Driving innovation in marine biotechnology

BLUES unlocks the potential of marine invertebrates, developing novel cultivation systems for sustainable production of unique bioactive compounds. Our breakthroughs in continuous cell lines pave the way for eco-friendly industrial bioprocesses, reducing reliance on wild harvesting and fostering a circular economy in the Blue Bioeconomy.

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Why BLUES

BLUES is pivotal for advancing science, fostering sustainability, and driving green bioprocessing and circular economies by exploring marine invertebrates and innovating biotechnological solutions

  • Unlocking Marine Biodiversity

    BLUES explores marine invertebrates, rich in unique compounds, advancing knowledge for sustainable use.

  • Bioprocess Development for Increased Yields

    BLUES leverages consortium expertise to develop continuous cell lines for diverse phyla, including marine sponges, corals, sea cucumbers, and ascidians, promoting sustainable access to marine bioactive compounds while enhancing product yields.

  • Use of omics technologies for process understanding

    BLUES employs advanced technologies to unravel mechanisms, paving the way for a standardized cell chassis for bioactive compound production.

  • Support to green industrial bioprocessing

    BLUES contributes to the blue economy by establishing in vitro processes, providing controlled access to marine compounds without environmental harm, and developing novel bioprocesses for sustainable products.

Species we work with

Among the key species studied are sponges (Porifera), corals (Cnidaria), sea cucumbers (Echinodermata), and ascidians (Chordata). Each of these organisms contributes to the rich tapestry of marine biodiversity and holds promise for sustainable biotechnological advancements.

Who We Are

The BLUES project brings together a dynamic consortium comprising nine partners, each contributing unique expertise and resources to advance marine biotechnology.

Meet the people
behind BLUES

Latest news and events

Harnessing the Blue: BLUES teams up with CIRCALGAE in Ålesund

We weren’t quite ready to leave Ålesund just yet! The day after our General Assembly, we stayed at the Norwegian Maritime Competence Center (NMK) for Harnessing the Blue, a joint workshop with our sister project CIRCALGAE, once again hosted by our partners at Møreforsking.

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BLUES meets in Ålesund for its General Assembly
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The consortium travelled to Norway’s west coast to take stock of the research and plan the final stretch of the project.

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BLUES and CIRCALGAE hybrid joint event in October
On 16 October, we are bringing together researchers and industry representatives in an event we are co-organising with CIRCALGAE, in Ålesund and online, to discuss the latest innovations in marine biotechnology
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Meet the BLUES researchers: Marina Pozzolini
Marina Pozzolini is Associate Professor at the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Life Sciences (DISTAV) of the University of Genoa and responsible for the Marine Biotechnologies Curriculum within the Master's Degree in Marine Biology and Ecology. 
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