By Elena Gorostiza
On May 9, 2025, research centres across the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) celebrated Europe Day with a special event held at the Eugenio Trías Public Library in Madrid. This initiative, designed to engage high school students with European research, highlighted the impactful work being carried out through EU-funded projects.
Among the featured presentations, Paula Mármol and Sofía Hidalgo introduced the FUELGAE project, coordinated by CSIC. They outlined the project’s innovative approach to decarbonisation through the cultivation of microalgae. They explained how in FUELGAE project researchers use microalgae to captures CO₂ emissions from industrial sources and transform them into sustainable biofuels, helping reduce greenhouse gases and advancing the shift toward a circular bioeconomy.
The presentation also emphasized the environmental benefits of microalgae, such as their rapid growth and minimal resource requirements compared to traditional biofuel crops. To provide a hands-on experience, Paula and Sofía demonstrated live microalgae samples, allowing students to observe these remarkable organisms up close.
The event provided a valuable opportunity to inspire the next generation of scientists and to raise awareness of the vital role European research projects play in addressing global environmental challenges.
More information about the event is available on the CSIC Europe Day page.
