BIOBRIDGES PROJECT - Key Persons
Adriana Kolesárová (F, aged 43, h-index 11) is a vice-dean for science, research and foreign relations and a professor in "Agrobiotechnology" at the Department of Animal Physiology FBFS SUA in Nitra. From 2019 she is a coordinator of EIT Food Hub in SR, contact person for the AgroBioFood Nitra National Platform for food and biotechnology as the official representative of the SR in relation to European and international initiatives and programmes, contact person for SR for Research Infrastructure for Food, Nutrition, and Health coordinated by Wageningen University, the SAFE Consortium and the FOODforce. She is a member of the Excellent scientific team Center of Animal Reproduction. Publications: more than 440, citations: more than 400. National Research and Educational Projects (more than 20): Principal investigator of 7 national projects (APVV General Call, VEGA, KEGA, GA SPU in Nitra, Tatra banka Foundation), deputy of principal investigator in 3 projects and co-researcher in the other projects (more than 10 ). International Research Projects (No. 5): Principal investigator of EIT Food Hub 2019, the APVV bilateral project Slovakia - France, deputy of principal investigator of the APVV bilateral project, Slovakia-Poland and member of the Management Committee of 2 European COST projects RGB-Net and SALAAM.
Job Titles:
- Director for Industrial Biotechnology at EuropaBio
Agnes has worked as Director for Industrial Biotechnology at EuropaBio since September 2018, prior to which she was Manager for Industrial Biotechnology, a role which she took on in December 2015.
Executive with over 19 years of experience in industry and technology both in local and multinational environments. Experienced Managing Director with a demonstrated history of working in the research industry. Industrial engineer (ENSAM, París & ETSII, Bilbao), Master in Technology and Innovation Management (UCV), Advanced Management Program (ESADE), Women 50 (UCLA), PhD candidate (UPV). Since sept. 2019: CEO at AINIA, a technology centre with more than 30 years of experience in offering solutions to the food, chemical, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and packaging sectors. It is made up of a team of 220 professionals and its mission is to add value and cooperate with companies, leading innovation and technological development in a sustainable way. The centre currently has more than 700 associated companies. 2009-2018: General Manager at REDIT, a private non-profit association that integrates the 11 Research and Technology Centers of the Valencian Region. Prior experience both in automotive companies and in consultancy business.
PhD in Organic Chemistry from the UNED university and Bachelor with a degree in Organic Chemistry from the UCM. I have 13 years of experience in the management of R&D projects in the pharmaceutical, chemical, food and biotechnology sector. Since 2007, I am the person in charge of Project Management at Biosearch Life, where I have developed a relevant career in the leadership and coordination of large collaborative national R & D & I projects. I also have experience in the application and participation in European proposals FP6, FP7 and H2020. IP knowledge. Author of 13 scientific publications in journals of high impact index and various contributions to Congresses.
Job Titles:
- Engineer from the University of Santiago De Compostela
Daniel Morán Rodríguez is a chemical engineer from the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain) and has the firm conviction that chemical engineering plays a fundamental role as a generating agent for development and social and environmental change.
It has a very versatile profile with extensive training and experience in various fields: innovation, green chemistry, piping engineering, materials science, welding engineering and industrial safety. In his professional career, he has participated in industrial plant projects for the petrochemical, renewable energy and fertilizer sectors. Among their skills and values are creativity, perseverance and honesty.
His main professional passion is circular bioeconomy. For several years, he has been running the BioRefineries Blog, a platform to boost the biorefineries sector.
His experience in the Blog has allowed him to have an extensive network of contacts and a deep knowledge of all the realities that make up the bioeconomy. Daniel has joined Rayo Bioenergía to coordinate all the technical efforts and collaborate in the creation of the company's strategy and vision.
I made my PhD degree working at the Department of Molecular Genetics of the pharmaceutical company Antibióticos S.A. Then I moved to the University of Wageningen at The Netherlands as a post-doc. I was Professor of Food Technology at both the National Spanish Research Council (CSIC) and the University of Valencia. Actually, I am Vicepresident of R&D on Health & Wellness at Archers Daniel Midland (ADM). I am author of 150 articles in peer reviewed journals and co-author of more than 30 families of patents covering 450 IP documents, most of them transferred as products in the market. I have obtained the Prize of the Spanish Society of Microbiology, the Prize of the Spain Danone Institute, the European Prize for Scientific Dissemination, the Juan de la Cierva National Research Prize, the International Hipocrates Prize, the Medal for the Promotion of Invention of the García Cabrerizo Foundation and the International Nutrachampion Award. I am Academic of the Royal Academy of Engineering of Spain. I belongs to the Governing Council of the CSIC. In addition, I am Vicepresident of the Board of Directors of the Association of Spanish biotechnology companies (ASEBIO).
