LSIWC at the Horizon Europe Brokerage Event “Bio-based Future Connect” in Brussels

On 9–10 December, Dr. chem. Kristīne Meile, Leading Researcher at the Biorefinery Laboratory of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC), represented the institute at the Horizon Europe brokerage event “Bio-based Future Connect”, held at the NCBR Office in Brussels.

The event was organised by the French and Polish National Contact Points (NCPs) for Horizon Europe to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration among both experienced and emerging stakeholders within Horizon Europe Cluster 6, which focuses on the circular economy and the bioeconomy.

Over two days, participants received an overview of Cluster 6 priorities through keynote lectures, panel discussions, pitching sessions and facilitated group work. The programme addressed topics such as bio-based innovations, green chemistry, food waste and side-stream valorisation, as well as future perspectives of the bioeconomy. A keynote address was delivered by Virginia Puzzolo, Head of Programme at CBE JU, highlighting the strategic direction of the bio-based sector at the European level.

During the event, Dr. Meile presented the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, emphasising the institute’s broad research scope and its potential contribution to replacing fossil-based resources with biomass-derived materials. She highlighted LSIWC’s experience in Horizon Europe and BBI/CBE JU projects and discussed collaboration opportunities in upcoming 2026 calls. Active exchanges took place both during networking sessions and in moderated discussion groups, where participants explored their possible roles in future project consortia. Dr. Meile chose to engage in discussions related to specific Cluster 6 calls, while also underlining LSIWC’s openness to participate as a partner in research projects as well as Coordination and Support Actions (CSA).

“I truly appreciate the opportunity to present LSIWC at internatinal events. This particular event was special with its dynamic program – keynotes, panel discussion, group discussions, and a pitching session, which all together provided a very fruitful ground for making new connections,” Dr. Meile noted.

Participation in the event strengthened LSIWC’s international visibility and contributed to the development of new professional contacts and potential partnerships for future Horizon Europe and CBE JU project applications.