AMOC, the climate against the current – Pascale Lherminier, UMR LOPS, on France Culture

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In 2023, the IPCC deemed it highly unlikely that the AMOC would collapse by the end of the century. In a recent letter, some experts believe that this risk has been underestimated. What is this current? How does it influence the climate? Is its collapse imminent? What would be the consequences?

With

  • Didier Swingedouw Climatologist at the Environnements et Paléoenvironnements Océaniques et Continentaux (EPOC) laboratory in Bordeaux.
  • Pascale Lherminier Physicist at Ifremer, UMR LOPS in Brest.

View the broadcast here

Global warming is threatening a vast set of marine currents in the Atlantic Ocean: the AMOC. According to 43 international experts, we have underestimated the risks of shutting it down. What would be the consequences?

The AMOC is a system of ocean currents, of which the Gulf Stream is a part. It is one of the major drivers of climate, playing a crucial role in redistributing heat around the planet, and is one of the reasons why our climate in Western Europe is temperate. In a recent letter, experts stress the collateral effects of its slowing down, or even its collapse. Because this is now a probable risk.

Youtube Live presentation of the SML Biology Masters on 11 February from 6pm to 8pm

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Grégory Charrier, lecturer at the UBO and head of the SML biology master’s programme, will be giving a presentation of the course on 11 February from 6 to 8 pm during a live broadcast on the Youtube platform.
This live event will provide an opportunity to present the content and objectives of the course and to explain the application procedures for Master 1 and Master 2.
The live recording will remain available for later viewing.

The live session will take place here: https://www.youtube.com/@GregoryCharrier

 

A report on the Brest-Iroise Workshop Zone’s annual day: between science and territory

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On 18 November 2024, the annual Brest-Iroise Workshop Zone (ZABrI ) Day was held at the Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer (IUEM) in Plouzané. Attended by 60 participants, the central theme of the event was co-construction between scientists and local stakeholders. The aim was to explore and strengthen collaboration to improve understanding and management of socio-ecosystems.

Enriching discussions on co-construction

The day began with an introduction and presentations of projects illustrating the diversity of multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches. Participants were able to discover, among other things, the ETICS project on the development of innovative methods based on molecular biology for trophic ecology and the DYNARADE project, focusing on the shared management of coastal environments in the Brest harbour, with the example of the Spartina.
Three thematic sessions followed, offering a variety of perspectives on co-construction. The presentations highlighted the importance of close cooperation between researchers, local authorities, associations and other stakeholders in tackling environmental issues. Inspiring examples, highlighting, for example, the role of biosphere reserves in strengthening partnerships, participatory observation approaches, the involvement of local authorities in governance, the importance and methods of mediation in sharing knowledge and transforming practices, illustrated the diversity of projects and partnership dynamics carried out in the ZABrI and the other Workshop Zones.

Collaborative workshops to build the future

The second part of the afternoon was devoted to workshops. Divided into groups, the participants considered co-construction approaches in conjunction with different types of stakeholder: local authorities, civil society and natural environment managers. These discussions helped to identify levers for action to enhance collaboration and improve existing practices.

An action-oriented conclusion

At the end of the day, the workshops were summed up in a summary of the discussions and proposals, confirming the participants’ commitment to continuing this collaborative dynamic. Fred Jean, Director of the IUEM, brought the event to a close by stressing the importance of strengthening the links between science and territory in the face of environmental challenges.
The day’s events were a great success, providing food for thought on how to build close, lasting partnerships to serve socio-ecosystems. The cross-disciplinary approach adopted by ZABrI illustrates how research can be part of a collective approach to meeting local and global environmental challenges.

 

Ponant Living Lab Steering Committee meeting

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Are you familiar with Nature-based Solutions (NBS)? The idea is to work with nature, not against it!

The concept is based on approaches that combine the protection, management and restoration of natural ecosystems to meet a range of societal challenges. By drawing inspiration from ecosystems themselves, these solutions offer environmental, economic and social benefits while promoting biodiversity.

Created in 2023, the PEPR SOLU-BIOD is an ambitious programme dedicated to the production of knowledge on SfN. Bringing together 60 research teams and 160 local players, the programme will run until 2032, with the aim of supporting far-reaching and sustainable changes in society.

Among the initiatives supported by this programme, the Ponant Living Lab, led by Adélie Pomade, focuses on the tip of Brittany, in particular around the Bay of Brest and the Iroise Sea. This regional initiative explores the potential of SfN to meet local challenges.

The first Ponant Living Lab 2025 steering committee meeting was held on Tuesday 21 January, bringing together a number of partners including the Parc Naturel Régional d’Armorique, the Conservatoire Botanique National de Brest, the UBO, Ifremer, the CNRS and many others. After a morning of discussions, a field trip at the Bindy Point and the Roz Cove provided an opportunity to observe the spartina and the potential of nature-based solutions, in the presence of local elected representatives and stakeholders.

