| 1. Second Annual IBMC International Workshop – Scottish Association for Marine Sciences, Oban, Scotland 2. 15th edition of Seagriculture EU Gothenburg, Sweden 3. Seminar Series Part 7: How Seaweed is Reshaping Plastic Packaging 4. Summer Newsletter Break 5. Zilberman Blog 6. EBI Recharge Facility 7. EBI Business Incubator 8. Climatebase Fellowship 9. Science & Technology Policy Fellowships — American Association for the Advancement of Science 10. TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 11. Canary Live Bay Area 12. Scientific American: The lab never sleeps. Can the science keep up? 13. Fuel Cells Works: Hyundai Brings Green Hydrogen Power to Antarctic Science Base to Cut Diesel Use
14. Ocean Visions: Ocean Visions Launches Tool to Advance Seaweed as Climate Solution 15. U.S News: Planes and Ships Could Run on Kelp Someday, but There Are Serious Hurdles
16. UIUC News: Global Rice Production Nearly Doubled Despite Climate Change, Driven Largely by Human Management |
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| | | Second Annual IBMC International Workshop – Scottish Association for Marine Sciences, Oban, Scotland |
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| | The 2nd International Bioeconomy and Macroalgae Center (IBMC) International Workshop, held June 10–11 in Oban, Scotland, brought together more than 100 participants from 13 countries for two inspiring days of collaboration, innovation, and discovery.
The workshop featured engaging discussions led by IBMC and Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) leadership, highlighting the latest advances in macroalgae research and the growing role of international partnerships in building a sustainable bioeconomy. Participants also had the opportunity to tour SAMS research facilities and visit a local seaweed farm, gaining firsthand insight into Scotland’s thriving marine science and aquaculture sectors.
Several IBMC researchers from UC Berkeley delivered presentations showcasing their latest research developments, key achievements, and emerging opportunities in macroalgae science and bioeconomy innovation.
The workshop provided a valuable forum for knowledge exchange, networking, and strengthening collaborations across academia, industry, and government. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to the event’s success. We look forward to sharing more information about next year’s IBMC International Workshop and continuing the conversation on the future of macroalgae research and its potential to create a more sustainable world. |
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15th edition of Seagriculture EU Gothenburg, Sweden |
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| The Seagriculture EU 2026 conference, one of the seaweed industry’s premier international gatherings, took place June 16–18 under the theme, “The European Seaweed Industry in Transition: Survival, Scale and Real Impact.” More than 200 participants from over 30 countries came together to exchange knowledge, build connections, and discuss the opportunities, challenges, and future direction of the European seaweed sector.
As the industry continues to evolve, it faces a complex landscape shaped by changing market conditions, regulatory developments, and climate-related pressures. At the same time, growing demand and ongoing innovation are creating new opportunities for sustainable growth. Throughout the conference, speakers and participants explored strategies to overcome barriers, scale operations effectively, and build a resilient seaweed economy that delivers lasting benefits for industry, communities, and the environment.
Several researchers from the International Bioeconomy & Macroalgae Center (IBMC) attended the event. In addition, IBMC Managing Director and Energy & Biosciences Institute Strategic Planning & Development Director, Thiago Correa delivered a presentation titled “Scaling the Global Bioeconomy Through Macroalgae,” highlighting the critical role of seaweed in advancing the global bioeconomy. |
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| | Seminar Series Part 7: How Seaweed is Reshaping Plastic Packaging |
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| We are excited to announce the seventh and final installment of “Biomass to Breakthrough”, the EBI Seminar Series.
In this session, we sit down with Julia Marsh, co-founder of Sway, to explore how seaweed is being transformed into scalable, functional alternatives to plastic packaging. Together, we dive into the science behind turning raw biomass into engineered biopolymers and discuss how these innovative materials are designed for real-world manufacturing and adoption.
We hope you’ll join us for this exciting conversation and share it with students, educators, and anyone interested in the future of sustainable materials. Stay tuned for insights from innovators turning biomass into the solutions shaping a more sustainable future.
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| As summer gets underway, our newsletter will be taking a brief break during the month of July. We look forward to returning in August with updates on research, partnerships, events, and developments across the clean energy, bioeconomy and macroalgae sectors.
Thank you for your continued interest and support. We wish all of our readers a wonderful and relaxing summer!
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This month David writes about how Insects are emerging as a powerful component of the growing bioeconomy, offering sustainable solutions for food, feed, waste management, and renewable products. By converting low-value organic materials into high-value proteins, oils, and fertilizers, insect farming supports circular economy principles while reducing environmental impacts. As global demand for sustainable production increases, insect-based technologies are poised to play an increasingly important role in building a more resilient and innovative bioeconomy.
