The SPECTRA project was proud to participate in the 21st International Conference on Harmful Algae (ICHA 2025) — a globally recognised event dedicated to advancing knowledge and collaboration on harmful algal blooms (HABs), their environmental impacts, and solutions for resilience.
This edition of the conference was held 19–24 October 2025 in Punta Arenas, Chile — the southernmost city of the Americas and gateway to Antarctica. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica Region, scientists gathered to exchange insights on ecological risks, food and water safety, and innovative monitoring technologies.
In the words of the Local Organising Committee, the conference aimed to:
“…inspire creative solutions, future insights, and technological advancements that address the complex interplay between HABs and environmental sustainability… in a region where harmful algal blooms have shaped both history and scientific discovery.”
HABs and associated toxins such as microcystins pose persistent threats across both marine and freshwater environments. For SPECTRA — which focuses on tackling contaminants of emerging concern — this meeting represented an ideal platform to contribute new knowledge supporting safer ecosystems and improved human health protection.
🚀 SPECTRA Research Featured at ICHA 2025
Our team — Prof. Dimitra Lambropoulou, Prof. Dimitrios Bikiaris, Nikos Bikiaris, Rizos Bikiaris, and E.P. Christodoulou — presented progress from SPECTRA’s analytical and environmental monitoring research.
The following posters were showcased:
📌 Exploring microcystin-LR and its transformation products in waters
by a comprehensive LC-HRMS target and suspect screening approach
📌 Development, validation, and application of an automated
SPE-based LC-MS/MS method for quantification of microcystins in water samples
These contributions demonstrated:
✔️ Improved detection and characterisation of microcystins
✔️ New insights into transformation pathways and emerging risks
✔️ Practical analytical workflows supporting water quality monitoring
✔️ Stronger connections between research, regulation, and public health protection
“By refining the way we detect and understand microcystins, we support water managers and policy makers in protecting communities — a core ambition of the SPECTRA project.”
🌍 A Scientific Setting Rich in History, Culture & Urgent Relevance
The conference venue itself carries great significance. Historical accounts from the region document toxin-related shellfish poisonings dating back to the 19th century — and harmful algae remains a critical concern today across the fjords and coastal systems of Patagonia.
The ICHA 2025 logo honours the Kawésqar and Yagán peoples — sea-faring Indigenous communities whose resilience in this environment reflects the ongoing relationship between humans, food resources and the ocean.
This connection underscores why advanced HAB science matters:
safe water, secure food, thriving communities, and protected ecosystems.
💡 Looking Ahead
SPECTRA’s involvement in ICHA strengthened collaboration with global leaders in HAB science — opening future opportunities to:
• Expand toxicological monitoring in SPECTRA case studies
• Improve predictive understanding of emerging waterborne risks
• Contribute to resilient environmental management strategies
The conference theme — “From HAB Science to Environmental Resilience” — aligns perfectly with SPECTRA’s mission to bridge analytical innovation with real-world risk mitigation.
“Participating in ICHA reinforced our commitment to translating laboratory excellence into societal benefit — ensuring safer water for all.”
— SPECTRA Project Representative
