Between the 4th and 6th of December, ReLEAF partner NOVA.ID participated in the Microbiotec congress, an event dedicated to exploring the innovations and challenges of microbiology and biotechnology research.
During the event, NOVA.ID presented work developed within ReLEAF Work Package 1 through a poster focusing on the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) from fruit residues and nutrient-exhausted sewage sludge. The poster highlighted how agri-food and urban waste streams can be combined and valorised through biotechnological processes.
The participation also resulted in a significant recognition for the project. Joana Batista, PhD student at NOVA.ID, received the Best Poster Presentation award. Her work addressed the optimisation of co-fermentation processes using sewage sludge and agri-food residues to enhance the production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), an important intermediate for biopolymer production.
This achievement reflects the quality of the research being carried out within ReLEAF and the contribution of early-career researchers to advancing sustainable biotechnological solutions.