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Aki Kato is an Associate Professor at Hiroshima University’s Seto Inland Sea Carbon-neutral Research Center. She earned her BSc, MSc, and PhD in Biological Sciences from Hokkaido University, completing her doctorate in 2003. Her career at Hiroshima University began in 2011 as Assistant Professor at the Takehara Marine Science Station in the Graduate School of Biosphere Science. She advanced to Associate Professor roles at the Takehara Fisheries Research Station and Setouchi Field Science Center before her current appointment in 2023.
Kato’s research centers on phycology, with a focus on the taxonomy, molecular phylogeny, ecology, and physiology of marine macroalgae, particularly coralline red algae. She combines morphological and molecular approaches to assess species diversity and has described multiple new species in recent publications. Her work examines the impacts of climate change, ocean acidification, and environmental factors on seaweed beds and aquaculture, contributing to understanding blue carbon and marine biodiversity. Kato has authored or co-authored numerous peer-reviewed papers in journals such as the Journal of Phycology and Phycologia, including studies on rhodolith-forming algae and growth responses to temperature and irradiance. She serves as Associate Editor of Phycological Research and holds memberships in the International Phycological Society and other professional organizations. Recognized with the Award for Young Scientist from the Japanese Society of Phycology in 2007, she also participates in committee roles related to coastal surveys and environmental conservation in the Seto Inland Sea region.
Hiroshima University scientists describe four new species of coralline algae that form rhodoliths, highlighting their importance for biodiversity and carbon sequestration in Japanese waters.
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