Dr. Leonel Pereira Appointed Section Editor-in-Chief of Section “Applied Phycology and Algal Biotechnology” in Phycology
Phycology (ISSN 2673-9410) announces the appointment of Dr. Leonel Pereira (University of Coimbra, Portugal) as Section Editor-in-Chief (SEiC) of the “Applied Phycology and Algal Biotechnology” Section.
Dr. Leonel Pereira is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra. His work focuses on marine biodiversity, algae biotechnology, and ecological assessment. Dr. Pereira is the founder and editor of MACOI, the Portuguese Marine Algae Site, and serves on the Editorial Boards of journals such as Marine Drugs and Applied Sciences. He has authored more than 20 books, 79 book chapters, and numerous indexed articles. Recognized internationally, he received the Francisco de Holanda Award (Honorable Mention), the Mar Rei D. Carlos Award, and the CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title Award for his book Edible Algae of the World. He is listed among the top 2% of scientists globally by Stanford University’s researchers and Elsevier (2021–2024).
In his role as SEiC, Dr. Leonel Pereira will work with the Editorial Office and academic editors to support high-quality submissions and to further strengthen the “Applied Phycology and Algal Biotechnology” Section as an open forum for phycological research.
1. What about the journal appealed to you to make you want to take the role as its Section Editor-in-Chief?
What appealed to me most about Phycology was its clear commitment to building a rigorous, modern, and genuinely international platform dedicated to algal research. The journal has positioned itself as an open forum where fundamental and applied phycology can coexist, interact, and evolve, something that I consider essential for the future of our field. In recent years, we have seen an extraordinary expansion in the applications of algae, from biotechnology and biorefinery approaches to environmental assessment, sustainable food systems, and blue bioeconomy strategies. A journal that embraces this diversity, while maintaining high scientific standards, is exactly the kind of space where I believe meaningful progress can happen.
I was also drawn to the journal’s vision of fostering collaboration across disciplines and geographical regions. Phycology has been growing steadily, attracting contributions from researchers working on innovative and impactful topics. This dynamic environment aligns well with my own experience in marine biodiversity, algal biotechnology, and applied phycology, as well as with my long-standing commitment to scientific dissemination through initiatives such as MACOI (http://www.flordeutopia.pt/macoi/default.php) and my editorial work in other international journals.
Finally, the opportunity to contribute to shaping the “Applied Phycology and Algal Biotechnology” Section felt both timely and meaningful. This is an area undergoing rapid development, with strong societal relevance and increasing industrial interest. Helping to guide high‑quality submissions, support authors, and strengthen the scientific identity of the section is a responsibility I welcome. I see this role as a way to serve the community, promote excellence, and help ensure that innovative research in phycology attains the visibility and impact it deserves.
2. What is your vision for the journal?
My vision for Phycology is to strengthen its role as a leading international platform where high‑quality, innovative, and socially relevant phycological research can flourish. I believe the journal is uniquely positioned to bridge fundamental and applied phycology, and I aim to help expand this dual identity by encouraging submissions that not only advance scientific understanding but also demonstrate clear pathways toward real‑world impact, whether in biotechnology, environmental sustainability, food systems, or the emerging blue bioeconomy.
A key part of this vision is to promote methodological rigor and transparency, ensuring that the journal continues to publish work that is both scientifically robust and accessible to a broad interdisciplinary audience. I also hope to foster greater integration between traditional phycology and rapidly evolving fields such as biorefinery processes, algal bioproducts, climate resilience, and nature‑based solutions. These areas are reshaping how we think about algae, and the journal should be at the forefront of that transformation.
Another priority is to cultivate a more global and diverse authorship. Algal research is expanding rapidly in Asia, Africa, South America, and island nations, and Phycology can play a central role in amplifying these perspectives. Strengthening international collaboration, among researchers, institutions, and industry partners, will help the journal reflect the full richness and diversity of contemporary phycology.