2025 edition of the course “Understanding the environmental challenges of the maritime economy”

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From 7 to 11 July 2025, the World Maritime Campus and UBO will be jointly organising a course entitled ‘Understanding the environmental challenges of the maritime economy’. The course will take place in Brest and Roscoff and, like the previous edition, will be organised in two sessions: an introductory session and a more in-depth session.

Registration is open until 30 April 2025 at this link.

 

IUEM quits X

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For several years, IUEM has been using Twitter to communicate with as wide an audience as possible. However, since Elon Musk bought the platform at the end of 2022, the social network, now known as ‘X’, has evolved in a direction that runs counter to our values: relativism, massive propagation of false information, cyber-bullying, lack of moderation, commercial spamming, etc. The IUEM and the laboratories it hosts have therefore decided to leave this platform.
We remain fundamentally committed to open science that speaks to as many people as possible, and invite you to join our community on LinkedIn.

IMBC 2025

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Registration and abstract submission opening: 15 January 2025

Clic here to contact us

The IMBC

The International Marine Biotechnology Conference (IMBC) is the leading conference on marine biotechnology, bringing together global leaders in the field since 1989. Its mission is to inform and facilitate exchanges among students, researchers, technologists, policymakers, and industry professionals. The IMBCs attract both local and international participants, offering a communication platform among international scholarly societies working in marine biotechnology. The IMBC is organized under the auspices of the IMBA (International Marine Biotechnology Association) and is associated with the “Marine Biotechnology” journal.
The philosophy of IMBC in the 21st century is based on applying scientific advances in marine science, molecular biology, engineering, and information technology to gain a better understanding of marine ecosystems. The goal is to develop new products, processes, or services while ensuring sustainable management of marine resources. Marine biotechnology, which combines both fundamental and applied research, is essential for innovations in sectors such as health, food, cosmetics, pollution control, and energy production.

2025 Conference

The conferences will cover a wide range of topics, from marine pharmacology to bioenergy. They will bring together internationally renowned experts, fostering high-level scientific exchange.

IMBC promotes the development of international partnerships among laboratories, universities, and companies, thus accelerating research and innovation and the creation of consortia. By promoting discoveries and strengthening global dialogue, IMBC also aims to draft a roadmap for developing innovative and sustainable solutions for the future of marine biotechnology.

2 plenary conferences

Monday 7 July, Brest


Unveiling the Hidden Potential of Environmental Microbes

Advancing Marine Biotechnology Through Cutting-Edge Single-Cell Omics


Haruko Takeyama | Waseda University, Japan


Haruko Takeyama earned her Doctorate in Engineering from the Department of Biotechnology at the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology in 1992. From 1991 to 1994, she served as a research fellow at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. She progressed through academic ranks at the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, serving as an Assistant Professor from 1994 to 1999, an Associate Professor from 1999 to 2005, and Professor from 2005 to 2007 in the Department of Biotechnology. In 2007, she was appointed to the position of Professor at Waseda University in the Faculty of Advanced Science and Engineering, Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience (http://www.takeyama-lab.sci.waseda.ac.jp/). She has been the Director of the Integrated Institute for Regulatory Science at the Research Organization for Nano & Life Innovation at Waseda University since 2009. In July 2016, she was named Director of the AIST (National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology) and Waseda University Computational Bio Big-Data Open Innovation Laboratory, while also holding a joint appointment as a Joint Appointed Fellow of AIST. Since 2020, she has served as a project manager for the Moonshot R&D Program in the fields of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. Since 2023, she has taken on the role of program officer for the Biotechnology Research field in the ASPIRE (Adopting Sustainable Partnerships for Innovative Research Ecosystem) program at the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and has been a member of the Science Council of Japan. She has been the Vice President of the International Marine Biotechnology Association. Her research encompasses Environmental Science, Microbiology, Biotechnology, and Genome Technology, with current interests including the utilization of environmental bio/gene resources, metagenomic analysis, single-cell analysis, and the development of supporting technologies.

Wednesday 9 July, Lorient


Antibiofilm marine compounds


Pr. Ruangelie Edrada-Ebel | Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde Scotland


Director of the Natural Products Metabolomics Group (NPMG). Expertise: Isolation of natural products and elucidation of their structure (spectroscopic techniques). Area of research: Metabolomics for the identification and biotechnological optimisation of the production of bioactive secondary metabolites in micro-organisms of marine origin.

10 sessions


10 sessions are planned, as well as masterclasses.

