To foster international collaboration and advance the frontiers of sustainable biotechnology, Dr. Elina Dace recently participated in the WIRE COST Action Workshop on Waste biorefinery technologies for accelerating sustainable energy processes, held in Cottbus, Germany on 4-5 October. This important workshop brought together a community of academics and industry stakeholders to discuss the evolving landscape of microbial biotechnology and the thermochemical valorisation of waste substrates.
Elina was honoured to present the research entitled "Prospective Life Cycle Assessment of Microbial Sophorolipid Fermentation", developed within the Waste2Surf project together with Karina Balina, Raimonda Soloha, Janis Liepins, Konstantins Dubencovs and Arturs Suleiko. Elina's presentation explored the intricacies of microbial sophorolipid fermentation, a promising field of study with the potential for the sustainable production of biosurfactants. Using a life cycle assessment approach, this research aims to elucidate the environmental footprint of microbial sophorolipid production, setting the stage for the development of more environmentally friendly bioprocesses.
The workshop was also fertile ground for Elina to explore opportunities for collaboration. With a forward-looking approach, she engaged in productive dialogues with various stakeholders and actively sought partnerships for new project proposals. The interactions at the WIRE workshop not only provided a platform for sharing and receiving constructive feedback but also opened up avenues for potential collaborations that could significantly contribute to the field of sustainable biotechnology.
The insights and experiences gained from this workshop are invaluable as we in the Circularity Transitions Research Group continue to strive for a sustainable future through pioneering research and international collaboration. Elina's proactive involvement in such esteemed gatherings exemplifies our collective commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering a global network of like-minded professionals dedicated to solving some of our time's most pressing environmental challenges.
As we reflect on the success of the WIRE workshop and the promising discussions it fostered, we look forward to the continued exchange of ideas and the potential to cultivate lasting partnerships that will advance the mission of sustainable microbial biotechnology.
Photo credit: WIRE COST Action
This research has been supported by the European Regional Development Fund within the project No. 1.1.1.1/19/A/047 “Sustainable Microbial Valorisation of Waste Lipids into Biosurfactants”.
COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) is a funding agency for research and innovation networks. COST Actions help connect research initiatives across Europe and enable scientists to grow their ideas by sharing them with their peers. This boosts their research, career and innovation.
https://www.cost.eu/