Understanding the ocean, protecting its health, and unlocking its potential for people and society. Led by Prof. Jana Asselman, the Blue Growth Research Lab at Ghent University explores the intricate relationships between marine ecosystems, human activities and human health. Through interdisciplinary research, we seek to understand how our oceans are changing, how these changes affect life and society, and how marine biodiversity and innovation can contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future. To achieve this, Prof. Jana Asselman and her team:
- Perform innovative and ground-breaking research through interdisciplinary collaborations across the globe.
- Apply academic research to real-world problems, maximising benefits while minimising risks, challenges and harm.
- Incorporate sustainability and responsible innovation into all our research activities.
- Foster a respectful, inclusive and inspiring research environment built on scientific integrity.
- Apply strict FAIR principles to data collection and management.
- Educate and mentor young scientists to become knowledgeable and respectful leaders in academia, government, industry or non-profit sector.
- Actively engage with society through science communication, knowledge exchange and stakeholder collaboration.
The Blue Growth Research Lab is the first Ghent University research group located at Ostend Science Park, where we operate at the intersection of marine science, technological innovation and the blue economy. As the closest Belgian university laboratory to the sea, we benefit from direct access to marine environments and a dynamic ecosystem of research institutions, companies, policymakers and societal stakeholders. The lab coordinates the multifaceted Marine@UGent research facilities, supporting marine and maritime research and facilitating collaborations across scientific disciplines and sectors.
Our research activities are dynamic and continuously evolving, driven by scientific discovery, societal challenges and emerging opportunities for sustainable innovation. Our projects and scientific publications can be explored through our university repositories. For recent developments, publications and activities, visit our news section or connect with individual researchers through our team page.
The ocean is a vast reservoir of biological diversity, molecules and functional properties that remain largely unexplored. We investigate marine organisms, microorganisms and their molecular products to understand their ecological functions and explore their potential applications in biotechnology.
Our research contributes to the sustainable discovery and development of marine-derived enzymes, bioactive compounds, biomaterials and nature-inspired solutions, including innovative antifouling technologies. By connecting fundamental marine biology with biotechnology, we aim to unlock opportunities for a sustainable and circular blue bioeconomy.
Marine environments provide essential resources, space and ecosystem services that support society and economic development. We investigate how marine activities interact with ecosystem functioning and how scientific knowledge can support their sustainable development.
Our research combines ecological understanding, environmental assessment and innovative technologies to develop solutions that balance economic opportunities with environmental protection: research on marine resource use, biofouling and antifouling strategies, environmental impacts and the responsible development of marine industries.
Human activities are profoundly changing marine environments through pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss. At the same time, oceans and coastal environments provide essential benefits for human health and well-being.
We investigate this complex, bidirectional relationship between ocean health and human health. Our research explores the ecological and biological effects of pollution, particularly micro- and nanoplastics, and the pathways through which marine environments influence human health. Our work contributes to the development of more integrated approaches to environmental and human health protection, grounded in One Health and Planetary Health principles.
The Blue Growth Research Lab is led by Prof. Jana Asselman and brings together curious, creative and interdisciplinary scientists with diverse scientific backgrounds.
We believe that addressing complex challenges at the interface of ocean health, human health and sustainable development requires collaboration across disciplines and sectors. Our research is strengthened by partnerships with universities, research infrastructures, government agencies, industry and societal organisations worldwide. We are committed to creating a supportive research environment where scientific curiosity, collaboration, integrity and personal development are equally valued.
All current vacancies are advertised on our website under News. We welcome spontaneous applications from motivated researchers whose interests and expertise align with our research themes. As our laboratory has limited hosting capacity, we carefully consider new applications to ensure that every student and researcher receives appropriate supervision, support and opportunities for professional development.
Hard work leads to progress, team work leads to innovation.
The Blue Growth Research Lab is a Ghent University research group.