Lecture to explore importance and dangers of algae

Inaugural Lecture : A leading expert is to give a free public talk on the benefits and dangers of algae.

Professor Keith Davidson, head of the microbial and molecular biology department at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) UHI, will explore how marine phytoplankton can be both vital for and harmful to life. The tiny organisms form the base of the marine food chain and are crucial to global climate.

However, some marine phytoplankton species, often called harmful algae, produce biotoxins that can be dangerous to humans and other mammals and can have a negative impact on coastal aquaculture like shellfish.

Speaking about his forthcoming talk, Professor Davidson said: “I am honoured to be invited to present the first of the university’s inaugural professorial lectures to be given at SAMS UHI. I hope the lecture will provide some insights into the fascinating world of marine microbes.”

Marine phytoplankton: the good, the bad and the not so ugly, is part of the University of the Highlands and Islands’ free public lecture series. It will be the first public talk the academic has given since being made a Professor of the university earlier this year.

Professor Davidson’s inaugural lecture takes place from 5:15pm to 7pm at SAMS UHI, Dunstaffnage, Oban, on Monday 9 September. To book a place or find out about video conference facilities in your area, please contact the university’s events team on 01463 279 344 or at events@uhi.ac.uk