Conducting Bioprocesses in Membrane Bioreactors,
Borås, SEPTEMBER 9-11, 2025
Workshop Overview
The INBIOWAL Workshop in Borås focused on the application of membrane bioreactors (MBRs) in sustainable bioprocessing and waste-based biorefineries. Over three days, participants explored the integration of membrane technology into circular bioeconomy systems, combining theoretical lectures, hands-on laboratory sessions, and networking activities. The event fostered collaboration among INBIOWAL partners and showcased Sweden’s leadership in resource recovery and biotechnological innovation.
Day 1 – Waste-Based Biorefinery
The first day introduced participants to the fundamentals of biotechnology in resource recovery and the role of membrane bioreactors in waste biorefineries. The opening presentation by Prof. Ilona Sárvári Horváth highlighted current research at the University of Borås on sustainable bioprocesses. This was followed by lectures from Dr. Amir Mahboubi Soufiani, who discussed the use of MBRs in the valorisation of industrial waste and biomass streams.
After a traditional Swedish fika, the workshop continued with detailed discussions on reactor operation and process optimization. In the afternoon, participants took part in laboratory sessions, including a lab tour and practical work with the Parr reactor, gaining valuable insights into pilot-scale bioprocessing. The day concluded with a welcome dinner, encouraging informal networking and collaboration.
Day 2 – Research Discussions and Networking
The second day was dedicated to INBIOWAL consortium activities and internal research exchange. Dr. Akram Zamani opened the morning with a presentation on novel applications of fungal biomass, illustrating its potential for sustainable material production.
After a short fika break, partners participated in a work package and budget discussion, focusing on project progress and future steps. Following lunch, the group travelled to Gothenburg for a city tour and joint networking dinner, which offered further opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Day 3 – Pretreatment Strategies and Future Perspectives
The final day centered on advanced research topics related to waste pretreatment and valorisation. The morning began with laboratory sessions, followed by Dr. Swarnima Agnihotri’s docent presentation “Breaking Barriers: Pretreatment Strategies for Valorising Recalcitrant Organic Waste.” This session explored novel approaches to enhancing biodegradability and improving the efficiency of resource recovery systems.
The workshop concluded with a joint lunch and wrap-up discussion, summarising key outcomes and reinforcing the importance of collaborative bioprocess research within the INBIOWAL project.
Workshop Schedule
Day 1: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
The first day introduces key biotechnological solutions developed at SCRR and showcases pilot-scale membrane bioreactor systems in action.
Open to all participants (in-person and online until lunch):
08:45 – Gathering at the entrance to the University of Borås
09:00 –Presentation Resource Recovery – Biotechnology (Ilona Sárvári Horváth)
09:15 – Membrane bioreactors in waste biorefineries (Amir Mahboubi Soufiani)
10:00 – Swedish fika
10:30 – Continued session on Membrane bioreactors in waste biorefineries (Amir Mahboubi Soufiani)
11:30 – Lunch
Exclusively for INBIOWAL project participants:
13:00 – Guided lab tour
15:15 – Parr Reactor Demonstration – practical hands-on session
18:30 – Welcome dinner (informal networking opportunity)
Day 2: Wednesday, September 10, 2025
This day is reserved for internal consortium discussions and strategic planning of INBIOWAL work packages and budgets, followed by a cultural integration activity.
Exclusevly for INBIOWAL participants:
09:15 –Novel applications of fungal biomass (Akram Zamani)
10:00 – Swedish fika
10:15 – INBIOWAL Work Package and Budget Discussion
12:00 – Lunch
Cultural visit to the city of Gothenburg, providing an opportunity for informal networking and strengthening collaboration between project partners:
13:30 – Transfer to Gothenburg
15:00 – Guided tour of Gothenburg
18:30 – Dinner in Gothenburg
Day 3: Thursday, September 11, 2025
The final day includes open-access scientific content on pretreatment strategies, as well as continued lab sessions.
09:00 – Lab work
09:45 – Swedish fika
Open to all participants:
10:00 – Breaking Barriers: Pretreatment Strategies for Valorising Recalcitrant Organic Waste (Swarnima Agnihotri-Docent presentation)
12:00 – Lunch