Generation B Project SmartBio

Smart Matching – Advancing Bioeconomy by understanding substrate process interaction

Part A: Young scientist`s project

The modern bioeconomy is in transition from theory to industrial application. A variety of different processes are currently being developed based on different substrates and different organisms / processes to produce e.g. chemicals, food and feed additives. Current research projects often do not address the extent to which the developed process can be integrated into the bioeconomy. Accordingly, current research lacks the ability to decide which process offers the optimal conditions in which scenarios.
SmartBio addresses these challenges by developing a platform for decision-making. This platform combines abiotic and biotic experiments with existing data on substrates, processes and local conditions that allow the identification of optimal process variants with the help of suitable tools (e.g. morphological box). 

Part B: Mentoring Tandem Project

Integrating bioeconomy into a sustainable future industrial landscape is a key requirement for achieving a circular economy and thereby mitigating climate change. Over the past decades, bioeconomy has gained significant popularity, with global and local players establishing various networks of stakeholders. Within these networks, future needs and trends are discussed, driving the development of bioeconomy.
For young researchers, participation in these networks, collaboration with relevant stakeholders, and increased visibility within the network are essential. On one hand, the career development of young researchers is critically dependent on these networks. On the other hand, targeted research is only possible when current needs and trends are understood.
In this context, mentoring programs are of utmost importance. These programs pair a senior bioeconomy player (mentor) with an ambitious young researcher (mentee). The mentee gets the chance to expand their network and gain insights into the current bioeconomy landscape. This measure significantly boosts the mentee’s career, allowing them to contribute substantially to the bioeconomy more quickly. Conversely, the mentor gains new insights into novel ideas emerging from young researchers. Hence, the mentoring program benefits both the mentor’s and the mentee’s career development.
The program developed by the mentor and mentee consists of different elements that contribute to the necessary developments discussed earlier. As a result, the mentor is equipped with new ideas, and the mentee is well-prepared for a future career in bioeconomy, significantly contributing to its future development.