BIOBRIDGES project was conceived to tackle the key challenge of improving the marketability of bio-based products (BBPs) by fostering close cooperation and partnerships among bio-based industries, brand owners and consumers’ representatives.
BRANDS, BIO-BASED INDUSTRIES and CONSUMERS have a key role shaping the FUTURE towards a more sustainable and greener European economy.
The PRODUCTION, SALE and USE of sustainable bio-based products, replacing everyday’ s fossil-based products, have a great potential to decrease the pressure on our environment, create jobs and boost the economy.
Biobridges project CONNECTS, FACILITATES and SUPPORTS the collaboration among BRANDS, BIO-BASED INDUSTRIES and CONSUMERS aiming to improve the marketability and market acceptance of bio-based products (BBPs).
The Project also stimulates and supports the active engagement and interaction of other stakeholders relevant on promoting the bio-economy such as policy makers, public authorities, clusters, CSOs, NGOs, researchers, associations, local communities… aiming at improving market acceptance of bio-based products.
1. Increase the visibility of your organisation:
Your logo and website will be added in a dedicated section of our website.
2. Strengthen your online presence on social media:
As our collaborator, we will echo your thoughts and boost your posts on our social media channels.
3. Co-organise with us an event in your country:
If you are organising an event related to BIOBRIDGES’ scope, we can support your event, by presenting relevant results (speakers), sponsoring or providing useful materials.
4. Participate in BIOBRIDGES co-creation events:
Participate as a speaker or guest in our regional, national and European events, where Bio-Based Industries, Brand owners and Consumer representatives will be brought together.
5. Appear in our promotional videos:
If your organisation revealed to have best practices (i.e. cross-cutting collaborations in the bio-economy sector) or interesting case studies, you can be included in a series of promotional videos.
6. Be a member of BIOBRIDGES Advisory Board:
You will be an official advisor of our project, supporting us to its success. Based on your availability you may be invited to participate in Focus Group events to assess our outputs. Your image, short CV and contact will be displayed on our website, after acquiring your consent.
7. Become a BIOBRIDGES’ Ambassador:
You can be a motivated spokesperson in our videos, events and materials, promoting the bio-economy and raising interests towards the benefits of sustainable bio-based products.
8. Join the BIOWATCH platform developed by the BIOWAYS project:
If you do research or have a project related to bio-economy, you can join the platform and promote your results and connect to colleagues/projects all over Europe. (ACCESS HERE)
The BioHeroes constitute a community of people, acting as "ambassadors" or "influencers" for the project, with very good communication and dissemination skills or/and persons with influence in the sector, motivated to raise awareness about bio-based products and consider bioeconomy as possible alternative economic model.
See moreThe Advisory Board (AB) is a consultation mechanism of the project formed by external experts active in various fields of bioeconomy, committed to improve the collaboration among all actors in the value chain to enhance the development and eventually marketability of bio-based products.
See more
Spain
Erik Rodriguez Vazquez is an internationally awarded industrial, product, technology and innovation designer, founder of The Last Puzzle Piece Ltd, an Innovation consultancy that combines creative, technical and user experience expertise to deliver world changing products and services for medical, consumer and industrial clients.
Erik holds a degree in Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering by the University of León (ULE) since 2010. After his studies, he joined an international award winning aerospace company named GesNaer Consulting, developing new concepts for the industry.
As an innovator, he decided to step into the design and development of medical devices, receiving an award from The Council and The City and Guilds of London Institute for his collaboration with Midatech, previously known as Q-Chip.
Before founding The Last Puzzle Piece, Erik joined Zeal Innovation in 2014 to work on the research, design and development of new products and technologies, receiving international acknowledgements such as winning the “Red Dot Design Award” and “K-Design” Industrial Design award.
In addition to his professional work, Erik is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and is one of the directors of the Society of Spanish Researchers in the United Kingdom. Part of his personal development is to inspire new generations to be interested in sustainable approaches to design and technology.
Italy
Paolo Zacchera student of languages, history and human geographic went around the world in his twenties. At thirty he came back in Italy to his local area to live as much as possible outdoors close to nature. In 1982 he stated a horticultural cooperative to grow nursery plants and in 1995 founded Compagnia del Lago a leader grower of camelia in Europe. In the declining market after 2009 he decided to go back to the old natural ways to grow nursery stock pursuing for naturally wise slow grown plants for outdoors. His new project is the largest and bio Tea Plantation in Europe ( 3 hectares) which will start selling Green Tea in May 2021.
Italy
Graduated with honors in agricultural sciences in 1986, he worked as a professional in the design of environmental recovery interventions until 1996 when he started a productive activity by setting up the Purpurea nursery (plants for biotechnics and biodiversity) aimed at the production of ornamental and native plants and innovative B2B solutions. Founding partner of the Madeinbamboo business network.
Spain
PhD Cum Laude in Architecture Polytechnic University of Madrid (2015). MBA (2016) IE formación. DEA (Advance research diploma (2009). MArch UPM + École de La Vilette Paris. (2006) PhD: Sustainable Development Strategies in M’hamid Oasis. Sahara Desert.
Associate professor in Polytechnic University of Madrid (since 2012), Antonio de Nebrija (since 2010), IE University (since 2006) and IED (since 2018). Subjects: Architectural drawing, Design Studio, Entrepreneurship, Ecology of Spaces and Sustainability, and Graphic Expression. Director of Internship Program at IE University. Professor in DOCA (Doctoral Program in Communication Architecture) and MACA (Master of Communication Architecture), teaching: “Academics”.
Invited Professor since 2004 in several universities such as: UralState Technical University of Ekaterinburg (Russia), AmarTelidji University of Laghouat (Argelia), Technical University of Crete (Greece), University of Nis (Serbia), University of Technology in Kaunas (Lithuania) and the Politechnika Lodzka University (Poland)
As a researcher: Member in Innovative Education and Hypermedia research groups. Facilitator in Design Thinking workshops for IMBA IE School of Business and professor in international seminars about Entrepreneurship, Education and Creativity.
As profesional architect: Founder&Ceo of Arysai Architecture in 2001-2007, worked with Lacaton&Vassal and R&Sie in Paris (2003-2004), and with Abalos&Herreros (2007-2010). Founder&CEO of ATIPICAL architecture&bioconstruction company since 2012. www.atipical.com www.angelarruiz.com
Spain
Highly motivated, challenge facing and result orientated professional with wide experience in R&D funding and management at national and international level.
Specialized in bioeconomy, by-product valorization, agro-industrial, biotech and health sectors. Agile adaptation, analytical thinking and problem solving skills, perseveration and ability to work under pressure.
USA
Mariam is the CEO of Saaze Corporation, a company in the renewable space with a focus on, solar and bioplastics.
She started Arya Solar, a renewable energy company in 2011 and added Sonali Bioplastics in 2019. Her professional career has taken her through a variety of fields in the startup space. She holds a Bachelor's and a Master's degree from the USA. She holds a Private Pilot License, and is a published author. She speaks five languages and has traveled extensively. Her new startup venture manufactures biobased environmentally friendly bioplastics products and promotes eco-friendly farming. Mariam is a proponent for a circular economy and cleaner environment.
