Aberystwyth 2026

In January 2026 the annual meeting for the British Phycological Society will be held in Aberystwyth, for the first time in the society’s history. An evolving outline of the event, key dates and additional information are below. I hope to see you there! – Dr Jessica Adams, Jan26 coordinator and President Elect

Session topics

Microalgae physiology and taxonomy

Glen Wheeler

Senior Research Fellow, Marine Biological Association

Glen’s research examines the biology and ecology of marine phytoplankton. Much of Glen’s work examines cellular responses to stress to help understand how algae may respond to future environmental change. Glen has a particular interest in the biology of coccolithophores and the mechanisms through which these algae produce their remarkable covering of intricate calcium carbonate plates.

Applied Phycology

Rhianna Rees

CEO, Scottish Seaweed Industry Association

Rhianna leads the Scottish Seaweed Industry Association, driving innovation, collaboration, and growth across the UK’s seaweed sector. With a background in knowledge exchange, regulation, and industry development, she champions seaweed’s role in the blue economy, from biostimulants to food systems.

Science outreach

Mikey Ross

Head of the Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (CCAP)

Dr Mikey Ross is a lecturer in algal biotechnology at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) and is head of the Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (CCAP). Mikey’s research could be described as spanning the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of algae. This would include exploring algae for high-value products useful across biotechnology, mitigating Harmful Algal Blooms, and bioremediation. He has become increasingly involved with various science communication and outreach activities.

A general phycology session will run alongside the special sessions as well.

Key dates

26 September 2025 Abstract submission and registration opens

31 October 2025 Abstract submission closes

1 December 2025 Registration closes

6 January 2026 Meeting begins

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Please find the sponsorship form here.