At the Blue Growth Research Lab, we investigate the complex interactions between marine ecosystems, human activities and human health. Our research combines fundamental scientific discovery with applied approaches to address challenges related to ocean health, environmental change and sustainable blue innovation. Our work crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries, integrating marine ecology, environmental toxicology, molecular biology, biotechnology and human health research. Through collaborations with academic, governmental and industrial partners worldwide, we aim to generate scientific knowledge that supports healthier marine ecosystems, healthier people and a sustainable blue economy. We group our research around three interconnected themes. These research themes are closely interconnected. Understanding marine biodiversity creates opportunities for sustainable innovation. Studying human impacts and ocean–human health interactions helps ensure that marine resources and environments are protected for future generations.
Molecules from the sea
Exploring marine biodiversity, bioactivity and biotechnological potential.
Marine ecosystems harbour an extraordinary diversity of organisms, microorganisms and molecules with unique biological functions and properties. Understanding this diversity offers opportunities to advance both fundamental marine science and the development of sustainable biotechnological applications. We investigate how marine biodiversity and ecological interactions influence the production, function and activity of marine biomolecules. To do this, we combine molecular and analytical approaches with experimental biology to explore the ecological roles and potential applications of marine-derived compounds.
We are particularly interested in the discovery and characterisation of marine bioactive compounds, enzymes and biomaterials, including their potential applications in human health, antifouling technologies and the circular blue bioeconomy. This contributes to the sustainable exploration and valorisation of marine biodiversity, connecting fundamental biological understanding with responsible biotechnology development.
Key publications within this research theme:
- Marine biogenics in sea spray aerosols interact with the mTOR pathway
- Immuno-stimulatory effects of sea spray aerosols
- Sea spray aerosols contain the major component of human lung surfactant
Key research technologies:
- Sea spray aerosol sampling and characterization
- Marine aerosol production on reference tanks and wave flumes
- Bioactivity screening and molecular characterisation
Humans and the sea
Understanding how ocean health and human health are interconnected.
Oceans profoundly influence human health and well-being, while human activities are increasingly altering the functioning and health of marine ecosystems. Understanding these reciprocal interactions is essential to protecting both environmental and human health. We investigate how anthropogenic pressures, including chemical pollution, micro- and nanoplastics and climate change, affect marine organisms, biological processes and ecosystem functioning. In our research, we study effects across multiple levels of biological organisation, from molecular and cellular responses to individual, multigenerational and ecosystem-level impacts.
At the same time, we explore how marine environments influence human health through environmental exposure pathways and interactions with marine-derived biological and chemical components. Particular attention is given to sea spray aerosols, marine microbiota and the potential health benefits and risks associated with coastal environments. By combining environmental toxicology, molecular biology, exposure science and human health research, we seek to advance integrated approaches to understanding and protecting ocean and human health within One Health and Planetary Health frameworks.
Key publications within this research theme:
- The impact of sea-dumped munition on environmental and human health
- Micro- and nanoplastics in a multi-stress marine environment
- Direct RNA nanopore sequencing of pelagic communities in the North Sea
- Effects of multiple stress on marine copepods using transcriptomics
- Effects of ocean warming on the multigenerational responses of marine copepods
Key research technologies:
- Micro- and nanoplastic sampling and characterization
- Experimental ecotoxicology and multigenerational studies
Sustainable use of the sea
Supporting responsible marine activities and sustainable blue innovation.
Marine ecosystems provide essential resources, space and ecosystem services that underpin human well-being and economic development. Ensuring that marine activities remain compatible with healthy and resilient ecosystems is a central challenge for the sustainable blue economy. We investigate the environmental interactions and impacts of marine activities, combining ecological research, environmental risk assessment and innovative technologies to support evidence-based management and sustainable solutions.
A particular focus of our research is the development and assessment of sustainable approaches to marine biofouling and antifouling. Here, we study the ecological processes underlying marine biofilm formation and community development, as well as the environmental performance of innovative materials and coatings. This also contributes to improved environmental assessment frameworks, the sustainable use of marine resources and the integration of ecosystem services into decision-making. Through collaborations with research institutions, industry and policymakers, we aim to support marine innovation that balances economic opportunities with ecosystem protection and long-term sustainability.
Key publications within this research theme:
- Prioritisation of marine ecosystem services through stakeholder engagement
- Aerosolization of microplastics from the ocean: implications for human health
- Harnessing the power of tidal flats to combat climate change
Key technologies within this research theme:
- Marine biofouling and biofilm experiments
- Environmental risk assessment and modelling
Key analytical and molecular expertise
Connecting advanced technologies with environmental and biological research.
We apply a broad range of analytical, molecular and experimental approaches that allow us to investigate biological processes and environmental impacts across different levels of organisation. Although our primary research focus is marine, many of our methodologies are transferable to freshwater, terrestrial and human health applications. We regularly collaborate with academic, governmental and industrial partners to address interdisciplinary scientific questions.
Our core expertise includes:
- Micro- and nanoplastics: Environmental sampling, particle characterisation, exposure assessment and biological effects.
- Molecular and omics technologies: Genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics and metabolomics to investigate biological responses and mechanisms.
Our primary focus is collaborative academic and applied research. We develop and implement research projects with partners from academia, government and industry rather than offering routine analytical services for individual samples.
Key publications on our micro- and nanoplastics research:
- Contribution of wastewater treatment plants to microplastic pollution
- Ex vivo study examining microplastic release in clinical settings
- Effects of nanoplastics in low dose chronic exposure scenario’s on human cell lines
Key publications on our environmental epigenetics research:
- Prospects for epigenetic biomarkers in environmental and human health risk assessment
- Transgenerational inheritance of DNA hypomethylation in Daphnia
Our main focus is academic and valorisation research. We focus on studying problems and developing solutions on a project based manner with academic, government and industry collaborators. As such, we do not offer analytical or molecular services for single samples.
