The prize was awarded to Michael Gerardo for his work on the extraction of lipids, proteins and carbohydrates from microalgae.

The award event, held at the Astra Zeneca site in Macclesfield, was ‘What’s New in Fluid Separations?’ and was organised by the Fluid Separations Special Interest Group. The event is an annual international symposium for young academic or industrial researchers to showcase their work and foster network interactions.

The event is an annual international symposium for young academic or industrial researchers to showcase their work and foster network interactions.

Michael originally hails from Lisbon in Portugal but has been working at Swansea University for five years, the past two of which have included his work on EnAlgae.

Michael’s work involved the use of membrane technology in fluid separations focusing on upstream and downstream processes.

“I was very surprised to have received this accolade,” said Michael. “It’s recognition of my work by my peers so it means a lot to me personally, and I know my colleagues working on EnAlgae are equally as thrilled with the award as I am.

“I plan to put my £150 prize winnings to good use, mainly towards furthering my academic career. “

Pictured: Michael Gerardo, Swansea University, Dr Basu Saha of London South Bank (Judge in the competition), Miss Rim Saada (First place winner) student at LSB and Dr Darren Oatley-Radcliffe of Swansea University’s College of Engineering.