Mixing science and culture at RRB 15 in Toulouse

Smiling faces welcomed the arrivals to the 15^th International Conference on Renewable Resources and Biorefineries. “We were immediately submerged in a familiar and cosy atmosphere, typical for the RRB conferences”, says Philippe Tavernier member of the organizing committee. “It was the start of a buzzy and successful mix of science and technology, history and cultural experiences, culinary delight, networking and friendship.”

A mix of science and culture

Prof. Steven Abbott (TCNF Ltd, ) and prof. Lorie Hamelin (University of Toulouse,) surprised the audience at the opening plenary session with a remarkable duo presentation “How green is my project?”. A battle between traditional life cycle analysis and an app-based ‘Open Analyzer to save the planet’. The tone was set for delegates from all kinds of organizations to present their research and views on sustainable (green) chemistry, industrial biotechnology and agricultural policy related to the use of renewable raw materials for non-food applications and energy supply.

“We opened the discussion and exchange of new research concepts and policies related to the circular bio-economy and the sustainable production of biochemicals with several industrial companies and vice versa”, says Prof. Christian Stevens, member of the organizing committee.

As is tradition, the RRB Organizing committee also offered the participants a varied social programme including a guided city walk through the historic city centre of Toulouse, a welcome reception at the botanical gardens of the city and a culinary conference dinner served in the enchanting setting of “les Caves de la Maréchale”, a cellar from the former priory Saint Romain with an authentic baroque architecture. The last conference day the participants could bring a guided visit to the laboratories of Agro-Industrial Chemistry and Chemical Engineering or to the Laboratory of Toulouse White Biotechnology. “The social programme offered plenty of opportunities for interaction and networking with participants from all over the globe”, as commented by the participants.

Global event

RRB15 was truly a global event as “We welcomed nearly 200 participants, coming from 26 countries, including important delegations from China, Greece and Austria”, comments prof. Erick Vandamme. The programme consisted of 24 parallel sessions with 96 lectures, covering 16 topics and 2 poster tours at which the participants had the opportunity to discover and discuss 78 posters.

In conclusion RRB 15 serves as an ideal ‘business card’ for the next RRB conference. From 3 to 5 June 2020, UGent and the city of Ghent will host the 16th edition of the International Conference on Renewable Resources and Biorefineries. You are all invited ! 

Keep a close eye on the RRB16 website for more information!