Sustainable processes for the utilization of carbon dioxide and biomass as future resource base of the industry will highly influence the circular bioeconomy.
TU Graz, KTH and TU Darmstadt already hold a strong position in the field of renewable biotechnology, including microbial and enzymatic CO2 utilization and the biocatalytic synthesis of high-value products and commodities. Together they want to unite and expand the biotechnology division within European universities.
“The overall goal is to bring researchers together and identify topics and opportunities for the field of renewable Biotechnology on the one hand, but also create joint structures for PhD training on the other,”
That’s why he and his team of scientists at TU Darmstadt and KTH Stockholm worked out a plan based on three concrete objectives:
- A yearly joint workshop of the PhD schools of all three partners
- Collaborative master thesis projects in the field of biotechnology
- An initiative for a European Joint doctorate (MSCA-EJD) proposal
First Unite! International PhD Workshop on renewable Biotechnology
The first PhD Workshop on renewable Biotechnology envisions to seed a regular joint training event of the Unite! PhD schools on Renewable Biotechnology, a field that is represented in all participating Unite! partners and is expected to make a significant contribution to Sustainability.
The first one of the planned series will be organized by the Doctoral School of Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology, from February 7-9, 2024 at TU Graz (Austria), where participants will have the opportunity to present their thesis topic or research to others and discuss new ideas and insights.
Who is it for?
TU Graz is delighted to invite researchers, PhD students and master students from all Unite! Partner Universities to join and submit their abstracts until December 15, 2023.
This could be a short talk about your latest research, master thesis or experiences with new methods and ideas, as well as short online discussions in topics of relevance to the workshop theme.
What is it about?
The event will provide a platform for inspiring discussions and scientific exchange based on the field of renewable biotechnology.
The workshop will be focused on the following topics:
• Carbon dioxide as resource for biotechnology
• Smart utilization of biomass as starting material
• New biocatalysts and biotransformation
• Machine-learning driven enzyme engineering
Additionally, on February 9, 2024 the participants can join a special workshop on science visualization with the renowned coach Verena Resch from Luminous Lab https://luminous-lab.com/ .
Collaborative master thesis and a European Joint Doctorate
As an important part of the seed-funded project, four collaborative master's thesis projects in biocatalysis, enzyme engineering, and metabolic engineering are planned. This collaborative research will serve as the foundation for a larger consortium project, such as an MSCA-EJD (Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions European Joint Doctorate) network. Each master's thesis will include a research stay at one of the partner universities.
In the pursuit of advancing renewable biotechnology, the Unite! workshop emerges as a catalyst for collaborative breakthroughs, cultivating a shared vision for a thriving biotechnological landscape across European universities.
Practical information about the Unite! International PhD Workshop on renewable Biotechnology
February 7-9, 2024 at TU Graz (Austria)
PhD students and master students from all Unite! Partner Universities are invited to submit abstracts for their participation until December 15, 2023 via molbiotech.unite@tugraz.at.
For expenses related with mobility activity, students from Unite! Partner universities may apply for support from the Erasmus+ programme at their home institution.