Italy
Lorenzo Avello is Managing Partner of Planeta Renewables an Italian SME company in the sector of circular bioeconomy and bioenergy.
He has an economics and finance background that he is applying to develop biobased industries in Italy to produce sustainable biomaterials, bioproducts and green energy. Selected by Forbes Under 30 Italy 2020.
Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics
Isabella Pisano is Assistant Professor of Fermentation Chemistry and Biotechnology at University of Bari, from 2008 at present.
Her current primary research interests focus on microbial fermentation processes of industrial interest for the development of new biorefinery models starting from agro-industrial wastes in an optic of circular economy. She is inventor in an international patent on cheese whey valorization (WO/2019/048997; 102017000099855) and in an italian patent on olive mill waste water valorization (102017000118607). Active member of advisory board of two Italian biotech startups: BioInnoTech srl and Bioenutra srl. She is author of several scientific paper and book chapters in field of bio-based processes and also she has involved in several National and European projects and collaborations in field of industrial biotechnology (ENEA, Chalmers University of Technology-Sweden, EUROBIOREF project, Apulian Laboratory Network).
Estonia
I’m a professional blogger and food writter who is extremely passionate about world issues, specifically, sustainable and ethical living.
I’m a professional blogger and food writter who is extremely passionate about world issues, specifically, sustainable and ethical living. I am part of a Bioladies network and I regularly attend and write about their topics. My current followers on Instagram plays an integral part in raising awareness on potential future markets for bio-based products solutions.
I have been a sustainability blogger since 2018 and I teach people how to live a low waste lifestyle.
In 2018, I started my own blog suletudring.ee where I write about this in more detail in Estonian. I have been coaching people eversince and I now have a low waste coaching business. My blog's Instagram is bilingual: in Estonian and English. In 2018, I translated Bea Johnson's book "Zero waste home" into Estonian - it is consideredthe bible of zero waste. I have also worked as a journalist for sustainability media: magazine Jälg and Rohegeenius (a digital news website).
European Forest Institute
Mercedes Rois Díaz, MSc on Forest Sciences, is a researcher at the European Forest Institute in the Bioeconomy Unit at EFI Headquarters in Finland. She also worked in the EFI Mediterranean Facility in Barcelona for several years.
Her main field of expertise is on agroforestry systems, on issues ranging from motivations and barriers of the farmers and forest owners for the implementation of agroforestry practices, to policies with impact on their implementation, and the transfer of scientific results into available knowledge for farmers and forest owners, with special focus on the link to the circular bioeconomy and bioproducts.
With almost 20 years experience in research and project management, she worked on several FP7 and H2020 European projects such as AGORA - Advancing Mediterranean Forest Research Capacities (https://www.efi.int/projects/agora-advancing-forest-research-capacities), AGFORWARD - AGroFORestry that Will Advance Rural Development (https://www.agforward.eu/index.php/es/ ), VALERIE - Valorising European Research for Innovation in Agriculture and Forestry (http://www.valerie.eu/) or AFINET - Agroforestry Innovation Networks (http://www.eurafagroforestry.eu/afinet). She is currently working on the projects TECH4EFFECT - Knowledge and Technologies for Effective Wood Procurement (http://www.tech4effect.eu/) and SIMRA – Social Innovations in Marginalized Rural Areas (http://www.simra-h2020.eu/).
She is a firm believer that circular bioeconomy is the only alternative we have if we want our society to become sustainable, and of the role that sustainable forest management can play in the bioeconomy, thus she is always looking for conveying this message in different forums to different audiences, including children, being education on bioeconomy one of her current interests. And obviously, always trying to make sound choices in everyday life.
More information: https://www.efi.int/staff-list/mercedes-rois-diaz
Unitelma Sapienza University of Rome
Piergiuseppe Morone is Full Professor of Economic Policy at Unitelma Sapienza with a strong interest in green innovation and sustainable development pushing his research at the interface between innovation economics and sustainability transitions, an area of enquiry that has attracted growing attention over the last decade.
His work regularly appears in prestigious innovation and environmental economics journals.
He is coordinator of STAR-ProBio, an H2020 research project aiming at developing sustainability assessment tools for bio-based products and promote their market penetration.
Piergiuseppe is head of the Bioeconomy in Transition Research Group, a research unit at Unitelma Sapienza involved in research concerning the emergence of a circular and bio-based economy.
Piergiuseppe is member of the Editorial Boards of Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry (ELSEVIER) and Open Agriculture (De Gruyter Open) and acts as Guest Editor for various journal including the Journal of Cleaner Production (ELSEVIER) and Sustainability (MDPI).
Since July 2019 he has been appointed Economic Advisor of the Italian Minister of the Environment, Land and Sea Protection.
mariairanzobiotec.com
María Iranzo is a Biotechnologist with a master degree in biochemistry, molecular biology and biomedicine.
She has been part of the BioBanco of the Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida, as well as of the Childhood Solid Tumors Unit of the Carlos III Health Institute. She is currently studying from a biochemical and molecular approach, two chronic liver diseases in a research group of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Complutense University of Madrid.
Besides, she has her own web page of dissemination (www.mariairanzobiotec.com) in which tries to bring people closer to biotechnology and the advances that it can offer on a daily basis, especially from a biomedical perspective. Thanks to this, she has created a community on Instagram, a social network that focuses on dissemination.
“I am passionate about biotechnology and I want to dedicate myself professionally to it. My biggest goal is to be able to investigate a human disease, especially cancer, and a definitive solution for it.”
Assobiotec
Mario Bonaccorso works at Assobiotec, the Italian Association for the development of biotechnology, as Head of Industrial Biotechnology, and (starting from November 2017) for the Italian Cluster of Green Chemistry SPRING as Cluster coordinator. He is a journalist and a blogger, member of the Journalist Register of Lombardy.
In October 2012 he founded Il Bioeconomista, The First Bioeconomy Blog (www.ilbioeconomista.com), which is today a reference point in the world debate on the bioeconomy. In the past Mario Bonaccorso collaborated with the newspaper Il Manifesto, where he contributed in the launch of the new insert publication Il Capitale, dedicated to Finance and Economy, and with the on line newspaper Affari Italiani (www.affaritaliani.it). Currently, he is regular contributor to Renewable Matter (www.renewablematter.eu).
Mario Bonaccorso graduated in Political Science at the University of Milan in 1998 and specialized in History of the European Union at the University of Aachen (RWTH, Germany). Ex lecturer of History of International Relations at the University of Milan, where he investigated the History of the European Integration through the German Historical Documents, in 2003 at the same University I obtained the Master in Labour Studies.
Patricia is a PhD in Polymer Chemistry; she has 6 Sigma Green Belt certification and a Master of Finance Management. She has over 12 years of Chemical Industrial Experience in more than 5 countries and in an extended segment companies.
Innovation, Process Control for agile Industry 4.0, Lean Six Sigma methodology, Project Management and Execution, Risk Mitigation, Analysis data (included multivariate), New Products and Technology Implementation have been her main areas of expertise. She has a well demonstrated leadership skill, the ability of managing digital teams and a pro-actively quick learning aptitude.
Patricia has been involved in Mentoring Programs very actively in the last 3 years and also in Women in STEM and gender equality initiatives.
