraction of valuable compounds). By the combination of state-of-the-art research topics with multiple transferrable and social skills training events, SeaChem will ensure the broad scientific and personal development of the doctoral candidates. The high societal and economic relevance of this field is supported by the ever increasing societal pressure for the development of renewable resources, also relieving the dependency of the EU on imported (fossil) raw materials. The growing worldwide market in renewable and sustainable products is driving this economic sector and is already creating a large need of highly-skilled professionals, hence ensuring a myriad of job opportunities for the doctoral candidates.