On the basis of the BioSC project HySyn, which ended in 2019, the Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology (HHU Düsseldorf) and the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology have acquired a follow-up project from the BMBF. HySyn started to characterize a recently discovered enzyme family of algae that produces alkanes and alkenes. This work is being continued in the BMBF project FAPBiotech. The results of the project should help to pave the way for sustainable hydrocarbon production.

Laura Helleckes received the prize of the DECHEMA Future Forum Biotechnology for her master's thesis. The prize is endowed with 3,000 euros and is supported by Sartorius Stedim Biotech. Helleckes works in the group of Prof. Dr. Marco Oldiges, BIOSC Core Group Wiechert.

A BioSC workshop on the recycling of plastic waste was held in Aachen on 10th February. 45 scientists and entrepreneurs discussed different aspects of the topic ranging from depolymerisation to biotechnological and chemical conversion as well as the quantification of microplastics.

The 7th BioSC Spotlight took place at RWTH Aachen University on 5th February. Scientists from different disciplines discussed challenges and new developments for the production of materials and chemicals from the heterogeneous raw materials of a circular economy.

Bioeconomy is the topic of the Science Year 2020. At the opening event in Berlin on 16th January, Federal Research Minister Anja Karliczek stated that the bioeconomy is a key to sustainable life and a future-proof economy. In the framework of the Science Year, the concept of the bioeconomy with all its potential and challenges will be made accessible from different perspectives.

On 15th January 2020, the Federal Cabinet adopted the National Bioeconomy Strategy. Federal Research Minister Anja Karliczek and Federal Agriculture Minister Julia Klöckner presented the strategy in Berlin. It is designed to significantly support sustainable development. The sustainability goals of the United Nations provide an important framework.

Illustration: Florian Sänger for BMBF