Also lately, she has been honestly feeling concerned on how Patricia could impact positively and contribute towards sustainable development, mainly focusing on circular economy for plastics; truly to be ambassador for Biobridges suits her with her current motivation and her next steps in her professional career.
Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de plantas (Universidad Politécnica de Valencia-CSIC)
JM Mulet (Denia, Spain, 1973) Graduate in chemistry and Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Valencia. He did a three-year postdoctoral stage at the University of Basel (Switzerland).
He works currently as associate professor of biotechnology at the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) and directs a line of research at the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Plants, a joint center of the Spanish Science Council (CSIC) and the UPV, trying to develop plants tolerant to drought or cold and investigating the regulation of potassium fluxes in the guard cells, with numerous scientific publications, patents and some prize.
He is the academic director of the Master in Molecular and Cellular Plant Biotechnology. In parallel to his academic and research work he develops a wide activity as a scientific disseminator. He is the author of the book "Eat without Fear" that has sold more than 20,000 copies and has been published in several countries, "Medicine without deception," "Science in the Shadow" and "GMO without fear". He is also the author of the blog "Tomatoes with genes"(jmmulet.naukas.com).
Writes the section "Science without Fiction" in "El País Semanal", the most read newspaper in Spain and collaborates in the "Hoy por Hoy" program of the Cadena SER radio network. Regular speaker on topics related to food or biotechnology and his twitter account with more than 56.000 followers is one of the most populars for a Spanish-speaking active scientist (@jmmulet). His latest book is "What is healthy eating?"
University of Novi Sad
I finished the Faculty of Technology Novi Sad (Serbia) and been awarded with PhD in Materials Engineering – Polymer Materials.
My research is dedicated to electrospinning of bio-based and biodegradable polymers for various applications: cosmetics, filtration, active packaging, sensors etc. Within my research the whole process from product design to final application is covered, and most of the products are developed to the TRL4. Very often I use nature-derived active compounds in order to produce functional biopolymer-based materials with zero impact on environment.
During my PhD studies I was actively involved in three COST Actions: MP1206, FP1405 and CA15114, which helped me to grow my network of contacts. I was on four study visits at the institutions in France and Spain, where I have done part of research for my PhD thesis.
I won 3 awards on science communicator´s competitions: Fame Lab Serbia 2010, Falling Walls Lab 2018 Belgrade and BASF Start-up science 2018. I was participant of few Science Festivals and Researchers Night 2018.
University of Santiago de Compostela
PhD in Organic Chemistry (University of Santiago de Compostela, USC, Spain), with relevant postdoctoral and professional career path across Europe.
In 2013, broaden my education with a master in Project Management (Business School LaSalle- URL, Barcelona, Spain).
As Researcher, i.e synthetic organic and medicinal chemist, more than 10 years of experience in preclinical drug discovery. As freelance consultant and manager, worked for several Galician private and public organizations, such as, for example, two spin-offs of the USC.
Proactive person, always willing to discover, learn, connect and thrive, under win-win premises. Convinced network maker, good connoisseur of the regional and local ecosystems (academia, clusters, foundations, SMEs, etc). Currently personally committed to two different civil society initiatives, which share some common objectives such as promoting (i) circular economy and social cohesion; (ii) environmental awareness and, (iii) in particular, focusing on recovery of the Sar river basin (i.e, its natural and intangible cultural heritage).
BioRefineries Blog
Daniel Morán Rodríguez is a chemical engineer from the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain) and has the firm conviction that chemical engineering plays a fundamental role as a generating agent for development and social and environmental change.
It has a very versatile profile with extensive training and experience in various fields: innovation, green chemistry, piping engineering, materials science, welding engineering and industrial safety. In his professional career, he has participated in industrial plant projects for the petrochemical, renewable energy and fertilizer sectors. Among their skills and values are creativity, perseverance and honesty.
His main professional passion is circular bioeconomy. For several years, he has been running the BioRefineries Blog, a platform to boost the biorefineries sector.
His experience in the Blog has allowed him to have an extensive network of contacts and a deep knowledge of all the realities that make up the bioeconomy. Daniel has joined Rayo Bioenergía to coordinate all the technical efforts and collaborate in the creation of the company's strategy and vision.
BIOVEGEN – Spanish Technology Platform for Plant Biotechnology
Gonzaga Ruiz de Gauna Gutiérrez, holds a degree in agricultural engineering from the Public University of Navarra (Spain), a MBA in Biotechnological Business Management from the Aliter Business International School and a Biotechnological Engineering Course from the Polytehcnical University of Madrid.
He is an specialized manager in Agrifood, Human health, Environment and Industrial R&D, specially focused on the Agricultural and Food Sectors. Experience in generating and managing R&D projects focused towards business requirements and technology transfer. Wide knowledge of R&D management/funding policies and tools. All of this, with a global view of the Science-Technology-Business system.
Currently: coordinator and manager of the Technological Platform for Plant Biotechnology (BIOVEGEN), managing R&D projects, and boosting innovation activities of the +100 BIOVGEN members. Also contributor of several university Master’s. Also member of several working groups in cooperation with Spanish Administration and other entities dedicated to promoting the private sector technological development.
Previously: Technology Transfer Technician in Genoma Spain Foundation (Ministry of Science). Biotechnology manager for Expansión financial newspaper and Aliter Business International School.
CENER
Javier Gil is the Director of the Biomass Department of CENER (National Renewable Energy Centre of Spain) since September 2015 coordinating the activities in several bioenergy fields: resources evaluation, sustainability studies, biofuels, bioproducts and thermochemical applications. He is also responsible for the management of the Biorefinery and Bioenergy Center (www.bio2c.es ). He is Doctor in Science (Chemical Engineering program) by the University of Zaragoza (1999). From 2002 to 2015 he also worked at CENER, first as senior researcher and later, from 2007, as Head of Thermochemical Applications Service. He has previously held various research positions at the Fraunhofer UMSICHT Institute and the University of Zaragoza.
He is also responsible for the management of the Biorefinery and Bioenergy Center (www.bio2c.es ). He is Doctor in Science (Chemical Engineering program) by the University of Zaragoza (1999). From 2002 to 2015 he also worked at CENER, first as senior researcher and later, from 2007, as Head of Thermochemical Applications Service. He has previously held various research positions at the Fraunhofer UMSICHT Institute and the University of Zaragoza.
Johnson & Johnson
Pharmacist and Doctor in Pharmacy from the Complutense University of Madrid.
Due to his personal and work interest he has worked in different areas, from Galenic development, records, manufacturing, quality assurance or marketing, currently captivated by corporate communication. This step through different departments has allowed him to know and understand much better a company as a whole, with different visions and points of view, which allows a better decision making and to know better the implications of these.
Technische Universität Dresden
As a forester and freelancer in forest education, I have been working in environmental communication for many years. I have therefore always tried to bring nature, the forest and the topic of sustainability closer to different target groups, from kindergarten children to senior citizens.
Since the project start of "Dendromass4Europe" (https://www.dendromass4europe.eu/) in June 2017, I have also been working as a communication manager for this project. Therefore, my interests like forests, sustainability and sustainable products have come together in my professional life, too. Nowadays, convincing the general public of the advantages of sustainable products and processes that the bioeconomy offers has reached highest priority for me. In Dendromass4Europe (D4EU) we use a wide variety of communication channels to inform about our project, the idea of sustainable wood production and our innovative products.