Job Titles:
- Agricultural University of Athens, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
- Chemical Engineer
Apostolis Koutinas is Chemical Engineer (University of Patras, Greece) with PhD in Biochemical Engineering (UMIST, UK). He is currently Associate Professor at the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the Agricultural University of Athens (Greece).
Job Titles:
- Lainez Biotrends Consultoria Estratégica
I obtained a degree in Veterinary Medicine in 1986. While working as an official in the regional government of Valencia (Spain), I obtained a PhD in Agricultural Engineering, in addition to a Master's Degree in Food Security. I am currently an independent research and innovation consultant in the fields of agri-food and bioeconomics. I have been Director of the National Institute of Agrifood Technology Research in Spain for six years, until mid-2018. The main activities in this position have been: coordination of agri-food and forestry research and technology activities in Spain, execution of research projects in that field and international representation in that area (G20, SCAR, Latin America, bilateral), in addition to maintain continuous contacts with companies and sector organizations, to promote public-private collaboration. During that time, I coordinated the Spanish bioeconomy strategy; planning, preparation, preparation and presentation. After approval, I coordinated the Spanish bioeconomy observatory for two years. I have also been General Director of Agrifood Research and Technology, in the Valencian Community, managing regional competencies in research, experimentation, training and technology transfer in the field of agri-food. At the same time, I have supervised the control of phytosanitary products. I have been an associate professor at the Valencian Polytechnic University for ten years.
Dr. Aitor Barrio Ulanga PhD in organic chemistry by Complutense University of SPAIN in the modification of natural products. In 2008, he joined TECNALIA in fire group in which took experience in the characterization of fire reaction and fire resistance of construction products for 3 years and up to know he is focused in improvement of biobased materials for application in building sector as a senior researcher.
Job Titles:
- Director of the Biomass Department of CENER
Javier Gil is the Director of the Biomass Department of CENER (National Renewable Energy Centre of Spain) since September 2015 coordinating the activities in several bioenergy fields: resources evaluation, sustainability studies, biofuels, bioproducts and thermochemical applications. He is also responsible for the management of the Biorefinery and Bioenergy Center (www.bio2c.es ). He is Doctor in Science (Chemical Engineering program) by the University of Zaragoza (1999). From 2002 to 2015 he also worked at CENER, first as senior researcher and later, from 2007, as Head of Thermochemical Applications Service. He has previously held various research positions at the Fraunhofer UMSICHT Institute and the University of Zaragoza.
He is also responsible for the management of the Biorefinery and Bioenergy Center (www.bio2c.es ). He is Doctor in Science (Chemical Engineering program) by the University of Zaragoza (1999). From 2002 to 2015 he also worked at CENER, first as senior researcher and later, from 2007, as Head of Thermochemical Applications Service. He has previously held various research positions at the Fraunhofer UMSICHT Institute and the University of Zaragoza.
Job Titles:
- Managing Partner of Planeta Renewables
Lorenzo Avello is Managing Partner of Planeta Renewables an Italian SME company in the sector of circular bioeconomy and bioenergy.
He has an economics and finance background that he is applying to develop biobased industries in Italy to produce sustainable biomaterials, bioproducts and green energy. Selected by Forbes Under 30 Italy 2020.
Patricia is a PhD in Polymer Chemistry; she has 6 Sigma Green Belt certification and a Master of Finance Management. She has over 12 years of Chemical Industrial Experience in more than 5 countries and in an extended segment companies.
Innovation, Process Control for agile Industry 4.0, Lean Six Sigma methodology, Project Management and Execution, Risk Mitigation, Analysis data (included multivariate), New Products and Technology Implementation have been her main areas of expertise. She has a well demonstrated leadership skill, the ability of managing digital teams and a pro-actively quick learning aptitude.
Patricia has been involved in Mentoring Programs very actively in the last 3 years and also in Women in STEM and gender equality initiatives.
Also lately, she has been honestly feeling concerned on how Patricia could impact positively and contribute towards sustainable development, mainly focusing on circular economy for plastics; truly to be ambassador for Biobridges suits her with her current motivation and her next steps in her professional career.