Finally, I envision Phycology as a journal that not only disseminates knowledge but also builds community. Through special issues, thematic collections, and active engagement with early‑career researchers, we can create a dynamic and supportive environment that inspires new ideas and nurtures the next generation of phycologists. My goal is to help the “Applied Phycology and Algal Biotechnology” Section become a reference point for excellence, innovation, and scientific leadership in our field.
3. What does the future of this field of research look like?
The future of applied phycology and algal biotechnology is exceptionally promising and increasingly central to global sustainability challenges. Over the next decade, algae will move from being a specialized research topic to becoming a cornerstone of multiple strategic sectors. We are witnessing a rapid expansion in biorefinery concepts, where macro‑ and microalgae are no longer valued for a single compound but for their full biochemical potential, polysaccharides, pigments, proteins, lipids, phenolics, and bioactive metabolites. This integrated approach will drive new industrial processes, reduce waste, and support circular economy models that are essential for a more sustainable future.
At the same time, algae emerge as powerful tools for environmental resilience. Their role in carbon sequestration, wastewater treatment, coastal restoration, and nature‑based solutions will continue to grow, supported by advances in cultivation technologies, remote sensing, and ecological modeling. As climate change intensifies, algal systems will become increasingly important for monitoring ecosystem health and developing adaptive strategies for coastal and marine environments.
Biotechnology will also reshape the field through genetic, metabolic, and cultivation innovations. Improved strains, optimized growth systems, and precision extraction methods will unlock new applications in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, biomaterials, and functional foods. The intersection between phycology and health sciences, from neuroprotective compounds to anti‑inflammatory agents, is likely to expand significantly, supported by rigorous biochemical and clinical research.
Finally, the future of this field will be defined by global collaboration and inclusivity. Algal research is growing rapidly in regions such as Southeast Asia, Africa, South America, and island nations, where algae play a vital role in local economies and food systems. Integrating these diverse perspectives will enrich the scientific landscape and accelerate innovation. As the field evolves, journals like Phycology will play a crucial role in connecting communities, disseminating high‑quality research, and shaping the scientific agenda.
In short, applied phycology and algal biotechnology are entering a phase of maturity and expansion, driven by scientific innovation, environmental urgency, and societal need. The opportunities ahead are vast, and the field is poised to make meaningful contributions to a more sustainable and resilient world.
4. What do you think of the development of open access in the publishing field?
Open access has become one of the most transformative developments in scientific publishing, and its impact on fields like phycology and algal biotechnology is particularly significant. By removing barriers to knowledge, open access ensures that research is available to all scientists, industry partners, policymakers, educators, and communities who depend on marine resources. This democratization of information accelerates scientific progress, fosters collaboration across regions and disciplines, and supports innovation in areas where rapid knowledge transfer is essential, such as biotechnology, sustainability, and environmental management.
For emerging and fast‑moving fields, open access plays a crucial role in leveling the playing field. Researchers from institutions with fewer resources gain immediate access to the latest findings, enabling broader participation in global scientific dialog. This is especially important in phycology, where much of the most dynamic research is being conducted in countries across Asia, Africa, South America, and island regions, places where access to subscription‑based journals can be limited.
At the same time, the evolution of open access brings responsibility. Ensuring scientific rigor, maintaining high editorial standards, and safeguarding ethical publishing practices is more important than ever. Open access should not mean lower quality; it should mean wider visibility for excellent work. Journals must continue to invest in strong peer review, transparent processes, and editorial oversight to maintain trust and credibility.
Overall, I view open access as a powerful and positive force. It aligns with the principles of equity, sustainability, and global collaboration, all of which are central to modern science. For Phycology, it represents an opportunity to amplify high‑quality research, support diverse voices, and strengthen the impact of phycological science worldwide.
We wish Dr. Leonel Pereira every success in his new position, and we look forward to his contributions to the journal.