Lars Santema from the University of Groningen (NL) talks about his experience working at Novonesis in Denmark and the one thing that he misses about the Netherlands.   One of the OXIPRO project’s achievements has been its success in upskilling, capacity building, and knowledge sharing across partners. We’ve made a concerted effort to ensure that our Early Career Researchers are able to take advantage of the technical expertise of different partners, and where possible, spend time at counterpart institutes gaining...

One of OXIPRO's aims is to encourage capacity building and upskilling among all its partners, and to provide opportunities to do so, particularly for Early Career Researchers (ECRs). Here we report on the recent experience of Espen Joon Søvik, who joined the Marine Biotechnology group at NORCE as part of his MSc journey.   Espen says: I recently had the opportunity to be part of the Marine Biotechnology group at the NORCE Norwegian Research Center, where I successfully completed my...

The National Science Week in Norway – 20th and 21st of September, Bergen The National Science Week in Norway is a nationwide event held every year to make science and research available to the public. On a Friday and Saturday at the end of September each year, curious spectators of all ages get the opportunity to try, taste, ask questions, discuss, wonder or be surprised alongside enthusiastic researchers from the research communities. This event was held in Bergen on the...

Geared up with safety shoes, vests and goggles, a group of OXIPRO scientists were welcomed inside Rolco’s production facilities outside Athens to learn how enzymes are used in environmentally friendly detergents.     The Greek detergent producer Rolco is a partner in the EU-funded project OXIPRO and interested in novel enzyme-based formulations to promote more sustainable homecare products. As part of OXIPRO’s annual meeting this spring in Athens, Rolco invited project participants for a visit to their 22,410 m2 factory....

OXIPRO is delighted to welcome our new expert to the project team at SBSM: Christiane Hollmann, PhD.   A Biologist and Molecular Biologist by training, Christiane holds degrees from the Free University Berlin and the University of Hamburg, specialising in Immunology and Oncology, and specifically in medical and therapeutic contexts. Her PhD focused on the genetics of Juvenile (autoimmune) Diabetes at the University Hospital Eppendorf.  Following this, as a post-doc, Christiane conducted research into germinal center reactions in AIDS within...

Unlocking Life’s Potential Biocatalysts Ltd is a global biotechnology company producing speciality enzymes at commercial scales for food, flavour and fragrances, pharmaceuticals, life science and fine chemical industries. Biocatalysts Ltd offer both off- the-shelf enzyme products and an award-winning customised enzyme discovery, development, and manufacturing service, with the tools and flexibility to provide tailored solutions specific to customers’ needs and to deliver rapid enzyme scale up from discovery through to full commercialisation. Biocatalysts Ltd produce high value enzymes through microbial...

OXIPRO is extending enormous congratulations to Gerard Guerra Mas (UAB) for winning the best poster award at the IX National Congress of Industrial Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, held in Madrid from 10th - 12th June.   Gerard's poster titled 'Optimización de la producción recombinante en Escherichia coli de la enzima N-acetil glucosamina oxidasa en un sistema libre de antibióticos' was viewed by many of the 200 participants attending this forum for discussion and exchange of knowledge and experiences in Industrial...

We are excited to announce the release of the 9th issue of "The Active Site" newsletter, now available here! This edition is packed with exciting updates, ground-breaking research, and insightful articles that highlight the latest advancements in enzyme technology and their transformative impact across various industries.   What’s Inside the 9th Issue?  - Editorial: “Enzymes in Cosmetics and Personal Care - A Catalyst for Change or Just Another Trend?  - Top papers: selected by our scientific committee  - Highlighted news:...

OXIPRO and its three sister projects: ‘The Cluster Enzyme for Greener Products’, joined forces to showcase how our enzyme-based innovations may translate into a reduced environmental impact of our everyday lives and consumption at the European Science Open Forum (ESOF) from 12th to 15th June in this year’s ‘European City of Science’ Katowice, Poland. This international interdisciplinary event attracted a large gathering of leading scientists, policymakers, journalists, business leaders, and the public to discuss cutting-edge scientific advancements and their societal...

The OXIPRO project team recently convened in Athens, Greece, for their third annual project meeting. Inspired by the city’s rich scientific heritage, the partners kicked off the final year of this ground-breaking initiative and focused on achieving remarkable progress.   OXIPRO focuses on harnessing the power of oxidoreductases—enzymes that facilitate crucial chemical reactions reducing or oxidizing molecules – and applying this in four key areas that are showing promise for significant advancements: textile processing, formulations of liquid detergents, upgrading of...

In March this year, the European commission proposed a series of targeted actions to boost biotechnology and biomanufacturing in the EU which is, as stated, “one of the most promising technological areas of this century”.   Biotechnology and biomanufacturing can help the EU to modernize its agriculture, forestry, energy, food and feed sectors and industry. In addition, these technologies can contribute to a more competitive and resilient EU, that provides better healthcare to its citizens, and succeeds in its green...

In a recent closed-door roundtable discussion jointly hosted by EuropaBio and Science|Business, experts emphasized the critical role of industrial biotechnology in ensuring Europe's competitiveness and innovation. NORCE, as a research institute at the forefront of enabling green industrial biotechnology and coordinator of the key EU projects such as OXIPRO, was invited as one of the participants.     NORCE was advocating for increased support for research dedicated to developing greener technologies and more sustainable consumer products. As Europe transitions to a...