Job Titles:
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts
Erik Rodriguez Vazquez is an internationally awarded industrial, product, technology and innovation designer, founder of The Last Puzzle Piece Ltd, an Innovation consultancy that combines creative, technical and user experience expertise to deliver world changing products and services for medical, consumer and industrial clients.
Erik holds a degree in Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering by the University of León (ULE) since 2010. After his studies, he joined an international award winning aerospace company named GesNaer Consulting, developing new concepts for the industry.
As an innovator, he decided to step into the design and development of medical devices, receiving an award from The Council and The City and Guilds of London Institute for his collaboration with Midatech, previously known as Q-Chip.
Before founding The Last Puzzle Piece, Erik joined Zeal Innovation in 2014 to work on the research, design and development of new products and technologies, receiving international acknowledgements such as winning the "Red Dot Design Award" and "K-Design" Industrial Design award.
In addition to his professional work, Erik is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and is one of the directors of the Society of Spanish Researchers in the United Kingdom. Part of his personal development is to inspire new generations to be interested in sustainable approaches to design and technology.
Filip Miketa graduated from University of Rijeka School of Economics in 2006 and 2009. He has strong experience in Bio-economy and bio-plastics, and is an expert in South Eastern and Eastern European SME development.
Gonzaga Ruiz de Gauna Gutiérrez, holds a degree in agricultural engineering from the Public University of Navarra (Spain), a MBA in Biotechnological Business Management from the Aliter Business International School and a Biotechnological Engineering Course from the Polytehcnical University of Madrid.
He is an specialized manager in Agrifood, Human health, Environment and Industrial R&D, specially focused on the Agricultural and Food Sectors. Experience in generating and managing R&D projects focused towards business requirements and technology transfer. Wide knowledge of R&D management/funding policies and tools. All of this, with a global view of the Science-Technology-Business system.
Job Titles:
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics
Isabella Pisano is Assistant Professor of Fermentation Chemistry and Biotechnology at University of Bari, from 2008 at present.
Her current primary research interests focus on microbial fermentation processes of industrial interest for the development of new biorefinery models starting from agro-industrial wastes in an optic of circular economy. She is inventor in an international patent on cheese whey valorization (WO/2019/048997; 102017000099855) and in an italian patent on olive mill waste water valorization (102017000118607). Active member of advisory board of two Italian biotech startups: BioInnoTech srl and Bioenutra srl. She is author of several scientific paper and book chapters in field of bio-based processes and also she has involved in several National and European projects and collaborations in field of industrial biotechnology (ENEA, Chalmers University of Technology-Sweden, EUROBIOREF project, Apulian Laboratory Network).
Job Titles:
- CLAMBER R & D Biorefinery
Javier Mena Sanz is PhD in Chemical Engineering from the UCLM in the field of wastewater treatment, biotechnology, the environment and waste recovery.
He began his research and teaching career at that university, acting as an assistant professor for 2 years. Later, he coordinated the R&D department in
Alquimia Soluciones Ambientales, S.L. for 6 years, where he was responsible for the coordination, application and management of all types of R+D+i projects.
Then, for 2 years, he was the plant supervisor of the CLAMBER Project for the IRIAF. There, he was in charge of the preparation of technical
specifications of the actions included in the project, evaluation of proposals, supervision of the construction of the current CLAMBER R&D Biorefinery, supervision of the projects developed by the different winners and of the technical justification of the funds of the CLAMBER project itself. Currently and since March 2017, he works as Scientific Coordinator of the CLAMBER R & D Biorefinery, where he is responsible for the coordination, application and management of R & D projects related to the valorization of biomass and biotechnology.
Throughout his career, he has participated in 13 R&D projects funded by competitive public calls, where 3 of them are from European calls. In addition, he has participated in 8 private projects contracted by companies, in 8 scientific publications and in a large number of informative publications and congresses.
General Director of the Cotec Foundation. He holds a degree in Biochemistry from the University of Salamanca and a Master's degree in Science, Technology and Society Studies from the same University. He has also completed postgraduate studies in Pharmaceutical Industry Management and Leadership in Public Management at IE and IESE Business Schools. From 2008 to 2012 he held the position of Director General of the Cabinet of the Minister of Science and Innovation, Cristina Garmendia, exercising functions in the general coordination of the Ministry's political action, and supervising the public agenda, parliamentary activity and relations with the media, and once this stage was over he returned as assistant to the presidency of ASEBIO, where he was general secretary during the years 2006 to 2008. Previously, he developed his career in the field of strategic consulting in the biotechnology sector and in the public R&D system. Barrero regularly collaborates with numerous media outlets and has taught at various universities and business schools.