Wednesday 9 July will be held at:


Marine Drugs, Bioactive Compounds and Nutraceuticals


Dr. Gaétan BURGAUD | LUBEM, INRAE, Université Bretagne Occidentale, France

Prof. Antje LABES | Flensburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany


Marine Drugs, Bioactive Compounds, and Nutraceuticals session will explore the large potential of marine-derived substances for health and wellness. This session aims to delve deeper into the discovery and characterization of bioactive compounds sourced from marine organisms, such as macroalgae, sponges, and microorganisms from all 3 domains of life, for therapeutic and pharmaceutical applications. This session will also explore innovative nutraceuticals that leverage marine biodiversity to prevent and treat diseases while promoting well-being. Additionally, challenges and solutions to overcome bottlenecks related to sustainable production and product development will be addressed.


Marine Algal Omics and Biotechnology


Dr. Matthieu GARNIER | Unité de recherche du département Océanographie et Dynamique des Ecosystèmes, IFREMER, France

Prof. Izabela MICHALAK | Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Poland


Marine Algal Omics and Biotechnology focuses on the study of marine algae through omics technologies, such as genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. This theme explores the genetic and biochemical properties of algae to unlock their potential for applications in biotechnology, medicine, and agriculture for example. It emphasizes the development of sustainable bioprocesses and products derived from marine algae. The goal is to harness algal diversity for innovative solutions in various industries.


Climate Change, Environmental Stressors and Marine Biotechnology


Prof. Anne-Marie TRÉGUIER | LOPS, CNRS, Université Bretagne Occidentale

Prof. Chris BOWLER | Institut de Biologie de l’École Normale Supérieure, Paris, France


Climate Change, Environmental Stressors, and Marine Biotechnology examine the impacts of global environmental changes on marine ecosystems and explore biotechnological solutions. This theme focuses on understanding how climate-induced stressors, such as ocean acidification and warming, affect marine biodiversity and resources. It highlights the development of innovative biotechnologies to mitigate these impacts and promote ecosystem resilience. The aim is to leverage science for sustainable marine resource management in a changing world.


Innovative approach to sustainable aquaculture


Dr. Gercende COURTOIS DE VICOSE | Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

Dr. Bastien SADOUL | Pôle Halieutique, Mer et Littoral, UMR DECOD, Institut Agro Rennes Angers, France


Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries focus on advancing practices that balance productivity with environmental and social responsibility. This theme explores cutting-edge technologies, ecosystem-based management, and resource-efficient methods to enhance aquaculture and fisheries sustainability. It emphasizes reducing environmental footprints, improving resource utilization, and promoting biodiversity conservation. The aim is to ensure long-term food security while protecting marine ecosystems.


Biomaterials and mineralization


Prof. Antoine LE DUIGOU | IRDL Institut Dupuy de Lôme, Université Bretagne Sud UBS, France

Prof. Susana FERNANDES | Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l’Environnement et les Matériaux- Université de Pau & Pays Adour, France


Biomaterials and Mineralization explore the natural processes of biomineralization and their applications in developing advanced materials. This theme focuses on the structure, formation, and properties of minerals produced by organisms, such as shells and coral skeletons. It emphasizes innovative materials bioinspired by these processes for use in medicine, construction, and technology. The goal is to harness nature’s ingenuity for sustainable and functional material solutions.


Novel foods from the ocean


Dr. Hélène MARFAING | CEVA Centre Etudes et de Valorisation des Algues, France
Prof. Concetta MESSINA | Department of Earth and Marine Sciences DiSTeM, University of Palermo, Trapani, Italia


Novel Foods from the Ocean focuses on exploring new, sustainable food sources derived from marine ecosystems. This theme examines the potential of underutilized marine species, such as seaweed, algae, micro-organisms for nutrition and culinary innovation. It emphasizes the development of functional, eco-friendly foods that can address global food security challenges. The aim is to unlock the ocean’s diverse resources for healthy, sustainable food options.


Blue carbon, Marine Bioenergy, and biofuels


Prof. Lieve LAURENS | National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Denver, USA
Prof. Céline LAROCHE | Institut Pascal, Université Clermont Auvergne, France


Blue Carbon, Marine Bioenergy, and Biofuels explore the potential of ocean-based solutions to mitigate climate change and contribute to the nascent sustainable bioeconomy, while promoting and integrating with renewable energy. This theme focuses on the carbon sequestration capabilities of marine ecosystems like kelp forest, mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes. It also examines the development of marine biofuels and bioenergy from algae and other marine organisms, through sustainable harvests and farming, and implementing innovative processes. The goal of this session is to present concepts  that harness the ocean’s resources for sustainable energy production while simultaneously enabling climate resilience and  for coastal communities.


