“Theproject is highly relevant for the development of new seaweed-related economiesin Norway, and we owe the public who is funding us to know what our research isall about”, says project manager Annelise Chapman in Møreforsking.“Especiallyyoung people will be important in carrying new discoveries towards technicalinnovation in the future. Therefore it is important to involve children andstudents and communicate well with them right from the start”.Studentsfrom Spjelkavik High School in Ålesund have studied the PROMAC project duringtheir course on ‘Research and Technology’. PROMAC as a prime example of a largeinternational research project is helping them to understand how research inNorway works in practice – from getting the funding to implementing the resultstowards innovation. The fact that PROMAC connects interesting marine organisms– seaweeds – with exciting marine biotechnology in the student's ’immediateneighbourhood is a big plus.In additionto studying the project in the classroom, the students joined PROMACresearchers Annelise Chapman and Pierrick Stévant in the field and lab, wherethey were introduced to kelps and other seaweeds in both fresh and drycondition.The rainyweather did not compromise the student’s enthusiasm and curiosity! A secondhighlight awaited the group with a visit at Taford Kraftvarme’s wasteincinerator. The company is a PROMAC partner because the excess heat producedduring the summer months may be highly relevant for drying seaweeds atcommercial scales.“I had noidea that a waste burner could be so technically advanced!", was one of thecomments from the amazed group.Inconclusion of their project, the students will now carry out interviews withsome of the PROMAC scientists to be used in the project’s communication.In otherwords: A win-win for all!!Students from Spjelkavik High School get to know the main seaweed species in the field at Tueneset and are introduced to the lab experiments of Møreforsking at Atlanterhavsparken, Ålesund, 29.04.2016A guided tour of Tafjord Kraftvarme’s waste incinerator is always an exciting new experience. Knut Arve Tafjord explains the company’s strategy, societal responsibilities and why they are engaged in the PROMAC project.Click images for full-size view.Foto credits: Maria Gundersen Zahl/Annelise ChapmanFollow the PROMAC project here.