UT Austin’s algae collection marks 50 years and moves into new research space

By Erick León

Source date: October 12, 2026

AUSTIN, Texas — The UTEX Culture Collection of Algae is marking its 50th year at UT Austin after moving into new space in the Moffett Molecular Biology Building.

The collection maintains approximately 3,000 strains representing more than 1,500 species, according to an October 12 university interview with curator David Nobles Jr.

Researchers use the organisms to investigate subjects ranging from photosynthesis and food production to wastewater treatment and the recovery of valuable minerals. The collection also distributes cultures to laboratories and companies.

Maintaining living strains requires continuing care and protection from contamination. The anniversary highlights a research resource used internationally, rather than the launch of a single new commercial product.

Photo credit: The UTEX algae collection at UT Austin. Photo: Eileen Chong / UT Austin.

Source: UT News. English summary by Noticias La Paz.

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