Success for the first European Workshop on Biotechnology: Biobased Materials !

The European Workshop on Biotechnology: Biobased Materials, held from 20 to 23 January 2025 on Campus Energypolis in Sion, Switzerland, has wrapped up with overwhelming positive feedback from participants from 6 countries. Organized by the EFB Biobased Materials Division in collaboration with School of Engineering from HES-SO Valais-Wallis and HEIA-FR, the event proved to be a very enriching experience for all who attended.

A unique blend of knowledge and hands-on learning

The workshop combined expert-led lectures, hands-on laboratory activities, and collaborative workshops. Participants lauded the event's seamless organization, engaging content, and the opportunity to learn from some of the brightest minds in biotechnology.

Attendees from Austria, Israel, Italy, Serbia, Spain, and Switzerland were particularly intrigued by the balance of theoretical insights and practical applications. From exploring the world of biopolymers to cutting-edge advancements in enzymatic degradation and synthetic biology, the program offered novel insights for everyone.

World-class speakers and instructors

The workshop featured an esteemed Scientific Committee and international speakers, including:

• Manfred Zinn (HES-SO Valais-Wallis, Switzerland), whose opening remarks and insights into biobased materials set the tone for the event.
• Georg M. Gübitz (BOKU, Austria), who shared his expertise on enzymatic degradation of plastics and biodegradation of polymers.
• Lucia Gardossi (University of Trieste, Italy), who presented on sustainable and innovative approaches to polyesters and biopolymer synthesis.
• Roger Martí (HEIA-FR, Switzerland) who presented his work on keratin processing, offering insights into innovative methods for utilizing keratin in biopolymer development.

Other speakers such as Cristina Campano and Maria Tsampika Manoli (CSIC Madrid, Spain), Frédéric Forini and Melanie Morschett (Beckman-Coulter Life Sciences, Switzerland), Karin Philipp (Bioengineering AG, Switzerland), Véronique Amstutz, Tim Börner, Julien Pott, Alexander Kettner, Basil Imoberdorf and Nils Hanik (HES-SO Valais-Wallis, Switzerland), Daniel Werner (Inspire, Switzerland), Philip Scholten (Bloom SA, Switzerland), Claudia Som (Empa, Switzerland), Daniel Schwendeman (OST, Switzerland) and Véronique Michaud (EPFL, Switzerland) enriched the workshop with their expertise on topics ranging from bacterial cellulose, genetic engineering, bioprocess design, microalgae, LCA, certification to biosourced composite processing.

Key highlights

Participants praised the interactive and immersive nature of the event. Some of the highlights included:

• Laboratory workshops: hands-on sessions provided practical experience in fields like bioreactor operation, microalgae processing, and bioplastic production and purification.
• Networking opportunities: the symposium raclette dinner and informal interactions fostered strong connections between experts, researchers, and industry professionals.

Positive Feedback

The workshop received excellent reviews for its high-quality content and the depth of expertise showcased throughout the event. One participant remarked, “It was an unparalleled opportunity to learn about cutting-edge biotechnologies in such a welcoming and inspiring environment.”

The feedback highlighted the unique mix of academic and practical knowledge, the exceptional organization, and the breathtaking location, which together created an unforgettable experience.

Looking Ahead

With the resounding success of this year’s event, organizers and participants are already looking forward to future editions. The European Workshop on Biotechnology: Biobased Materials has set a high bar for excellence in fostering innovation and collaboration in the field.

The organizing team extends its gratitude to the main sponsors, Bioengineering AG and Beckman Coulter Life Sciences, and to HES-SO for their invaluable support in making this event a success.