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INCAR²Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología, Conocimiento e Innovación · ANID — Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo

RL7

Dr. Pedro Murúa

Adjunct Researcher

Biography

Pedro is an aquaculture engineer from the Austral University of Chile (UACh) and holds a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom, with a focus on research in algal pathologies. He uses microscopy, pharmacological, genetic, and culture-based approaches to diagnose new algal diseases and to describe novel defense mechanisms in red and brown macroalgae.

His interests focus on different aspects of algal biology, aimed at understanding algae–pathogen interactions, including the description of new pathogens (their life cycles, dissemination and infection strategies, nutrition, and development), epidemiological aspects of brown algal populations, and algal immunity, including mechanisms of programmed cell death and autophagy.

Additionally, through the Macroalgae Laboratory at the Puerto Montt campus of UACh, he pilots cultivation technologies for commercially important brown and red macroalgae. He also seeks to develop and evaluate management and restocking strategies for these species in natural beds, in order to ensure long-term environmental sustainability.

Degrees and Academic Qualifications

  • 2018. Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom.
  • 2010. Aquaculture Engineer, Austral University of Chile, Chile.
  • 2009. Degree in Aquaculture Sciences, Austral University of Chile, Chile.

Selected Projects

  • FONDECYT Initiation 11230059. HADES: Host-Pathogen Dynamics and Ecology in Seaweeds, using Maullinia gall disease in wild “cochayuyo”. Principal Investigator.
  • 2024–2028. Millennium Nucleus MASH. “Marine Agronomy of Seaweed Holobionts.” Principal Investigator.
  • 2023–2024. FAO. “ACUIALGAS – Status and perspectives of macroalgae cultivation in Latin America.” Principal Investigator.
  • 2022–2024. Safe Seaweed Coalition Fund. “BASILISK – Characterization and bioBanking of economically relevant pests and pathogens of pelillo (Agarophyton chilensis), for biosecurity risk management tool development.” Principal Investigator.
  • 2021–2023. INACh RT_42-20. “TROY: Tracking key eukaryote pathobiome members in Antarctic coastal communities, with emphasis on oomycete parasites.” Principal Investigator.
  • 2020–2021. GlobalSeaweedSTAR Fund GSS/RF/019. “algaBLISTER: A collaborative network for training and capacity building in algal diseases in Latin America.” Principal Investigator.