On 13^th November, our partners BIA Innovator Campus and Teagasc organized a citizen science action in BIA’s facilities. The event, “GUT ED – Seaweed, Science and Health” aimed to explore the relationship between seaweed and gut health, highlighting its nutritional and therapeutic potential.

It hosted general public, students educators, local food entrepreneurs, community members, food researches and agrifood stakeholders interested in health, nutrition, and sustainable marine foods.

Dr. Maria Hayes from Teagasc highlighted the gut health benefits of seaweed compounds and offered sensory samples for participants to taste. Entrepreneur Edel Breslin, founder of Oir Tonics, shared her journey in creating seaweed-based health products and how marine resources can drive local innovation. Finally, seaweed expert Dr. Prannie Rhatigan demonstrated the medicinal uses of seaweed and led a live cooking session with simple recipes.

The workshop enabled the public to engage with science and see different applications of seaweed in our daily diet.