Job Titles:
- EUPLANTCROPP Driehoek Research Support BV ( DRS )
- Founder and Manager of the European
Jos Frantzen did not write scientific publications only. He published several articles in Dutch Newspapers and popular journals directed to, research, agriculture, and health care. Jos Frantzen follows the public debate closely with respect to sustainability including the need of bio-based economy.
Jos Frantzen is aware of the necessity of European collaboration to master the current challenges with respect to environment and economics. He is experienced and trained in setting up trans-national collaborations supported by his ability to express in several languages, i.e. English, German, French and Dutch.
Job Titles:
- Johnson & Johnson / Pharmacist and Doctor in Pharmacy from the Complutense University of Madrid
Due to his personal and work interest he has worked in different areas, from Galenic development, records, manufacturing, quality assurance or marketing, currently captivated by corporate communication. This step through different departments has allowed him to know and understand much better a company as a whole, with different visions and points of view, which allows a better decision making and to know better the implications of these.
General Manager of ceiA3 and Ph.D in Food Science. She has been involved, as an external expert, in the start up of the regulatory rules of the EIP-AGRI regional Operational Groups supported under the Rural Development Programmes. She has coordinated the participation of ceiA3 in 12 operational regional groups and 2 operational national group. Member of the governance board of the Andalusian Rural Development Programme. During her position as Head of Quality and Agrifood Promotion Service in the Regional Ministry of Andalusia (2009-2013) she was responsible of the regulation of differentiated food quality schemes. She was responsible in Andalusia of competent service in the areas of: Management of Promotion measures of agrifood and quality schemes (EAGF and EAFRD). Development of quality standards and regulations and specifications for food products. Drafting and processing of the Law of Food Quality and Fisheries of Andalusia. During her position as Advisor to the General Director of Industries and Food Quality (2004-2009) she was responsible of the coordination of the Rural Development Plan 2007-2013 of the DG measures. Member of the organizing Committee of annual Congress of the Iberoamerican Network for the Innovation in the Agrifood Sector (INNOVAGRO 2014).
Job Titles:
- Open Innovation Manager SusChem Spain
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder and Editor of Bio Market Insights
Luke Upton is the co-founder and Editor of Bio Market Insights. A business journalist by training, he launched its predecessor, Bio-Based World News in 2015 and is a regular contributor to industry events and publications.
He was a member of the consortium that wrote the European Commission's Research and Innovation Policy for Bio-based Products (BIO-SPRI). His work also includes overseeing the leading European event on the business of the bio-economy, World Bio Markets.
A passionate believer that we need to do business in a different and better way, he sees bio-based products, materials and chemicals as powerful tools in making this change. Originally from South Wales, he now lives in London, where he is married with two young children.
Mariam is the CEO of Saaze Corporation, a company in the renewable space with a focus on, solar and bioplastics.
Mario Bonaccorso works at Assobiotec, the Italian Association for the development of biotechnology, as Head of Industrial Biotechnology, and (starting from November 2017) for the Italian Cluster of Green Chemistry SPRING as Cluster coordinator. He is a journalist and a blogger, member of the Journalist Register of Lombardy.
In October 2012 he founded Il Bioeconomista, The First Bioeconomy Blog (www.ilbioeconomista.com), which is today a reference point in the world debate on the bioeconomy. In the past Mario Bonaccorso collaborated with the newspaper Il Manifesto, where he contributed in the launch of the new insert publication Il Capitale, dedicated to Finance and Economy, and with the on line newspaper Affari Italiani (www.affaritaliani.it). Currently, he is regular contributor to Renewable Matter (www.renewablematter.eu).
Mario Bonaccorso graduated in Political Science at the University of Milan in 1998 and specialized in History of the European Union at the University of Aachen (RWTH, Germany). Ex lecturer of History of International Relations at the University of Milan, where he investigated the History of the European Integration through the German Historical Documents, in 2003 at the same University I obtained the Master in Labour Studies.