With a strong communicative partner like BioBridges, we could do that much better. In return, we at D4EU would be very happy to spread and share our knowledge, our convictions and visions for a more sustainable world with more bioeconomy and more circular economy – of course also beyond our project.
She finished the Faculty of Technology Novi Sad (Serbia) and been awarded with PhD in Materials Engineering – Polymer Materials.
Her research is dedicated to electrospinning of bio-based and biodegradable polymers for various applications: cosmetics, filtration, active packaging, sensors etc. Within her research the whole process from product design to final application is covered, and most of the products are developed to the TRL4. Very often she use nature-derived active compounds in order to produce functional biopolymer-based materials with zero impact on environment.
During her PhD studies, she was actively involved in three COST Actions: MP1206, FP1405 and CA15114, which helped her to grow her network of contacts. She was on four study visits at the institutions in France and Spain, where she has done part of research for my PhD thesis.
She won 3 awards on science communicator´s competitions: Fame Lab Serbia 2010, Falling Walls Lab 2018 Belgrade and BASF Start-up science 2018, and was participant of few Science Festivals and Researchers Night 2018.
Spain
Executive with over 19 years of experience in industry and technology both in local and multinational environments. Experienced Managing Director with a demonstrated history of working in the research industry.
Industrial engineer (ENSAM, París & ETSII, Bilbao), Master in Technology and Innovation Management (UCV), Advanced Management Program (ESADE), Women 50 (UCLA), PhD candidate (UPV).
Since sept. 2019: CEO at AINIA, a technology centre with more than 30 years of experience in offering solutions to the food, chemical, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and packaging sectors. It is made up of a team of 220 professionals and its mission is to add value and cooperate with companies, leading innovation and technological development in a sustainable way. The centre currently has more than 700 associated companies.
2009-2018: General Manager at REDIT, a private non-profit association that integrates the 11 Research and Technology Centers of the Valencian Region.
Prior experience both in automotive companies and in consultancy business.
España
General Director of the Cotec Foundation. He holds a degree in Biochemistry from the University of Salamanca and a Master's degree in Science, Technology and Society Studies from the same University.
He has also completed postgraduate studies in Pharmaceutical Industry Management and Leadership in Public Management at IE and IESE Business Schools.
From 2008 to 2012 he held the position of Director General of the Cabinet of the Minister of Science and Innovation, Cristina Garmendia, exercising functions in the general coordination of the Ministry's political action, and supervising the public agenda, parliamentary activity and relations with the media, and once this stage was over he returned as assistant to the presidency of ASEBIO, where he was general secretary during the years 2006 to 2008. Previously, he developed his career in the field of strategic consulting in the biotechnology sector and in the public R&D system. Barrero regularly collaborates with numerous media outlets and has taught at various universities and business schools.
Principality of Andorra
She'as a biotechnologist with experience in business development in some biotech and pharma companies.
With more than 10 years working in innovation development through cluster model implementation and open innovation projects. She's the chairwoman of ANBIO (Andorran Biotech Association) and she love science divulgation to spread knowledge to our society.
Specialty Logistics Coordinator, Spain
Cell And Gene Therapy and Direct To/From Patient.
On the pursuit of people's better health by putting the Patient at the heart of every logistic move.
Former Safety and Security Aviation Manager. Raised in a Humanistic Education Environment. Global Market Passionate .Proficiency in European and North American culture. International relations expert and crosscultural teams manager.
Passionate for People, Biopharma and Biotech. Advocate for a better future.
Bio-mi
Filip Miketa graduated from University of Rijeka School of Economics in 2006 and 2009. He has strong experience in Bio-economy and bio-plastics, and is an expert in South Eastern and Eastern European SME development.
Filip Miketa has 18 years of strong experience in the industry sector related to chemicals, materials and lately, bio-materials and bio-polymers, as well as, further transformation of dedicated materials into semi-final and final products ready for market.
Currently, he is the owner and CEO of Croatian Bio plastics company Bio-mi. The company is a full member of Biobased Industries Consortium and active in the following BBI JU projects: Effective, Ecoat, Mandala, BIOnTOP and Usable Packaging.
From 1999-2015, he worked at Mi-Plast, an SME where he was dedicated to sale products and develop new products environmentally friendly and aligned with customer needs.
From 2010 until now, he is focused on working with bio-materials and specifically bio-polymers i.e. bio-plastics through many projects where Mi-Plast is involved in.
Related projects are:
In addition to his significant experience on innovation project management, he is strongly dedicated and focused on contributing to the growth of the bioeconomy and the bio-based industry in East and South East Europe (in other words, in under developed member states and associated member states such as ex-Yugoslavia). The integration of East and South East member states in the bioeconomy landscape has already started, but it will be a long process where an strong participation of this company could bring benefits to the EC, and to other stakeholders from that geographical area.
Bio-mi d.o.o. company
Filip Miketa has 18 years of strong experience in industry sector related to chemicals, materials and lately, bio-materials and bio-polymers and further transformation of dedicated materials into semifinal and final products ready for market.
Currently he is the owner and CEO of Croatian Bio plastics company Bio-mi. The company is a Biobased Industries Consortium full member and active in the following BBI JU projects:
From 1999-2015 he has worked at Mi-Plast SME company where his work was dedicated on ales of products and development of new products which were aligned with customer needs and on the other hand were creating products that are environmental friendly. From 2010 until now he is dedicated to work with bio-materials and specifically bio-polymers i.e. bio-plastics through many projects which Mi-Plast company worked and is still working or implementing.
Related projects are:
Except significant innovation project management he is strongly dedicated and focused on spreading and widening of bio-economy and bio industry in East and South East Europe. In other words in under developed member states and associated member states e.g (ex Yugoslavia). Integration of East and South East member states and partners in frame of bio-economy started and it will be a long process where strong participation of this company could bring benefits from one side to EC and from the other side to other partners and companies in dedicated geographical area.
BIOVEGEN. Spanish Technology Platform for Plant Biotechnology
Gonzaga Ruiz de Gauna Gutiérrez is a specialized manager in Agrifood, Human health, Environment and Industrial R&D, specially focused on the Agricultural and Food Sectors. Experience in generating and managing R&D projects focused towards business requirements and technology transfer. Wide knowledge of R&D management/funding policies and tools.
Curerntly, he is coordinator and manager of the Technological Platform for Plant Biotechnology (BIOVEGEN).
BIOVEGEN is a private association composed up to now by 103 members (companies and research institutions) operating in the field of plant production. BIOVEGEN is also supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovacion.
BIOVEGEN’s main objective is to promote development of the Spanish Agrifood sector through innovation and new technologies and products with a focus in Applied Plant Biology. BIOVEGEN acts as a services provider of R&D management and provide business opportunities to its members: R&D financing, search of partners and clients, relations with the Administration, networking, participation in events, access to reports and information about the sector (R&d proposals marketplace, qualified human resources…) and more services focused on business development through innovation.
Cluster SPRING - Assobiotec
Mario Bonaccorso works at Assobiotec, the Italian Association for the development of biotechnology, as Head of Industrial Biotechnology, and (starting from November 2017) for the Italian Cluster of Green Chemistry SPRING as Cluster coordinator.
