Exploring engineering biology for critical materials challenges

About the event

Critical materials play an essential role in everyday products. As demand grows, organisations across mining, processing, recycling and manufacturing are exploring new ways to improve resource efficiency, recover valuable materials from waste streams and strengthen supply chain resilience. Engineering biology offers new approaches to some of these challenges. Innovations such as biological recovery of materials, bioleaching, biomining, waste valorisation and biologically informed processing are being developed to support sustainable and efficient approaches to resource recovery and materials management.

This webinar will explore how engineering biology approaches are being applied to critical materials challenges and where they may provide value for industry. Through accessible presentations, practical examples and discussion, attendees will gain insight into emerging technologies, the problems they are designed to address and the opportunities they may create for future collaboration.

The event is designed to bring together researchers, technology developers, businesses and innovation stakeholders to explore opportunities for innovation, adoption and cross-sector collaboration. It forms part of a wider programme of activity aimed at strengthening connections between industry and the engineering biology community while improving understanding of real-world industrial challenges and adoption requirements.

This webinar is hosted by the Engineering Biology Innovation Network and the Critical Materials Supply Chains Innovation Network, bringing together two communities with a shared interest in developing innovative solutions to critical materials challenges. The wider programme aims to strengthen connections between industry, researchers, technology developers and investors, while supporting the adoption and commercialisation of emerging technologies.

Why attend?

Attendees can expect:

• an overview of engineering biology approaches relevant to critical materials and resource recovery challenges
• insight into emerging technologies and applications including biological recovery, recycling and waste valorisation approaches
• examples of industrial challenges that engineering biology technologies may help address
• discussion of potential operational, environmental and commercial benefits
• greater understanding of the opportunities and considerations associated with technology adoption, including scale-up, integration and evidence requirements
• opportunities to hear perspectives from across industry, research and innovation communities
• the chance to identify potential collaborators and future partnership opportunities
• opportunities to contribute to future conversations around critical materials challenges and emerging solutions

These themes reflect the identified need for stronger links between researchers, technology providers and industrial adopters, alongside greater focus on adoption, evidence and real-world challenges.

Who should attend?

This webinar will be relevant to:

• engineering biology researchers and innovators developing technologies relevant to critical materials challenges
• engineering biology companies and technology developers
• mining, mineral processing and critical materials organisations
• recycling, resource recovery and waste management businesses
• advanced manufacturing companies interested in innovative resource recovery or materials solutions
• sustainability, circular economy and environmental professionals
• university commercialisation, technology transfer and innovation professionals
• investors, innovation support organisations and ecosystem partners
• businesses seeking new approaches to resource efficiency, recovery and sustainability challenges

Even if you do not fit neatly into one of the categories above, you are welcome to attend if you have an interest in the topic or are exploring opportunities for collaboration in this emerging area.