Abstract
The importance of algae as indicators of the conditions of the freshwater bodies in which they live is generally accepted and has been recognised at the European level by the EU Water Framework Directive. Capacity of a correct identification of these organisms is therefore fundamental for environmental management. For some regions of the Union, such as the Republic of Ireland, this is an important problem, due to the current lack of expertise on this subject. The section of Psychology of the Martin Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, is formed by a full professor and several postdoctoral researchers with expertise of international level on many aspects of the biology of marine algae. However, no expertise on freshwater algae is currently available in this institution. The section of Psychology wants to establish a permanent research group of international level on freshwater algal biology. The necessary knowledge can be obtained only by transfer from an internationally recognised freshwater algal biologist. The transfer of knowledge would take place by a theoretical and practical approach. It is estimated that two years of intensive teaching and research carried out in collaboration with a top-class Fellow would be sufficient to create a permanent core of expertise on taxonomy and ecology of freshwater algae. The section would thus be able to offer a number of new courses and degrees in freshwater algal biology that would be highly attractive at European level. Graduates with this type of competences would find good possibilities of employment in organisations involved in the environmental area. In general, the creation of a large number of graduates with good knowledge of freshwater algae would have important benefits both at national and European level, allowing correct decision-making in management of freshwater habitats; for Ireland, in particular, this would enable to comply with the directives of the EU Water Framework.
Europe