He is a journalist and a blogger, member of the Journalist Register of Lombardy. In October 2012 he founded Il Bioeconomista, The First Bioeconomy Blog (www.ilbioeconomista.com), which is today a reference point in the world debate on the bioeconomy. In the past Mario Bonaccorso collaborated with the newspaper Il Manifesto, where he contributed in the launch of the new insert publication Il Capitale, dedicated to Finance and Economy, and with the on line newspaper Affari Italiani (www.affaritaliani.it). Currently, he is regular contributor to Renewable Matter (www.renewablematter.eu).
Mario Bonaccorso graduated in Political Science at the University of Milan in 1998 and specialized in History of the European Union at the University of Aachen (RWTH, Germany). Ex lecturer of History of International Relations at the University of Milan, where he investigated the History of the European Integration through the German Historical Documents, in 2003 at the same University I obtained the Master in Labour Studies.
National Institute of Slovenia (NIB)
I am a microbiologist with a PhD in statistics. Shortly before obtaining my PhD, I was awarded the L’Oreal for women in science scholarship as recognition for my scientific work on statistical design and analysis of biological data.
I collaborated in over 18 research projects and authored/coauthored 31 peer reviewed scientific papers, 3 book chapters, >100 scientific conference contributions and media appearances. In the recent years, I have started actively engaging in scientific communication, an area that has been largely neglected so far. My success in this field is being confirmed by my appointment as an external expert of the European Commission for Communication, as a spokesperson for communication in the COST Action of DNAqua-Net and as the leader of dissemination and communication work package in H2020 project GoJelly.
My great passion is marine biotechnology, and I am striving to establish a research group to study the biological diversity of marine (micro)organisms in Slovenia, to get to know and exploit their biotechnological potential and conduct research until commercialization, possibly establishing spin-offs or partnering with industry representatives. We have been granted a H2020 GoJelly project, where we will use jellyfish to produce a biofilter for microplastics particles, and we will use the organisms in cosmetics as a fertilizer, as food for people and fish in aquaculture.
EUPLANTCROPP; Driehoek Research Support BV (DRS)
Biologist-Epidemiologist of training setting up his own consultancy company, Driehoek Research Support BV (DRS), after an academic career of about 20 years.
DRS serves clients in the profit and non-profit sector of Life Sciences. DRS, Jos Frantzen, is founder and manager of the European research infrastructure EUPLANTCROPP. The research infrastructure facilities R&D of industry and academia to use plant compounds for sustainable crop protection replacing synthetic pesticides. DRS, Jos Frantzen, was, and is, involved in the valorisation of plant compounds in cosmetics.
Jos Frantzen did not write scientific publications only. He published several articles in Dutch Newspapers and popular journals directed to, research, agriculture, and health care. Jos Frantzen follows the public debate closely with respect to sustainability including the need of bio-based economy.
Jos Frantzen is aware of the necessity of European collaboration to master the current challenges with respect to environment and economics. He is experienced and trained in setting up trans-national collaborations supported by his ability to express in several languages, i.e. English, German, French and Dutch.
Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra
At present: professor and researcher of the Faculty of Engineering in the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra.
In the past time in different positions: leader of research teams and director of research institutions and acting in several Slovak and international professional and advisory organisations, unions and associations.
Since 2005 to 2009: the member of the Standing Committee of Agricultural Research of EU and the Member of Program Committee of the 7th Framework Program of EU.
Coordinator and a member of consortia of many national and international projects included EU framework programs projects.
Author of hundreds scientific and practical articles.
Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra
Adriana Kolesárová (F, aged 43, h-index 11) is a vice-dean for science, research and foreign relations and a professor in “Agrobiotechnology” at the Department of Animal Physiology FBFS SUA in Nitra.
From 2019 she is a coordinator of EIT Food Hub in SR, contact person for the AgroBioFood Nitra National Platform for food and biotechnology as the official representative of the SR in relation to European and international initiatives and programmes, contact person for SR for Research Infrastructure for Food, Nutrition, and Health coordinated by Wageningen University, the SAFE Consortium and the FOODforce. She is a member of the Excellent scientific team Center of Animal Reproduction.
Publications: more than 440, citations: more than 400. National Research and Educational Projects (more than 20): Principal investigator of 7 national projects (APVV General Call, VEGA, KEGA, GA SPU in Nitra, Tatra banka Foundation), deputy of principal investigator in 3 projects and co-researcher in the other projects (more than 10 ).
International Research Projects (No. 5): Principal investigator of EIT Food Hub 2019, the APVV bilateral project Slovakia - France, deputy of principal investigator of the APVV bilateral project, Slovakia–Poland and member of the Management Committee of 2 European COST projects RGB-Net and SALAAM.
LIPOR
Researcher for the R&D&I unit at LIPOR, with a Degree on Microbiology from the School of Biotechnology of the Portuguese Catholic University.
The main activities have been centred on searching and applying biotechnological solutions for waste treatment and valorisation via mycological and bacterial ways. Highly experienced on the management and implementation of composting schemes in schools, households, companies and NGO.
AITEX
Environmental and textile engineer, with a doctoral thesis under development in sustainable textile engineering.
Working in AITEX, since April 2015, in international project proposal writing, management and execution, in calls as LIFE, BBI in research projects focused mainly in the finding of a sustainable and bio-based solution to reduce or substitute contaminant ingredients and compounds in textile, food, feed and cosmetics applications. Among other types of projects, it can be mentioned TENDER project management.
At the moment, I am coordinating a BBI project consortium, developing a research project on the exploitation of aquatic biomass for application in food, feed and cosmetic industries. On the other hand, also managing a TENDER project focused on supporting with grants design-oriented projects.
Bio Eco Energy Company d.o.o.
Goal-oriented professional business developer, trader and entrepreneur with degree of Master of Science in Molecular Physics and over 25 years’ experience spearheading successful business operations in agribusiness, commodities trading and renewable energy sector. Founder and General Director of Zelena Biomasna Energija d.o.o. (Slovenia).
Within his career, he was working in top management positions in blue-chip firms, and last 10 years he is engaged in renewable energy sources projects related to the cultivation and utilization of agricultural residues and energy crops in the purpose of pellets production and their conversion into heat and electricity.
Mr Chabannyi is responsible for the establishment and development of BEECO, a vertically integrated business to grow and process Perennial Lignocellulosic Crops for biomass conversion to energy, biofuels, non-woody fiber, bioplastics and other biomaterials. BEECO commercially cultivates Miscanthus x giganteus - a large, perennial grass hybrid - and develops the sustainable biomass feedstock supply chains in Croatia, aiming to become a leading supplier of cellulosic biomass feedstock in the Western Balkans region.
Open Innovation Manager SusChem Spain
Chemical Engineer, specialized in sustainability and innovation, with 10 years of professional experience both in the promotion of public-private collaboration in innovation and in the development of regional, national and European projects in the field of industrial sustainability and circular bioeconomy.
Master Degree in Environmental Management and Engineering from EOI – Business School and a Master Degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Seville.
Currently, I am Open Innovation Manager of SusChem Spain, supporting the activities aimed at boosting collaboration projects in sustainable chemistry and industrial biotechnology.
