About YAS2022

The Young Algaeneers Symposium (YAS) was created in 2011 by a group of PhD students from Wageningen University who were tired of the traditional format of algal conferences and felt that the younger generation lacked a voice. The concept was considered extremely successful, and teams of young Algaeneers took up the challenge of organizing YAS symposia in Montpellier, France (2014), Malta (2016), Oban (2018) and YAS 2021 — the fifth edition of the gathering — was a virtual symposium. designed and organized “by young scientists for young scientists”. YAS 2022 is being put together with the support of the European Algae Biomass Association (EABA).

First and foremost, our aim is to project and give a voice to young algaeneers. The current generation will be moving into leadership positions in the next decade and now is the time to establish our personal brands. A strong infrastructure of young algaeneers will also ensure a prosperous future for the EABA. Following on from this, we hope the YAS will serve as a platform for the inclusion of young algaeneers in future funding calls. If anybody is looking to partner with young algaeneers, we want the YAS to be the first contact point. Finally, it is also our goal to connect young algaeneers to each other. We hope the YAS will be a space where young algaeneers can network and discuss the current state of the algal field.

«Microalgae biotechnology is developing. Not only the technology needs to develop for that, but the field needs more professionals as well. It is important to develop networks in science, operation, product development and business across all generations. There is a special role for young scientists. Young Algaeneers should be able to think and generate ideas independent from the exiting paths and their ideas should find a platform to be discussed and implemented in the field. That is why we thought it was important to create a platform for Young Algaeneers because you are the green generation with energy for the future. »

-- Prof. René H Wijffels, Chair of Bioprocess Engineering, Wageningen University