Algae R & D Centre

The ALGAE R&D CENTRE at Murdoch University carries out multidisciplinary research and research training on a wide range of basic and applied topics relating to algae and seagrasses. Research areas range from the commercial production algae for biofuels and the production of carotenoids by the large-scale culture of microalgae such as Dunaliella salina and Haematococcus pluvialis, efficient use of solar irradiance in algae cultures, seagrass bed rehabilitation, coral reef and temperate intertidal ecology, seaweed taxonomy, sponge-algae symbioses, phytoplankton dynamics, and toxic dinoflagellate monitoring and management. The core facility of the Centre is a dedicated building and outdoor culture area on the Murdoch University Campus which allows the close integration of laboratory studies with large-scale outdoor studies. Staff and laboratories and support services also located in other parts of the Murdoch University campus. We have an extensive culture collection of microalgae cultures in the Murdoch University Microalgae Culture Collection (MURCC) and specimens of seaweeds in the Murdoch University Herbarium (MURU), a wide range of indoor and outdoor algae culture facilities up to pilot-scale, and a field station at Coral Bay, W.A. The centre also has access to extensive analytical and engineering development facilities. We also provide a phytoplankton, toxic algae and seaweed identification service, the contract culture of microalgae, the design of algae culture systems, techno-economic modelling, ecosystem assessments and advice on algae bloom management.