Independent research in algal biology

AlgaLabs is an Auckland-based independent research practice focused on the molecular and cellular biology of algae.

Our work combines experimental biology, genetics and genomics to investigate how algal cells function, adapt and evolve, with a particular interest in diatoms.

Auckland, New Zealand

A researcher in a white coat examining a slide under a light microscope in a laboratory.

Research

AlgaLabs develops and contributes to research at the intersection of cellular biology, molecular genetics and genomics, with algae as the biological system.

Molecular Biology

Understanding the cellular machinery underlying algal growth, structure, reproduction and environmental response.

  • Cellular systems
  • Gene regulation
  • Organelle biology
  • Stress response
  • Molecular mechanisms

Genetics & Genomics

Using genetic, transcriptomic and comparative approaches to investigate biological function and variation across algal systems.

Multi-panel genomic analysis: a gene expression heatmap, a principal component plot, a phylogenetic tree, genome coverage across a scaffold, a sample correlation matrix and sequencing quality summaries.
Representative genomic and transcriptomic analysis.

Diatoms

A particular research interest in diatom cell biology, molecular systems and the relationship between genotype, cellular function and environment.

Mixed diatom frustules under light microscopy: elongated pennate forms and two circular centric forms, with golden-brown chloroplasts visible inside the silica walls.
Diatoms under light microscopy.

How we work

AlgaLabs operates independently and develops research through collaborations with universities, research institutes and other scientific organisations.

Experimental work is undertaken through project-specific collaborations and access to established laboratory, microscopy, genomics and research facilities.

This model allows AlgaLabs to contribute specialist expertise to larger research programmes while also developing independent lines of scientific enquiry.

Collaboration

AlgaLabs works with researchers whose projects intersect with algal molecular biology, genetics, genomics and cellular function.

Collaborations may range from specialist contributions to molecular or genomic work through to jointly developed research projects.

Research collaboration enquiries

About AlgaLabs

AlgaLabs is an independent research practice based in Auckland, New Zealand, established to support focused scientific enquiry into algae and their cellular and molecular biology.

Its research is particularly interested in diatoms and in the use of molecular, genetic and genomic approaches to understand how these organisms function and respond to their environment.