International Conference “BTechPro2026” Brings Together Young Scientists and Bioeconomy Experts from Nearly 20 Countries

From May 6 to 8, the international young scientists’ conference “BTechPro2026” took place, bringing together 87 participants from nearly 20 countries, including students, researchers, industry representatives, and field experts. During the event, participants discussed the latest trends in bioeconomy, biomass processing technologies, and the development of sustainable materials.

Conference Opens with a Focus on Practical Skills

The first day of the conference began with practical workshops, providing participants with an opportunity to develop skills essential for research work before the start of the scientific programme. During the workshops, participants explored:

• how to create memorable presentations;
• how to protect intellectual property;
• how to apply Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approaches across different sectors.

Bridging Science and Industry: Panel Discussion

Following the workshops, a panel discussion dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC) took place under the title “Technology Transfer and Collaboration”. The discussion featured:

• Vita Balode-Andrews (Investment and Development Agency of Latvia);
• Nelo Emerencia (Bio-based Industries Consortium);
• Aigars Jirgensons (Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis);
• Laura Andža (LSIWC).

The discussion was moderated by Kristīne Meile, Leading Researcher at LSIWC.

Panel participants addressed collaboration between science and business, as well as the role of researchers in innovation commercialisation and transforming scientific ideas into solutions beneficial to society.

Extensive Scientific Programme and International Collaboration

Over the course of three days, participants attended 7 expert lectures and 2 plenary lectures, while also presenting their own scientific work. The programme covered topics ranging from biomaterials and circular economy to the sustainable use of bioresources. Particular attention was devoted to fostering international collaboration.

“This year’s BTechPro! conference, held during the anniversary year of LSIWC, was especially dynamic and internationally diverse. We developed a strong scientific programme and welcomed outstanding lecturers, but it was particularly rewarding to see even bachelor-level students delivering thoughtful and high-quality presentations. The conference was enriched by several activities beyond the scientific programme, including the LSIWC 80th anniversary event at the our Pilot Plant Hangar, during which guests had the opportunity to explore the institute’s technological capabilities and scaling-up success stories. It is gratifying to feel that these three days were valuable both for young researchers and for industry experts and international partners,”
 

emphasizes conference organiser and LSIWC Leading Researcher Kristīne Meile.

Conference Awards and Highlights

Sci-Pi or Best Scientific Picture Award

During the event, the Sci-Pi award was presented to highlight the importance of visual science communication. The award was received by:

• Rūta Vicinska from the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry;
• Jie Li from Tallinn University of Technology.

Best Student Presentations

At the conclusion of the conference, the best student presentations were also awarded. The following presentations were recognised as outstanding:

• Jie Li (Tallinn University of Technology) – Effects of Hardwood Species on the Structural Characteristics of Mycelium-Based Composites;
• Daria Rutkowska (Warsaw University of Technology) – From biomass to fire safety: Thermo-mechanically modified nettle in sustainable flame retardant systems for PA12;
• Silvi Treial (Tallinn University of Technology) – Enhancing low-grade wood veneers through densification.

Bio-based Innovation Student Challenge – Europe (BISC-E)

The event also hosted the Latvian final of the “Bio-based Innovation Student Challenge – Europe” (BISC-E), where student teams presented bioeconomy innovation ideas. The competition was won by team “VitraLux”.

Organisers and Supporters

The scientific quality of the conference was ensured by an international scientific committee chaired by Dr. sc. ing. Jānis Rižikovs and composed of experts from Latvia, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Estonia, Lithuania, and Hungary.

The conference was organised by the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, continuing to strengthen the institute’s role in the development of bioeconomy and sustainable technologies. This year’s conference also took place within the framework of the institute’s 80th anniversary celebrations.

Special thanks to the conference supporters: Surfactor Germany GmbH, QUANTUM LATVIJA, Latvijas Finieris, and Biotecha Latvia.

The event was supported by the science communication platform "researchLatvia", the Latvian Association of Young Researchers, and the BIOEAST initiative.

About the “BTechPro” Conference

The aim of the “BTechPro” conference is to promote the professional development of young researchers and establish connections between research groups working on biomass processing challenges. The conference serves not only as a platform for participants to present their scientific work, exchange feedback with peers, and attend engaging plenary lectures, but also as an opportunity to actively participate in workshops and build new professional connections.