PRR Project

Summary

The University of Lisbon´s Faculty of Sciences (FCUL) and the Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE) stand out as sites of innovation and knowledge dissemination, providing interdisciplinary research. In alignment with the European Union´s Green Deal, the European Blue Growth Strategy, and the expanding importance of blue biotechnology in the Portuguese bioeconomy, we propose hiring an Assistant Researcher to advance biotechnological applications of photosynthetic marine organisms within MARE´s research team.The oceans constitute a vast reservoir of untapped potential, harbouring very diverse marine organisms that hold the potential to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Algae and seaweeds emerge as veritable biofactories capable of synthesising numerous valuable compounds ranging from biofuels and pharmaceuticals to food additives, bioplastics, biostimulants and biopesticides. Exploiting these marine resources aligns with the overarching objectives of the EU Green Deal, which advocates for the transition towards a carbon-neutral, circular economy. Moreover, blue biotechnology is intrinsically linked to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting the importance of preserving these ecosystems as potential sources of biotechnological and nature-based solutions. It reinforces its vital importance for climate stability and ecosystem health and is thus intrinsically aligned with a ONE-HEALTH perspective.Moreover, blue biotechnology presents a unique opportunity to harness the inherent biodiversity of our oceans to drive sustainable innovation and economic growth. By investing in research endeavours that leverage the potential of algae and seaweeds, we not only pave the way for developing novel bioproducts but also foster the emergence of a thriving blue bioeconomy that transcends geographical boundaries. According to the National Strategy for the Sea 2021-2030, the Economy of the Sea has registered a growth of around 18.5% in GVA and 8.3% in employment in recent years, almost double that recorded by the national economy. Among the Sea Economy areas, Blue Biotechnology is among the ones with a higher exponential rise. MARE is a member of the Associate Laboratory (Laboratório Associado) ARNET – Aquatic Research Network (ref. LA 0069/2020), which aims to develop Biotech- & Nature-based Solutions for the Blue Economy, bridging the gap between research and society by addressing a market-focused approach based on novel lines of discovery relevant for the marine and maritime sectors and by contributing to ecosystem services assessment and valuation, supporting its integration into decision-making processes and the decarbonisation of blue economy sectors. Moreover, and aligned with the National Strategy for the Sea 2021-2030, this position aims to timely tackle some of its strategic objectives (OE), namely OE2 – Fostering Jobs and the Circular and Sustainable Blue Economy, OE4 – Sustainability and Food Security, OE6 – Promote Health and Wellness, OE7 – Stimulating Scientific Knowledge, Technological Development and Blue Innovation.In this context, the appointment of an Assistant Researcher in Applied Phycology/Blue Biotechnology at MARE is not merely an academic pursuit but a strategic imperative in advancing research, education, and outreach activities within MARE and FCUL. The candidate will lead research initiatives on marine algae and seaweeds´ physiological, biochemical, and molecular specifics, conducting cutting-edge research in Applied Phycology, Natural Resources Biochemistry, Physiology and Omics. Their expertise will catalyse interdisciplinary collaborations within the Department of Plant Biology, MARE, FCUL and beyond, forging synergies between academia, industry, and policymakers to drive innovation and societal impact.