Young talents of Mi-Hy, CONFETI and ICONIC projects at JSM
Young talents featured their projects CONFETI, Mi-Hy and ICONIC at Junior Scientists Meeting (JSM)
Experiences and perspectives were exchanged between these early career researchers from 3 of the 8 projects in the portfolio of the European Innovation Council (EIC) on 'CO2 and Nitrogen Valorization and Management'.
The second session of the Junior Scientists Meeting (JSM) – Autumn Edition was celebrated online yesterday, showcasing promising young researchers from various projects within the ‘CO2 and Nitrogen Valorization and Management’ Portfolio of the European Innovation Council (EIC). This remote event highlighted the collaborative spirit and innovation driving these cutting-edge projects, with early career scientists from around the world in attendance.
The meeting kicked off with a presentation by Dr. Dibyojyoty Nath, research scientist at the University of Southampton (UK), on behalf of the Mi-Hy project. Nath discussed his work on microbial hydroponics and the potential for circular, sustainable electrobiosynthesis systems. His research presented innovative approaches to harnessing microbes for sustainable agricultural practices. He also discussed on the importance of Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) and their role in supporting the future of energy efficient technologies in agriculture.
The spotlight then shifted to the CONFETI Project, with contributions from graduate student Roger Vendrell and doctoral student Boya Wu. Their presentation focused on the production of nitrogen-based fertilizers, using CO2 and nitrogen capture technologies to develop environmentally friendly solutions for agriculture. The CONFETI team emphasized their use of advanced electrocatalytic and photocatalytic systems, coupled with Soil Microbial Fuel Cells (SMFCs), to promote sustainable fertilizer production. The team also explored the broader implications of their work for reducing the environmental impact of traditional agricultural practices.
Next, M.Sc. Yixiao Zhang from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) took the stage to represent the ICONIC Project. Zhang’s work focuses on the integrated conversion of nitrate and carbonate streams, using advanced electrochemical processes. The ICONIC project aims to make a significant contribution to the valorization of nitrogen compounds and CO2 management, providing scalable solutions for sustainable agriculture and green energy production.
The SUPERVAL project presentation was postponed. However, the project will participate in future JSM sessions.
This one-hour session exemplified the role of the Junior Scientists Meeting in fostering collaboration among early-stage researchers. Such events promote the exchange of ideas, inputs, and synergies between projects, and lay the foundation for potential partnerships. This platform is instrumental in sharing expertise and ensuring alignment across the EIC-funded portfolio.
In addition, young researchers from ECOMO and MINICOR presented the progress of their projects at the first meeting of this Autumn edition on September 19. These contributions provided a comprehensive overview of the diverse and interrelated approaches to CO2 and nitrogen management and underlined the importance of cross-project collaboration.
At the conclusion of the Autumn JSM, participants expressed optimism for future collaborative efforts. More than just a platform for knowledge exchange, these meetings are critical to shaping the future of sustainable agriculture and energy through the work of emerging scientists.