TECNALIA R&I
Dr. Aitor Barrio Ulanga PhD in organic chemistry by Complutense University of SPAIN in the modification of natural products. In 2008, he joined TECNALIA in fire group in which took experience in the characterization of fire reaction and fire resistance of construction products for 3 years and up to know he is focused in improvement of biobased materials for application in building sector as a senior researcher.
Some achievements include a 1 PhD thesis supervised (fire retardancy of biobased flexible foams), 11 ISI publications and an h index value of 7. Project coordinator of HIFIVENT project (FP7-SME-2013-2016) “High durable and fire performing WPC for ventilated façades”, focused on the improvement of the fire performance of WPC for application in ventilated facades.
Researcher in charge of the fire research in OSIRYS project (FP7-NMP-2013-2017) “Forest based composites for façades and interior partitions to improve indoor air quality in new builds and restoration” coordinated by TECNALIA and focused in a biobased multilayer façade. Project coordinator of REHAP project :(H2020-SPIRE03-2016-2020) ”Systemic approach to Reduce Energy demand and CO2 emissions of processes that transform agroforestry waste into High Added Value Products” focused in the revalorization of agro-forestry wastes and the development of high added value products for construction sector.
ENEA – Italian National Agency for the Energy, the Environment and the Sustainable Economic Development
I am an environmental engineer with a PhD on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) application on energy production through biomass valorization.
In ENEA I mainly work on LCA, Industrial symbiosis and circular economy strategies implementation and on Green Public Procurement (GPP) application.
Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant
Tanja Meyer is European Project Coordinator at Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant (BBEPP) working in the project acquisition unit of the company since 2017.
Before she came to Ghent, Belgium, she was Project Manager for several FP7/Horizon 2020 projects and Networking associations at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation in Germany, in the area of micro-and nanotechnology, cyber-physical systems and smart devices.
She is currently the coordinator of BioBase4SME, an Interreg NWE Project aiming to enhance the competitive landscape for SMEs in North-West Europe. Tanja Meyer holds a master’s degree in Technology and Innovation Management (The University of Brisbane) and an engineer degree in Bio-and Nanotechnologies (University of Applied Science Suedwestfalen). Her passion lies in exploring new networking opportunities, communicating biobased solutions, travelling with her backpack, and Latin dance.
Unitelma Sapienza University of Rome
Piergiuseppe Morone is Full Professor of Economic Policy at Unitelma Sapienza with a strong interest in green innovation and sustainable development pushing his research at the interface between innovation economics and sustainability transitions, an area of enquiry that has attracted growing attention over the last decade. His work regularly appears in prestigious innovation and environmental economics journals.
He is coordinator of STAR-ProBio, an H2020 research project aiming at developing sustainability assessment tools for bio-based products and promote their market penetration.
Piergiuseppe is head of the Bioeconomy in Transition Research Group, a research unit at Unitelma Sapienza involved in research concerning the emergence of a circular and bio-based economy.
Piergiuseppe is member of the Editorial Boards of Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry (ELSEVIER) and Open Agriculture (De Gruyter Open) and acts as Guest Editor for various journal including the Journal of Cleaner Production (ELSEVIER) and Sustainability (MDPI).
Since July 2019 he has been appointed Economic Advisor of the Italian Minister of the Environment, Land and Sea Protection.
Glanbia Ireland
Glanbia Ireland is a world class, ambitious, integrated agri-food and nutrition business, with a diverse portfolio of quality ingredients, leading consumer and agri brands with the proven talent to succeed in the global market.
Glanbia Ireland owns leading consumer and agri brands such as Avonmore, Kilmeaden Cheese, Premier Milk, Wexford, mymilkman.ie and GAIN Animal Nutrition. It processes a 2.4 billion litre milk pool from 21 counties in Ireland and exports high quality dairy and agri ingredients as well as branded products to over 60 countries.
Glanbia Ireland are the co-ordinating partner of the BBI JU funded AgriChemWhey project. It is the first dairy industry project to be awarded funding under the programme. The project will explore the development of a new state-of-the-art, bio-refinery at Lisheen, Co Tipperary with a world-first process for converting by-products from the dairy industry into high value bio-based products including biodegradable plastics.
Agricultural University of Athens, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
Apostolis Koutinas is Chemical Engineer (University of Patras, Greece) with PhD in Biochemical Engineering (UMIST, UK). He is currently Associate Professor at the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the Agricultural University of Athens (Greece).
His research focuses on bioprocess and biorefinery development including process design, techno-economic evaluation and life cycle assessment. Emphasis is given on sustainability assessment for the production of bio-based chemicals and polymers (e.g. succinic acid, 2,3-butanediol, polyhydroxyalkanoates, microbial oil, bacterial cellulose) within a circular economy context. Since 2011, he has participated in more than 20 ongoing or completed research projects funded by national and international funding agencies.
He has published more than 125 research, review and editorial papers in peer-reviewed international scientific journals (h index 28 excluding self-citations, scopus database) and 16 book chapters. He currently serves as Deputy Editor in the Biochemical Engineering Journal (Elsevier).
Staramaki Social Cooperative Enterprise
Founder of staramaki Social Cooperative Enterprise which produces a wheat based natural alternative to plastic drinking straws.
Many rural regions in Greece suffer from low value wheat monoculture, unemployment and brain drain. The concept of STARAMAKI is based on the needs and strengths of the Kilkis region. Wheat is the main crop in the Kilkis region and exhibits water-resistance properties.
Staramaki is a byproduct of wheat cultivation as it is made from the stalk left over after wheat grains are harvested.
Staramaki Project sets an example for other regions in Greece to develop similar bioeconomy solutions based on local characteristics in order to cover local needs in economy and society.
Archer Daniels Midland - Biopolis SL
I made my PhD degree working at the Department of Molecular Genetics of the pharmaceutical company Antibióticos S.A. Then I moved to the University of Wageningen at The Netherlands as a post-doc.
I was Professor of Food Technology at both the National Spanish Research Council (CSIC) and the University of Valencia. Actually, I am Vicepresident of R&D on Health & Wellness at Archers Daniel Midland (ADM). I am author of 150 articles in peer reviewed journals and co-author of more than 30 families of patents covering 450 IP documents, most of them transferred as products in the market.
I have obtained the Prize of the Spanish Society of Microbiology, the Prize of the Spain Danone Institute, the European Prize for Scientific Dissemination, the Juan de la Cierva National Research Prize, the International Hipocrates Prize, the Medal for the Promotion of Invention of the García Cabrerizo Foundation and the International Nutrachampion Award.
I am Academic of the Royal Academy of Engineering of Spain. I belongs to the Governing Council of the CSIC. In addition, I am Vicepresident of the Board of Directors of the Association of Spanish biotechnology companies (ASEBIO).
European Federation of Biotechnology
2013-to the present day. Member of the Executive Board of the European Federation of Biotechnology. Chairman of the Task Force Bioeconomy. Senior international advisor on Bioeconomy, Science Policy and Innovation on several international organisations. Member of the “100 de COTEC”. Member of the AEAC, Asociación Española para el Avance de la Ciencia.
