Ronald Halim

Dr. Ronald Halim is an Associate Professor at the School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin. He leads the UCD Algae Group, focusing on microalgae-based solutions for agri-food waste valorisation and sustainable bioeconomy. His research spans bioremediation of dairy, brewery, and anaerobic digestion waste, with projects like SusAlgaeFuel (Horizon Europe) and AlgaeBrew (FOSC). He coordinates the ME Biosystems and Food Engineering master’s program and holds an IRC Laureate award. Collaborations include industry partners like Lambers Seghers and academic institutions across Europe and beyond. Research interests include lipid-rich microalgae, cell wall disruption, and circular economy frameworks.

Education:

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Monash University
• BE in Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales
• Certificates in Research Commercialisation (Monash), University Teaching (UCD)

Research Highlights:

• Development of microalgae-based bioremediation systems for dairy and brewery waste
• Co-production of omega-3 oils and biofertilisers from waste streams
• Investigation of cell wall enzymatic disruption for efficient bioactive extraction
• Leadership in EU-funded projects (SusAlgaeFuel, AlgaeBrew)

Awards:

• Irish Research Council (IRC) Laureate
• SFI Bioeconomy Research Centre (BiOrbic) Investigator

Lab & Infrastructure: Located at UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering and the Conway Institute, with facilities for microalgal cultivation, bioreactors, chemical analysis (HPLC, GC-MS), and imaging (confocal microscopy, TEM).