Job Titles:
- Specialty Logistics Coordinator, Spain
On the pursuit of people's better health by putting the Patient at the heart of every logistic move. Former Safety and Security Aviation Manager. Raised in a Humanistic Education Environment. Global Market Passionate .Proficiency in European and North American culture. International relations expert and crosscultural teams manager. Passionate for People, Biopharma and Biotech. Advocate for a better future.
María Iranzo is a Biotechnologist with a master degree in biochemistry, molecular biology and biomedicine.
She has been part of the BioBanco of the Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida, as well as of the Childhood Solid Tumors Unit of the Carlos III Health Institute. She is currently studying from a biochemical and molecular approach, two chronic liver diseases in a research group of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Complutense University of Madrid.
Besides, she has her own web page of dissemination (www.mariairanzobiotec.com) in which tries to bring people closer to biotechnology and the advances that it can offer on a daily basis, especially from a biomedical perspective. Thanks to this, she has created a community on Instagram, a social network that focuses on dissemination.
"I am passionate about biotechnology and I want to dedicate myself professionally to it. My biggest goal is to be able to investigate a human disease, especially cancer, and a definitive solution for it."
Job Titles:
- Head of the Bioeconomy
- Member of the Editorial Boards of Current Opinion
Piergiuseppe is member of the Editorial Boards of Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry (ELSEVIER) and Open Agriculture (De Gruyter Open) and acts as Guest Editor for various journal including the Journal of Cleaner Production (ELSEVIER) and Sustainability (MDPI).
Since July 2019 he has been appointed Economic Advisor of the Italian Minister of the Environment, Land and Sea Protection.
Piergiuseppe is head of the Bioeconomy in Transition Research Group, a research unit at Unitelma Sapienza involved in research concerning the emergence of a circular and bio-based economy.
Deputy director of the department of business development of Inkemia, I am in charge of the development and establishing new R&D relationships to seek synergies with Inkemia. Coordinator of several EU projects, I have been involved in the development and management of projects from FP6 to H2020. Representative of InKemia towards organizations such as BBI, and EuropaBio ASEBIO industrial biotechnology workgroup and the SUSCHEM reaction and processes workgroup. Also I am representative of InKemia at public bodies such as CDTI, ACC1Ò and Madrid Community (SPAIN) and EU commission, and BBI-JU
International project officer at ceiA3. She has a Degree in Environmental Sciences and wide experience in European project management concerning international and territorial cooperation and R&I and European rural development policies, both in Spain and Portugal. She has worked for the Institute of Mediterranean Agricultural and Environmental Sciences of the University of Evora as a researcher and international project officer mostly regarding H2020 projects as well as international cooperation for development project officer for several non gubernamental organisations. She is currently responsible for the Bioeconomy Strategy at ceiA3.
Environmental and textile engineer, with a doctoral thesis under development in sustainable textile engineering. Working in AITEX, since April 2015, in international project proposal writing, management and execution, in calls as LIFE, BBI in research projects focused mainly in the finding of a sustainable and bio-based solution to reduce or substitute contaminant ingredients and compounds in textile, food, feed and cosmetics applications. Among other types of projects, it can be mentioned TENDER project management. At the moment, I am coordinating a BBI project consortium, developing a research project on the exploitation of aquatic biomass for application in food, feed and cosmetic industries. On the other hand, also managing a TENDER project focused on supporting with grants design-oriented projects.
Job Titles:
- Staramaki Social Cooperative Enterprise
Job Titles:
- European Project Coordinator at Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant
Tanja Meyer is European Project Coordinator at Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant (BBEPP) working in the project acquisition unit of the company since 2017.
Before she came to Ghent, Belgium, she was Project Manager for several FP7/Horizon 2020 projects and Networking associations at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation in Germany, in the area of micro-and nanotechnology, cyber-physical systems and smart devices.
She is currently the coordinator of BioBase4SME, an Interreg NWE Project aiming to enhance the competitive landscape for SMEs in North-West Europe. Tanja Meyer holds a master's degree in Technology and Innovation Management (The University of Brisbane) and an engineer degree in Bio-and Nanotechnologies (University of Applied Science Suedwestfalen). Her passion lies in exploring new networking opportunities, communicating biobased solutions, travelling with her backpack, and Latin dance.
She'as a biotechnologist with experience in business development in some biotech and pharma companies. With more than 10 years working in innovation development through cluster model implementation and open innovation projects. She's the chairwoman of ANBIO (Andorran Biotech Association) and she love science divulgation to spread knowledge to our society.