1986-2012 European Commission, Brussels. Directorate General Research and Innovation. He occupied different positions such as: Head of Unit Biotechnologies (2006-12); Head of Unit International Scientific Cooperation (2004-06); Head of Unit Applied Genomics and Biotechnology (2002-04); Head of Unit “Cell Factory” (1999-2002); Head of Unit Demonstration Projects in Life Sciences (1997-99); plus, different positions as Principal Scientific Officer and Scientific Officer
1981-1986 Associate Professor of Microbiology (Profesor Titular), University of León, Spain and University Complutense of Madrid (1986-2012, “servicios especiales”; 2012 - present day “excedencia voluntaria por interés particular”).
1983 Visiting Fellow, Institut für Zellbiologie, Eidgenössische Technishe Hochschule (ETH), Zurich
1979-1981 Postdoctoral Research Fellow, John Innes Institute (Norwich, UK) with an EMBO fellowship
1975-79 PhD Biochemistry at the Institute of Enzymology, CSIC – Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University Autonomous of Madrid
1974-75 Lever Ibérica, SA, (Unilever), Department of R&D
1974 Graduate in Chemistry (Biochemsitry), University Complutense of Madrid
Owner of 3 Japanese patents, about 200 publications on science management and science policy and more than 85 publications on experimental research
Interested in the dialogue science – society, astronomy, writing
InKemia IUCT
PhD in Chemistry by University of London (QMUL), Postdoc at Kyoto University.
Deputy director of the department of business development of Inkemia, I am in charge of the development and establishing new R&D relationships to seek synergies with Inkemia.
Coordinator of several EU projects, I have been involved in the development and management of projects from FP6 to H2020.
Representative of InKemia towards organizations such as BBI, and EuropaBio ASEBIO industrial biotechnology workgroup and the SUSCHEM reaction and processes workgroup.
Also I am representative of InKemia at public bodies such as CDTI, ACC1Ò and Madrid Community (SPAIN) and EU commission, and BBI-JU
BIOSEARCH, S.A.
PhD in Organic Chemistry from the UNED university and Bachelor with a degree in Organic Chemistry from the UCM.
I have 13 years of experience in the management of R&D projects in the pharmaceutical, chemical, food and biotechnology sector.
Since 2007, I am the person in charge of Project Management at Biosearch Life, where I have developed a relevant career in the leadership and coordination of large collaborative national R & D & I projects.
I also have experience in the application and participation in European proposals FP6, FP7 and H2020. IP knowledge.
Author of 13 scientific publications in journals of high impact index and various contributions to Congresses.
Bio Market Insights
Luke Upton is the co-founder and Editor of Bio Market Insights. A business journalist by training, he launched its predecessor, Bio-Based World News in 2015 and is a regular contributor to industry events and publications.
He was a member of the consortium that wrote the European Commission’s Research and Innovation Policy for Bio-based Products (BIO-SPRI). His work also includes overseeing the leading European event on the business of the bio-economy, World Bio Markets.
A passionate believer that we need to do business in a different and better way, he sees bio-based products, materials and chemicals as powerful tools in making this change. Originally from South Wales, he now lives in London, where he is married with two young children.
Nordic Council of Ministers
Advisor in the Nordic Council of Ministers' Office. The Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Estonia brings together Nordic and Estonian (and Baltic) politicians, civil servants, experts, representatives from the private sector and opinion leaders in areas of common interest.
Mr. Tilga is an environment, energy, climate, bioeconomy - green Economy advisor. Organizer of environmental festival Rohevik. Interested in public policy and community approach in supporting the uptake of bioeconomy; some socio-economic trend perspective and systems approach at the intersection of energy, bioeconomy, spatial planning. The Council is also responsible for introducing the Nordic eco-label to Estonia.
Mr. Tilga has over 6 years of experience in facilitating bioeconomy uptake in co-operation between Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania and Nordic countries. This often means setting up round tables, making business and public seminars, arranging hackathons, observing the work of Baltic Sea Region Bioeconomy council and being engaged in local level strategy discussions.
Mainly interested in diversification of biomass production, how to find the best economic and environmental benefit from various biological streams. And how to make it happen on the small scale on the local and regional level by applying nature-based solutions or Blue economy principles.
Organización Interprofesional Láctea - INLAC
Nowadays, she is general manager of INLAC (April 2019-now). She had almost 15 years of experience at Spanish Food and Drink Industry Federation (FIAB) in developing R&D and innovation projects mainly for the food and drink industry.
She was manager of Research, Development and Innovation department in FIAB and Secretary General of Technological Platform Food for Life-Spain (PTF4LS), where she manages national and EU R&D projects (from 2007 till 2017).
Since 2015 Nuria Mª Arribas was coordinator of the Spanish bioeconomy strategy. Earlier (2002-2006), she was director of the website www.informacionconsumidor for the Foundation ALIMENTUM and she has been mayor of a small village, Pinilla del Valle (Madrid), for 4 years (2003-2007).
She was associate professor/teacher in different universities:
Nuria Mª Arribas has an experience in organizing sessions at international congresses such as: Aliber 2016-2018 in Alimentaria Fair, Barcelona; Alibetopias 2016-2018 and Nutraceuticals 2017-2018 which were in Madrid.
Lainez Biotrends Consultoria Estratégica
I obtained a degree in Veterinary Medicine in 1986. While working as an official in the regional government of Valencia (Spain), I obtained a PhD in Agricultural Engineering, in addition to a Master's Degree in Food Security.
I am currently an independent research and innovation consultant in the fields of agri-food and bioeconomics.
I have been Director of the National Institute of Agrifood Technology Research in Spain for six years, until mid-2018. The main activities in this position have been: coordination of agri-food and forestry research and technology activities in Spain, execution of research projects in that field and international representation in that area (G20, SCAR, Latin America, bilateral), in addition to maintain continuous contacts with companies and sector organizations, to promote public-private collaboration.
During that time, I coordinated the Spanish bioeconomy strategy; planning, preparation, preparation and presentation. After approval, I coordinated the Spanish bioeconomy observatory for two years. I have also been General Director of Agrifood Research and Technology, in the Valencian Community, managing regional competencies in research, experimentation, training and technology transfer in the field of agri-food. At the same time, I have supervised the control of phytosanitary products.
I have been an associate professor at the Valencian Polytechnic University for ten years.
CLAMBER R&D Biorefinery
Javier Mena Sanz is PhD in Chemical Engineering from the UCLM in the field of wastewater treatment, biotechnology, the environment and waste recovery.
He began his research and teaching career at that university, acting as an assistant professor for 2 years. Later, he coordinated the R&D department in
Alquimia Soluciones Ambientales, S.L. for 6 years, where he was responsible for the coordination, application and management of all types of R+D+i projects.
Then, for 2 years, he was the plant supervisor of the CLAMBER Project for the IRIAF. There, he was in charge of the preparation of technical
specifications of the actions included in the project, evaluation of proposals, supervision of the construction of the current CLAMBER R&D Biorefinery, supervision of the projects developed by the different winners and of the technical justification of the funds of the CLAMBER project itself. Currently and since March 2017, he works as Scientific Coordinator of the CLAMBER R & D Biorefinery, where he is responsible for the coordination, application and management of R & D projects related to the valorization of biomass and biotechnology.
Throughout his career, he has participated in 13 R&D projects funded by competitive public calls, where 3 of them are from European calls. In addition, he has participated in 8 private projects contracted by companies, in 8 scientific publications and in a large number of informative publications and congresses.
