The European Workshop on Biotechnology: Bio-based Materials, held from February 2 to 5, 2026, at the Energypolis Campus, was very well received by participants from many countries. Organized by the Bio-based Materials Division of the European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB), in collaboration with the HES-SO Valais-Wallis School of Engineering and the HEIA-FR, the event offered a particularly rich and stimulating experience.

A successful balance between expertise and practice

The workshop offered a program combining expert lectures, practical laboratory work, and collaborative workshops. Participants from Canada, the Netherlands, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland appreciated the alternation between theoretical input and practical application. From the study of biopolymers to recent advances in enzymatic degradation and synthetic biology, the program explored innovative avenues with high potential.

The workshop brought together a high-level scientific committee and numerous international speakers, including:

• Manfred Zinn (HES-SO Valais-Wallis, Switzerland), whose introductory remarks and vision of bio-based materials set the overall tone for the event.
• Georg M. Gübitz (BOKU, Austria), who presented his work on the enzymatic degradation of plastics and the biodegradation of polymers.
• Lucia Gardossi (University of Trieste, Italy), who presented sustainable and innovative approaches to the synthesis of polyesters and biopolymers.
• Roger Martí (HEIA-FR, Switzerland), who shared his research on keratin treatment and its potential applications in the development of biopolymers.
• Auxi Prieto (CSIC-CIB / SusPlast, Spain), who spoke about insights into bacterial cellulose: from properties to application trends.

Other speakers included:

• HES-SO Valais-Wallis (Switzerland): Véronique Amstutz, Nils Hanik, Basil Imoberdorf, Julien Pott, Matthias Rüdt, Sergio Schmid.
• Bioengineering AG (Switzerland): Matthias Bally.
• Empa / EMPA (Switzerland): Tim Börner, Claudia Som.
• Beckman Coulter / Beckman Coulter Life Sciences (Germany / Switzerland): Simon Briel, Frédéric Forini.
• Kuori (Switzerland): Arthur Groh.
• NOTRIXX (Switzerland): Anika Hoffmann
• EPFL Lausanne (Switzerland): Véronique Michaud
• Amelia Biosciences (Switzerland): Sandra Núñez.
• CSIC-CIB / SusPlast (Spain): Auxi Prieto.
• Anton Paar (Switzerland): Philippe Renaud.
• Bloom (Switzerland): Philip Scholten.
• OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (Switzerland): Daniel Schwendemann.
• 3LIT (Switzerland): Sara Sovari.
• inspire AG (Switzerland): Daniel Werner.

The interactive and immersive nature of the workshop was particularly appreciated. Highlights included:

• Laboratory workshops: practical sessions offering hands-on immersion in the operation of bioreactors, microalgae processing, and the production and purification of bioplastics.
• Networking opportunities: the raclette dinner symposium and informal discussions helped to forge lasting links between experts, researchers, and industry professionals.

Feedback from participants was very positive, both in terms of scientific quality and the diversity of expertise on offer. One participant commented: "A unique opportunity to discover cutting-edge biotechnologies in a stimulating and friendly environment." The combination of academic excellence, practical relevance, careful organization, and an exceptional setting helped make this event a memorable experience.

The European Workshop on Biotechnology: Bio-based Materials has established itself as a benchmark and paves the way for future editions. Both organizers and participants are already looking forward to continuing this momentum, which is conducive to innovation and collaboration in the field of bio-based materials.

The organizing team would like to thank the main sponsors, Bioengineering AG and Beckman Coulter Life Sciences , and support from Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences (SATW) , Biotechnet , as well as HES-SO, for their crucial support in making this event a success.