Marine microbiology, marine symbiosis and marine ecology


Dr. Narsinh THAKUR | CSIR-NIO National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, India
Dr. Charlotte CORPOREAU | Laboratoire CNRS des sciences de l’environnement marin LEMAR, Ifremer, France


Marine Microbiology, Marine Symbiosis, and Marine Ecology focus on understanding the complex interactions between microorganisms and their hosts in a changing marine environment. This theme explores the role of microbes in marine nutrient cycles, in health and disease of the hosts, and environmental sustainability. It also examines symbiotic relationships, where organisms live in mutualistic partnerships, and their ecological significance. The aim is to deepen our knowledge of marine ecosystems and promote their health and resilience.


Disease and Immunology in Aquaculture


Prof. Claire GACHON | Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle MNHN, France
Prof. Isabelle ARZUL | IFREMER, France


“Disease and Immunology in Aquaculture” focuses on understanding and managing health challenges in aquatic species to ensure sustainable farming. This theme explores the mechanisms of disease development, immune responses, and pathogen interactions in cultivated algae, fish and shellfish. It emphasizes innovative strategies for disease prevention, diagnostics, and immune enhancement. The goal is to support aquaculture’s growth by improving animal health and minimizing environmental impacts.


Blue Innovation, Science to Policy


Dr. Emma QUILLEROU | AMURE, IUEM, France
Dr. Pierre FAILLER | Centre for Blue Governance, Portsmouth, UK


Blue Innovation, Science to Policy focuses on translating scientific research into actionable policies for sustainable ocean management. This theme explores innovative solutions in marine science, technology, and conservation that can inform policy decisions. It emphasizes the collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and industry to address ocean challenges. The goal is to foster evidence-based strategies that support both environmental protection and economic growth in marine sectors.

Conference directors

Prof. Claire Hellio and Prof. Nathalie Bourgougnon

International Scientific Committee

Prof. Song Qin (president of IMBA)
Prof. Haruko Takeyama (vice-president of IMBA)
Prof. Tiago H. Silva (president of ESMB)
Prof. Concetta Messina (former president of ESMB)

local organising committee

UBO- LEMAR et LUBEM : Claire Hellio and Laurence Meslet
UBS – LBCM : Nathalie Bourgougnon​ & Alexis Bazire
Sorbonne Université : Simon Dittami & Catherine Leblanc​
MHNH : Nadia Améziane
UBO sub-committee : Stéphanie Madec & Zoe Morreeuw
Sorbonne Université sub-committee: Simon Dittami, Catherine Leblanc, Philippe Potin, Lionel Cladiere & Anne Claire Baudoux
MNHN sub-committee : Guillaume​ Massé
UBS sub-committee : Isabelle​ Linossier

Welcome to Brittany

The conference is being held in Brest, on the premises of the Université de Bretagne Occidentale (UBO), the home site of the European Society for Marine Biotechnology since 2014. Sessions will also be held at the Roscoff marine station, the MNHN marine station in Concarneau and the Université de Bretagne Sud, enabling speakers to visit strategic sites.

With a vast and rich coastline, strong academic and industrial skills (70 companies) throughout the region, Brittany has established itself as a leading player in marine bioresources for the benefit of many industries:

  • Cosmetics
  • Food processing
  • Use of fishing by-products, filleting waste and shellfish collection residues
  • Packaging
  • Paints
  • (C) Sébastien HERVE

  • © Mathieu Le Gall

  • ©Jean-Yves Guillaume

  • Frédéric Le Mouillour/Brest métropole océane

  • © Martin Viezzer

Brest is a metropolis of 400,000 inhabitants, a tourist area as well as a living centre. There are many hotels in Brest, ranging from 1 to 4 stars, with prices from €50 to €150 per night. Rooms for students are also available in the centre of Brest, 10 minutes by tram from Brest Arena. The city and its outskirts have many attractive facilities and points of interest, such as Océanopolis, the Ateliers des Capucins linked to the city centre by France’s first urban cable car, and the Conservatoire botanique National de Brest. The city was recently classified as a ‘City of Art and History’. Innovative and open to the world, Brest stands out from other French cities for its links with the marine environment and its cutting-edge marine science and technology sector. In fact, it was from the port of Brest that great explorers set off to discover new worlds: La Pérouse, Kerguelen, Bougainville… Brest has a TGV station in the city centre and an international airport close to the city centre, with a shuttle and tramway service. Brest Bretagne international airport offers a number of international flights and a wide choice of flights via Paris (Orly or Charles de Gaulle).

Important dates


  • Opening date for registration and submission of abstracts: 15 January 2025
  • Deadline for submission of abstracts: 15 March 2025
  • Deadline for selection of abstracts: 15 April 2025
  • Registration deadline for presenters: 15 May 2025
  • Registration deadline for participants (without presentation): 30 May 2025

Clic here to contact us

Ressources


Abstracts template Recommandations for the posters