Agrifood Campus of International Excellence
General Manager of ceiA3 and Ph.D in Food Science. She has been involved, as an external expert, in the start up of the regulatory rules of the EIP-AGRI regional Operational Groups supported under the Rural Development Programmes.
She has coordinated the participation of ceiA3 in 12 operational regional groups and 2 operational national group. Member of the governance board of the Andalusian Rural Development Programme.
During her position as Head of Quality and Agrifood Promotion Service in the Regional Ministry of Andalusia (2009-2013) she was responsible of the regulation of differentiated food quality schemes. She was responsible in Andalusia of competent service in the areas of:
During her position as Advisor to the General Director of Industries and Food Quality (2004-2009) she was responsible of the coordination of the Rural Development Plan 2007-2013 of the DG measures.
Agrifood Campus of International Excellence
International project officer at ceiA3. She has a Degree in Environmental Sciences and wide experience in European project management concerning international and territorial cooperation and R&I and European rural development policies, both in Spain and Portugal.
She has worked for the Institute of Mediterranean Agricultural and Environmental Sciences of the University of Evora as a researcher and international project officer mostly regarding H2020 projects as well as international cooperation for development project officer for several non gubernamental organisations. She is currently responsible for the Bioeconomy Strategy at ceiA3.
University of Almeria
PhD in Chemistry and Professor at the University of Almeria. Deeply concerned by Bioeconomy and Circular Economy, he has developed research and communication activities in these fields. More than 60 scientific papers dealing with Bioeconomy, food safety and Agri-food.
National Expert in FP at the DG-DEVCO European Commission, Unit C1 Food Security, Nutrition and Sustainable Agriculture 2013-2014
Member of expert´s Focus Group of the European Innovation Partnership in Agriculture (EIP-AGRI) “Circular Horticulture” 2018-2019
Vice-chancellor of Research Development and Innovation 2015
Director of the Research Results Transfer Office 2013-2015
Deputy director of the Research Centre of Agri-food Biotechnology (CIAIMBITAL) 2009-20015
Advisor of Central Services for Research at the University of Almeria 2006-2009
Advisor of IAEA-FAO Commitee in the field of analytical chemistry, 2003-2004
EuropaBio aisbl
Agnes has worked as Director for Industrial Biotechnology at EuropaBio since September 2018, prior to which she was Manager for Industrial Biotechnology, a role which she took on in December 2015.
Agnes works with the aim to improve understanding, awareness and development of a more enabling policy environment for Industrial Biotech and bio-based products in Europe, further the transition towards a circular bioeconomy and other priorities. Her tasks range from strategy and policy analysis and drafting to outreach, coalition building and event organisation. The latter includes leading the core organising team of EFIB - the European Forum for Industrial Biotechnology and the Bioeconomy. She also leads EuropaBio’s work in the European Bioeconomy Alliance, where EuropaBio is a founding member.
Prior to joining EuropaBio, Agnes worked as Public Affairs Consultant for Weber Shandwick Brussels during five years. Environment, sustainability and resource efficiency were her main areas of specialisation.
She has prior work experience from the European Parliament and the Swedish Embassy in Lisbon and holds a Master of Political Science (Politices Magisterexamen) from the University of Lund, Sweden, as well as a Master of Arts in EU International Relations and Diplomacy Studies from the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium. Apart from her native Swedish, she speaks English, Spanish and French.
2019-Today. FIAB (Federación española de Industrias de Alimentación y Bebidas). Director de I+D.
Secretario Gral. De la Plataforma Tecnologica “Food for Life-Spain”.
2013-2019. CDTI (Directorate, Promotion & Cooperation). Specialist/advisor in Bioeconomy, Food and Beverages Sector:
2010-2013. CDTI (Directorate, Global Innovative Markets). Specialist/advisor in Agri-Food Sector:
2009-2010. CDTI (International Directorate). Officer in Agri-food, Biotech and Health Technologies:
2005-2009. CDTI (Technology Directorate): Expert evaluator in Agri-Food projects
2002-2004. Comunidad de Madrid (Innovation Directorate): Head of Department “Promotion of the innovation”
2001-2000. Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología de España (Fundación Fomento Innovación Industrial). Evaluation and Monitoring in Agri-food and Biotech
1998-1999. DESHERCA INGENIEROS, S.A. Technical and Economical Consultant
1999-2002 Universidad Politécnica de Madrid/Escuela Técnica Superior Ingenieros Agrónomos
1. If you are a person convinced that bio-based products are the sustainable alternative to fossil based products.
2. If you are interested in promoting sustainable capacities and the qualities of these new products through support actions.
3. If you consider bioeconomy as the new alternative to the current economic model.
Then, this is your opportunity to become a promotional agent of the Biobridges project!
You can be a “BioHeroe” and participate in various advertising campaigns and promotional actions of bio-based products and sustainable business models and contribute to the growth of the bioeconomy in Europe .
Remember! If you are a person concerned about the environment and committed to its sustainability, do not miss the opportunity to be our spoke person.
Activities to be involved
Our BioHeroes could be involved in the following project activities:
Be involved in the dissemination and communication of the bioeconomy and bio-based products: The BioHeroes could help to promote and disseminate the outcomes of the project at different geographical levels, such as the cooperation challenges identified among bio-based industries, brands and consumers, best practices and recommendations to boost the bioeconomy in Europe.
Participate in promotional actions: Such as videos (involving the BioHeroes as ~spoke-persons or testimonials) and promotional materials pitching to key stakeholders the advantages of sustainable alternatives of business models and the bio-based potential for our economy.
Participate in European, national events and policy debates: The BioHeroes could attend to the events organised by the project, promoting the project and encouraging cooperation and dialogue between those actors involved in the bioeconomy R&I and the citizens.
What we offer?
It is important to mention that there is no monetary compensation from the projects or the consortium members.
What is offered to BioHeroes is to give you visibility and dissemination through the different channels and networks of the project. As a European funded project composed by partners from different countries the visibility at European level will be encouraged.
Commitment
Participation as a BioHeroe is on volunteer basis. A “Letter of Agreement” will be signed between the project and the person. It should be noted that such signature will not be legally binding but will ‘demonstrate’ the commitment and willingness to contribute to project objectives.
They will complement the BIOBRIDGES partners’ effort by advising them on:
If you are ...
... we would like to invite you to be part of the Biobridges Advisory Board and complement our effort to:
Activities to be involved
The Advisory Board members will be involved in the following project activities:
What we offer?
The expertise, activities and profile of the AB members will be promoted through the project activities and tools, such as:
Moreover, the AB members will be the first to be informed of our results (e.g. visual material, promo videos, serious games, interactive apps, etc.) and activities (e.g. co-creation events) so that they can help us fine-tune them and enhance their acceptance and use.
Commitment
Participation in the AB is on a volunteer basis. The involvement of the AB members will be either ad-hoc (remotely via email exchange, teleconferences, etc.) or during round tables and workshops that will be organised to facilitate direct interaction. The scope and timing of such events will be shared well in advance in order to ensure their availability and allow enough time for the necessary logistical preparations, while their travel costs to attend these meetings (if needed) will be covered by the project.
