Jessica Adams

Dr. Jessica Adams is a Research Fellow at Aberystwyth University's Institute of Biological, Environmental, and Rural Sciences, specializing in macroalgae (seaweed) utilization and bioconversion processes. With a PhD and BSc background, she serves as Senior Research Scientist in Bioconversion and Biorefining, leveraging the BEACON pilot-scale facility for large-scale seaweed processing projects.

Her research spans macroalgae utilization from cultivation through product development, including drying, pressing, milling, water/chemical extractions, enzymic hydrolysis, fermentations, and thermal treatments to chars and composts. She also investigates β-glucan content in oats within the Core Strategic Programme. Her work significantly contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through sustainable resource utilization and circular economy approaches.

Dr. Adams has secured over £3.1M in research funding from BBSRC, EPSRC, Welsh Government, and Innovate UK. Her publication record includes 34 research outputs with an h-index of 11, focusing on macroalgal biorefining, biochar production, and seaweed-derived products. Her recent work shows increasing emphasis on gut health applications, sustainable aquaculture, and circular bioeconomy solutions.

She has received notable recognition including election as President of the British Phycological Society in 2024. Her research has been featured in multiple media outlets including coverage of 'New Seaweed Capsules Tested for Gut Health Benefits' in March 2025.

Dr. Adams currently supervises a Marie Skłodowska Curie Fellow, 4 PhD students, and 2 MSc students while serving on boards for Algae-UK (BBSRC), Seafood Innovation Fund (Defra), and AberInnovation enterprise campus. She is also a Non-executive Director of GreenSeas Resources.

Her teaching responsibilities include coordinating the Bioconversion and Biorefining module (BRM3720) and lecturing on Aquatic Botany, Crop and Grassland Production Science, and Current Topics in Biotechnology. She also serves as a tutor for undergraduate students across multiple semesters.