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| The Climatebase Fellowship combines a 12-week industry-oriented educational program and ongoing community membership throughout the year. Access expert guest speaker sessions, career support, project-based work, and a supportive network of highly talented peers.
Join an ambitious collective of optimists, doers, creators, visionaries, disruptors, and explorers from a wide range of backgrounds and organizations such as: Google, NPR, MIT, Stanford University, Project Drawdown, United Nation, and much more. |
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| | | Science & Technology Policy Fellowships — American Association for the Advancement of Science |
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The AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship places scientists and engineers in yearlong assignments across the federal government, where they contribute technical expertise to the policymaking process. Fellows gain hands-on policy experience, professional development opportunities, and access to a powerful network of leaders across government, academia, industry, and nonprofits. The fellowship includes a competitive stipend and serves as a unique pathway to careers at the intersection of science and public policy. |
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TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will bring together more than 10,000 founders, investors, and technology leaders in San Francisco from October 13–15. The event features the renowned Startup Battlefield competition, expert-led discussions on emerging technologies, and extensive networking opportunities. Attendees can explore the latest innovations in AI, fintech, SaaS, and entrepreneurship while connecting with the next generation of startups. |
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Save the date! Canary Media is returning to Berkeley on November 10, 2026, for its annual event at The Freight. The event will feature expert-led panel discussions moderated by the Canary Media team, alongside live music throughout the day. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with clean energy leaders, investors, innovators, policymakers, and advocates during networking sessions. |
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| | | | Scientific American: The lab never sleeps. Can the science keep up? |
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A recent feature explores how autonomous laboratories are transforming scientific research through the integration of AI, robotics, and high-performance computing. The article highlights UC Berkeley’s A-Lab, where AI-enabled systems can design experiments, interpret results, and guide the next stages of discovery with unprecedented speed. While these technologies have the potential to accelerate breakthroughs in materials science, biotechnology, and beyond, the article also examines the importance of data quality, verification, and human oversight.
The feature includes insights from Gerbrand Ceder, a member of the Energy & Biosciences Institute Executive Committee and former EBI-Shell Principal Investigator, whose work at UC Berkeley is helping shape the future of AI-driven scientific discovery. |
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| | | Fuel Cells Works: Hyundai Brings Green Hydrogen Power to Antarctic Science Base to Cut Diesel Use |
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Hyundai Motor Group has partnered with the Korea Polar Research Institute and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to develop a green hydrogen grid at Antarctica’s King Sejong Station. The project aims to reduce the station’s reliance on diesel power by integrating renewable energy, hydrogen production, storage, and fuel cell technologies to create a more sustainable and resilient energy system in one of the world’s most extreme environments.The initiative will support carbon neutrality goals while demonstrating how locally produced and consumed hydrogen can enable energy independence in remote locations. The project also highlights the growing role of hydrogen technologies in advancing sustainable research infrastructure and clean energy solutions worldwide. |
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| | | Ocean Visions: Ocean Visions Launches Tool to Advance Seaweed as Climate Solution |
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| Ocean Visions has launched a new digital road map outlining the actions needed to scale seaweed-based products for decarbonization. The resource highlights opportunities across agriculture, biomaterials, critical minerals, food and animal feed, and biofuels, while addressing the scientific, technological, and policy challenges required for responsible growth. Designed for researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers, the road map provides a framework for advancing seaweed-based solutions that could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions across multiple sectors. |
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| | | | U.S News: Planes and Ships Could Run on Kelp Someday, but There Are Serious Hurdles |
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| Researchers are continuing to explore kelp as a potential source of sustainable biofuels for ships and aircraft. Unlike land-based biofuel crops, kelp can be grown in the ocean without freshwater, farmland, or fertilizers, making it an attractive option for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While advances in kelp breeding and cultivation have improved yields, challenges remain, including limited market demand, regulatory barriers, and the need for long-term investment. Scientists and industry leaders say continued research and support will be critical to unlocking kelp’s potential as a future renewable energy source. |
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| | | UIUC News: Global Rice Production Nearly Doubled Despite Climate Change, Driven Largely by Human Management |
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| A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found that global rice production nearly doubled between the 1960s and 2010s despite the impacts of climate change. Researchers concluded that management decisions—including expanded irrigation, increased nutrient inputs, and improved farming practices—played a critical role in boosting production and offsetting climate-related losses.The findings underscore the importance of developing strategies that support both food security and climate resilience as rice-growing regions face increasing environmental pressures. |
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