From 30 June to 3 July 2026, the SMACC+ project was presented at the 4th European Symposium on Phytochemicals in Medicine and Food (4th EuSPMF), hosted by the University of Aveiro (Portugal). The event brought together leading researchers from academia and industry to discuss the latest advances in natural products, phytochemicals, nutrition, and human health.
As part of the scientific programme, Prof. Laurent Picot, from La Rochelle University and CNRS LIENSs, delivered the plenary lecture “Bioactive Compounds from Microalgae and Seaweeds: Anticancer, Photodynamic, Antibacterial and Antiviral Applications”, and chaired one of the symposium sessions.
The presentation highlighted the growing potential of marine bioactive compounds derived from microalgae and seaweeds for applications in health and biotechnology, showcasing recent advances in anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral and photodynamic research.
Additionally, the lecture featured the SMACC+ project, presenting its mission to promote the sustainable exploitation of microalgae and cyanobacteria as renewable sources of high-value bioactive compounds for cosmeceutical and nutraceutical applications. Through transnational collaboration, SMACC+ supports the transfer of scientific knowledge into innovative products while contributing to the development of a sustainable blue bioeconomy across the Atlantic Area.
Participating in the 4th EuSPMF Symposium provided an excellent platform to increase the international visibility of SMACC+, engage with researchers and stakeholders working in marine biotechnology, natural products and health innovation, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. The event also reinforced the project’s commitment to promoting microalgae and cyanobacteria as strategic biological resources capable of supporting Europe’s green transition through sustainable, high-value applications.
As interest in marine biotechnology continues to grow worldwide, initiatives such as SMACC+ demonstrate how scientific excellence, international cooperation and innovation can work together to unlock the potential of marine bioresources and contribute to a more sustainable and competitive European blue economy.
Building on this momentum, SMACC+ will soon launch its international webinar series, “Exploring the Potential of Microalgae Biocompounds for Cosmeceuticals and Nutricosmetics.” Running from September 2026 to December 2027, the four-part programme will bring together leading experts from academia, research centres and industry to explore the latest advances in sustainable cultivation, green extraction technologies, biological properties and cosmetic formulation of microalgae-derived bioactive compounds.
Registration is now open for the first webinar, “Cultivation of Microalgae,” taking place on Tuesday, 22 September 2026. Researchers, students, industry professionals and innovation stakeholders are invited to join this unique opportunity to learn from internationally recognised experts and connect with Europe’s growing blue biotechnology community.
