Academic Profile

Professor of Higher Education, holder of a PhD from the University of Lorraine (Nancy I, France) in 1988 and a State Doctorate from Chouaib Doukkali University in 1995. Prof. Assobhei has been a member of the Hassan II Academy of Sciences and Technology of Morocco since 2006.

He is the co-founder and national coordinator of the National Network of Marine Sciences and Technology (1997 to 2013) and coordinator of the Network of National Higher Schools of Morocco (2015 to 2018).

Prof. Assobhei specializes in microbial biotechnology, water, environment, and marine sciences. He is the author of several hundred scientific communications, indexed articles, reports, and scientific works. He has supervised the research work of 38 PhD students (National or State Doctorate). He is also co-owner of patents in the field of wastewater treatment and bioactive molecules.

He is a member of editorial boards of several international scientific journals. Prof. Assobhei has organized or co-organized more than 36 international conferences and specialized workshops in Morocco and abroad. He is regularly invited as a speaker at national or international conferences, and has received with his team several awards from national and international organizations.

Prof. Assobhei is often sought for his expertise in evaluating scientific programs, research structures, and higher education institutions. He serves on juries for prestigious national and international awards.

Prof. Assobhei is president, founder, and/or member of several scientific, cultural, or social associations. He is a member or representative of Morocco in several international scientific organizations and commissions.

Prof. Assobhei has been decorated with the Royal Wissam of National Merit in the Exceptional category.

Lecture Abstract

Morocco's extensive coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea positions it as a key player in marine resource exploitation, offering significant opportunities for economic growth through fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and maritime trade. However, these activities pose critical sustainability challenges, including overfishing, coastal pollution, habitat degradation, and the impacts of climate change.

This lecture explores the delicate balance between harnessing Morocco's marine wealth and preserving its fragile marine ecosystems. It examines current exploitation practices, such as industrial fishing and coastal development, alongside emerging efforts to promote sustainable management, including marine protected areas and renewable energy initiatives.

By addressing socio-economic dependencies, environmental pressures, and policy frameworks, the lecture highlights the challenges and opportunities for achieving sustainable development in Morocco's marine and coastal zones. Through a multidisciplinary lens, it underscores the need for integrated strategies to ensure the long-term health of Morocco's seas and oceans while supporting livelihoods and economic resilience.

Academic Profile

Professor at the University of Nantes with extensive expertise in marine microbiology and biotechnology. Holder of a PhD in Marine Biology from Pierre and Marie Curie University (Paris VI) and a Habilitation to Direct Research (HDR) from the University of Nantes.

Her research focuses on marine microorganisms, particularly diatoms and their ecological roles in biofilm formation. She has published over 80 peer-reviewed articles in international journals and supervised 15 PhD theses.

Coordinator of several European projects on marine biodiversity and biotechnology applications. Member of the French National Committee for Marine Sciences and recipient of the French Academy of Sciences Medal for Marine Research (2018).

Her team has developed innovative techniques for diatom cultivation and characterization of bioactive compounds with applications in cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and bioremediation.

Lecture Abstract

This presentation will highlight the discovery and characterization of a novel diatom species isolated from marine biofilms in the Atlantic coast. The study combines ecological observations with biotechnological potential assessment of this microalga.

We will examine the diatom's unique adaptations to biofilm environments, including its extracellular polymeric substance production and interactions with bacterial communities. The lecture will present spectroscopic and chromatographic analyses revealing high-value compounds including fucoxanthin derivatives and unique fatty acid profiles.

Preliminary results suggest significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, opening promising avenues for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. The talk will also address cultivation challenges and scaling-up perspectives for industrial exploitation while maintaining ecological sustainability.

Academic Profile

Professor of Biotechnology and Bioresource Valorization at the University of Lorraine. Holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Nancy and completed postdoctoral research at MIT.

Director of the MARIC research unit (Molecular Approaches for Resource Innovation and Characterization) since 2015. His work focuses on sustainable processing of plant and marine bioresources for pharmaceutical and agro-food applications.

Author of more than 120 scientific publications and 15 patents in green extraction technologies. Coordinator of the European BioEconomy Network and scientific advisor for several biotech startups.

Recipient of the French National Order of Merit for his contributions to sustainable development through biotechnology. His current research integrates socio-economic dimensions with technological innovation for circular bioeconomy models.

Lecture Abstract

This presentation will explore the integrated approach developed at MARIC for the eco-processing of bioresource derivatives, combining cutting-edge biotechnology with socio-economic considerations.

We will present case studies on the valorization of agricultural by-products and marine resources using green chemistry principles, including subcritical water extraction and enzymatic bioconversion. The lecture will highlight how these technologies can reduce environmental impact while creating economic value.

A special focus will be given to the development of bio-based materials and active compounds for healthcare applications. The talk will conclude with a roadmap for 2030, addressing the challenges of scaling up these technologies while ensuring social acceptance and creating local employment opportunities.

Academic Profile

Doctor in Microbiology and Biotechnology, Prof. Mounaim Halim EL JALIL, PhD, MBA, is recognized for his work on the valorization of traditional know-how through biological sciences. Author of several articles and scientific chapters in Springer, Francis & Taylor and Elsevier indexed books on the subject, he devotes part of his research to the promotion of organic farming and food safety, and to the study of food fermentations as a biological and cultural matrix.

He works on projects related to the characterization of Moroccan fermented foods and their role in digestive health and food sovereignty. At the crossroads of microbiology, food anthropology and microbial ecology, he campaigns for the reintegration of fermentation practices into contemporary models of nutritional transition and circular economy.

A committed researcher and experienced trainer, he supports institutions in the development of sustainable solutions at the science-business and science-society interfaces, in particular through his expertise in management systems.

Lecture Abstract

This conference presents an anthropological, biological and ecological exploration of the role of fermentations in the evolution of human food systems. It offers a scientific and anthropological reading of the central role of fermentations in the major human food transitions, from prehistory to the modern era.

Drawing on archaeological, microbiological, and nutritional data, she explores how ancient societies intuitively mobilized fermentation to improve the digestibility, preservation, and nutritional value of food. The presentation highlights the adaptive strategies developed in the face of the digestive and toxic constraints induced by sedentarization, and shows how fermentations represent one of the first sustainable bioengineering systems.

Through a mapping of traditional practices and an analysis of their contemporary relevance in a context of global food and ecological crisis, this conference invites us to revalue fermentation know-how as pillars of a more resilient, healthier and more ecological diet.