From October 21 to 26, in Nantes (France), the 18th International Conference on Harmful Algae (ICHA) was held, the world's most important scientific meeting sponsored by the International Society for the Study of Harmful Algae (ISSHA). During the event, which saw the participation of over 750 scholars from 64 countries, Prof. Aurelia Tubaro was elected member of the ISSHA Board of Directors.

ISSHA is a society founded in 1997, following the requests of the UNESCO Oceanographic Intergovernmental Commission to promote an international program to address the problems related to toxic algae. In particular, ISSHA's objective is the promotion of research and training programs concerning microalgae and potentially toxic cyanobacteria, considering many aspects concerning the proliferation, the production of toxins, the identification of new compounds or toxins emerging and their impact on man and the environment.

For years, Professor Tubaro and its research group have been studying the toxins produced by microalgae, especially from the toxicological point of view to identify the potential danger to humans and to provide the legislator with the assessments necessary to fix the admissible concentrations in fish products. In addition, the research group has developed new methods for early detection in microalgae, before fish and shellfish are contaminated or to predict any risks to bathers.

Professor Tubaro also coordinates the Working Group on Natural Toxins of the Italian Society of Toxicology (SITOX), which recently held its 1st International Meeting in Padua, on the occasion of the retirement of Prof. Cesare Montecucco, famous throughout the world for his studies on various neurotoxins, including botulinum toxin and tetanus toxin.

Issha - Council-members