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 relationships between marine ecosystems, human activities and human health. Through transdisciplinary research, we investigate how our oceans are changing, how these changes affect life and society. We also explore how marine biodiversity and innovation can contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future.
Our mission:
- 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.
Our Location:
The Blue Growth Research Lab is the first Ghent University research group located at Ostend Science Park. Here, we work 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. Moreover, our location connects us with a dynamic network of research institutions, companies, policymakers and societal stakeholders. The lab coordinates the multifaceted Marine@UGent research facilities. These facilities support marine and maritime research and facilitate collaboration across scientific disciplines and sectors.
Research:
Our research activities continuously evolve in response to scientific discoveries, societal challenges and 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 biotechnological potential.
Our research contributes to the discovery and sustainable development of marine-derived enzymes, bioactive compounds and biomaterials. By connecting fundamental marine biology with biotechnology, we aim to support a sustainable and circular blue bioeconomy and novel opportunities for health applications.
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 sustainable development.
Our research combines ecological understanding, environmental assessment and innovative technologies to balance economic opportunities with environmental protection. In particular, we study marine resource use, biofouling, antifouling strategies and the environmental impacts 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 through marine molecules.
We investigate this complex, bidirectional relationship between ocean health and human health. This includes micro- and nanoplastics research. In addition, we investigate how marine environments influence human health through different exposure pathways. These integrated approaches for protecting environmental and human health, grounded in One Health and Planetary Health principles.
Our Team
Our team brings together curious, creative and interdisciplinary scientists with diverse scientific backgrounds.
Complex challenges at the interface of ocean health, human health and sustainable development require collaboration across disciplines and sectors. Therefore, we work closely with universities, research infrastructures, government agencies, industry and societal organisations worldwide.
We are committed to 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.
Hard work leads to progress, team work leads to innovation.
The Blue Growth Research Lab is a Ghent University research group.