Algal Biotechnology Workshop in Wuhan, China
Lead Research Organisation:
University College London
Department Name: Structural Molecular Biology
Abstract
China
| Description | This international workshop grant, together with funding from the PHYCONET network, supported a visit by UK algal researchers to the two major centres for algal biotechnology in China: in Beijing and Wuhan. The 17-member UK delegation comprised leading academics, postdoctoral researchers and students, together with representatives of four SMEs from the algal biotech sector: Varicon Aqua, TeeGene Biotech Ltd, ufraction8 and Algenuity. The first part of the visit involved a fact-finding mission to SDIC Microalgae Biotechnology Center (MBC) near Beijing, and a one-day workshop hosted by Professor Qiang Hu (head of the MBC and the leading authority on microalgal biotechnology in China). This was followed by a visit to the Institute of Hydrobiology-Chinese Academy of Science (IHB-CAS): a research institution with six research centres, including the Center for Algal Biology and Applied Research. The visit to IHB-CAS involved discussion meetings and a tour of the facilities, together with a 2-day conference - "the 1st Sino-British Forum on Algal Biotechnology and Biological Resources", involving oral and poster presentations from the UK contingent and from leading algal researchers from all over China, together with a panel discussion of opportunities for collaboration. |
| Exploitation Route | Outcomes of the visit included a report submitted to PHYCONET and BBSRC, and an agreement to hold the 2nd Sino-British Forum in Oban, Scotland in late 2020. An invitation will therefore be extended to the Chinese algal researchers and company heads to attend this event. |
| Sectors | Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Description | The workshop has resulted in several commercial links between the UK SMEs and Chinese researchers. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2018 |
| Sector | Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Impact Types | Economic |
| Description | On-line presentation at webinar "Algal Biotechnology for Sustainable Aquaculture in 2021 and Beyond" |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The webinar was organised by the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) in Thailand to bring together researchers and industries interested in using algal biotechnologies in the aquaculture sectors. Over 200 participants joined from all round the world and there was significant engagement in the Q&A sessions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |