John Axelsson
PhD project title: Valorization of whole/gutted small herring and sprat into protein-enriched ingredients
Short description of the project
This project aims to develop novel processing techniques to valorise underutilised small pelagic fish species such as herring and sprat. Although these species are considered highly climate‑smart and nutrient‑dense protein sources, the majority of the catch from Swedish vessels is currently exported for fish meal or used as mink feed, representing a significant loss of potential food resources.
The research focuses on identifying processing methods that efficiently recover muscle or muscle proteins while maintaining functionality, nutritional value, sensory quality and storage stability—particularly regarding lipid oxidation. For raw materials sourced from the Bothnian Sea, the removal of contaminants such as dioxins and dioxin‑like PCBs is also essential.
The project aims to unlock new food applications for these marine resources, support Swedish fisheries, reduce dependency on imported seafood and promote consumption of locally produced, healthy seafood.
Supervisors
Main supervisor
- Ingrid Undeland, Chalmers University of Technology
Co-supervisors
- Mehdi Abdollahi, Chalmers University of Technology
- Professor Friederike Ziegler, RISE
- Martin Kuhlin, CEO of Sweden Pelagic
Location
Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Division of Food and Nutrition Science, Chalmers University of Technology
About Me
I am from Göteborg, Sweden, and hold an MSc in Biotechnology from Chalmers University of Technology, where I wrote my master’s thesis on protein extraction from seaweed. Before returning to academia, I worked for three years at a company supplying laboratory equipment, chemicals and consumables.
I genuinely enjoy being back in the scientific environment and working on a project that has the potential to bring more local, traditional and nutritious foods to Swedish tables.