Workshop Held in University North Discusses Biotechnology's Role in Climate Action, Highlights Education and Research Gaps

A recent workshop held in University North in Croatia brought together academics, industry professionals, and students to explore how industrial and agricultural biotechnology can help address global climate change. The event aimed to identify current solutions, future research needs, and ways to improve biotechnology education. Participants included a significant number of students and academics.

Key discussions revealed perceived gaps in current biotechnology education, with calls for integrating topics like climate change impacts, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and low carbon footprint processes. There was also a strong emphasis on the need for specific digital skills such as data analysis, modelling, and the use of software tools like Python and R. Participants felt that students often need more practical training and exposure to real-world applications.

Regarding research, the consensus was that while progress exists, biotechnological solutions for climate change mitigation are not yet sufficiently researched or transferred effectively to industrial practice. Obstacles include:

- a lack of funding for research and technology transfer
- insufficient integration into the circular economy.

A critical need identified was greater collaboration between universities, industry, and public institutions to improve the transfer of research results.

Promising biotechnological areas for climate change adaptation and resilience were identified, including:

- synthetic biology
- CRISPR crop editing
- microbial biofertilizers
- bioremediation
- biofuels
- bioplastics

The workshop also noted the important role of public perception and acceptance, especially concerning technologies like GMOs, stressing the need for public education and transparency. Ethical considerations require strong guidelines and regulatory frameworks.