The 21st edition of the International Conference on Renewable Resources & Biorefineries (RRB) took place from 2nd to 4th June 2025.
The event was organized jointly by Åbo Akademi University, its Industrial Chemistry and Reaction Engineering division, and the Department of Life Technologies at the University of Turku, with Yagut Allahverdiyeva-Rinne serving as co-chair.
Key Insights from the Event:
New this year: Biobased Market
Companies, institutes, start-ups and projects were invited to showcase their biobased products and innovations to the RRB community, contributing to the advancement of a more sustainable biobased and circular economy.
And S2B was there! Attendees had the exciting opportunity to explore a photobioreactor featuring a living biofilm, showcased by Sergey Kosourov and Elia Marelli from the University of Turku. Additionally, our partner Chunlin Xu’s group from Åbo Akademi University presented a stunning 3D-printed catalyst designed in the shape of a leaf
Challenges and opportunities for metabolic engineering and synthetic biology as well as biofoundries
The session chaired by Academician Merja Pentillä highlighted importance of biotechnology in combating climate change. Vilja Siitonen (S2B researcher from University of Turku) presented how photosynthetic microorganisms can be converted into whole-cell catalysts and living materials engineered to produce targeted chemicals
Golden Crop Award
The 13th edition of the Scientific Photo Contest – GOLDEN CROP AWARD – was also held during RBB 2025 in Turku.
This contest aims to connect Art with Science and was open to researchers and PhD students who were presenting either an oral communication or a poster at RRB 2025.
Any original photo taken as part of an oral or poster presentation at RRB 2025 was eligible to compete for the GOLDEN CROP AWARD, which includes an Oscar-style trophy, an Extreme Sports Cam LEDWOOD, and a gift box with local specialties.
