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Circular Bioengineering
Sustainable “leather” – made from fungi
Cluster researchers Alexander Bismarck and Mitchell Jones, alongside their research group at the University of Vienna, have unveiled a new fungi-based “leather” made from mushroom industry leftovers that matches and in some ways even outperforms animal and synthetic leather, while promising a more sustainable supply chain.
“Waste is a Myth”: Where Art, Science, and Circular Bioengineering Meet
As part of the BOKU Future Conference 2026, the exhibition “Waste is a Myth” transformed the Semmelweis Clinic Art and Culture Center into a space where art, science, and circular bioengineering converged.
BOKU Future Conference 2026: Circular Bioengineering Takes the Stage
On 20 May 2026, the BOKU Future Conference brought together researchers, entrepreneurs, artists, students, and innovators to explore one central question: how can bioengineering help close material and energy loops for a more sustainable future?
BOKU Future Conference 2026 – We are ready!
The BOKU Future Conference 2026 is almost here. Don't forget to register!
Antje Potthast has been awarded the 2026 Anselme Payen Award!
We are thrilled to announce that Antje Potthast, one of our key researchers, has won the 2026 Anselme Payen Award!
Lab Talk with Dr. Patrick Müller
In the this episode of the Circular Bioengineering Lab Talks, we have an interview with Dr. Patrick Müller, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Vienna, doing research in the field of analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry within the cluster.
Invitation: BOKU Future Conference 2026 – “NO WASTE: Wie Bioengineering Kreisläufe schließt”
Art Meets Bioengineering: WASTE IS A MYTH at the BOKU Future Conference 2026
The Cluster of Excellence Circular Bioengineering invites you to the WASTE IS A MYTH opening reception on May 20 at the Semmelweisklinik Center for Arts and Culture.
Lab Talk with Dr. Nicolas Roux
In the this episode of the Circular Bioengineering Lab Talks, we have an interview with Dr. Nicolas Roux, a postdoctoral researcher in the group of Prof. Karlheinz Erb, to explore ecological impacts of biomass use.
Long Night of Research 2026
The Long Night of Research is Austria’s largest event dedicated to science, research, and innovation and is aimed at all age groups. This year, the Cluster of Excellence Circular Bioengineering will be showcasing its work at the event across several stations.
Circular Bioengineering Research Featured by BBC
Dr. Mitchell Jones and Professor Alexander Bismarck have recently gained international attention for their pioneering work on fungi-based resource recovery, also known as mycomining.
Join Us at the BOKU Future Conference 2026
The BOKU Future Conference 2026 is one of the key interdisciplinary events hosted by BOKU University, bringing together researchers, innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore solutions for a more sustainable future.
Wolfgang Kroutil appointed as “Chemistry Europe Fellow”
Chemistry Europe has appointed Prof. Wolfgang Kroutil as "Chemistry Europe Fellow" for his exceptional contribution to European chemistry research.
FWF Impact Story: Oliver Spadiut
In a new impact story, the FWF highlights the work of cluster researcher Oliver Spadiut, who is the co-founder of the biotechnology company NovoArc. NovoArc develops a lipid that makes medications more resistant to external influences.
Lab Talk with Dr. Mitchell Jones
In the this episode of the Circular Bioengineering Lab Talks, we step inside the laboratory of Dr. Mitchell Jones, a postdoctoral researcher in the group of Prof. Alexander Bismarck, to explore how fungi could help transform waste into valuable materials.
MassSpec Forum 2026
Researchers gathered in the university of Vienna for the MassSpec Forum, a two-day event dedicated to advances in mass spectrometry and its diverse applications, from forensic molecular fingerprinting to clinical diagnostics and environmental analysis.
Think Beyond Summit 2026
The third edition of the Austrian Science Fund FWF 's "Think Beyond Summit" brought together Austria's Clusters of Excellence at Erste Campus in Vienna.
Lukas Fliri Receives Top Honor in IAWS PhD Award 2025
Dr. Lukas Fliri has earned first place in the 2025 PhD Award presented by the International Academy of Wood Science (IAWS), highlighting the impact of his doctoral research in cellulose chemistry and fiber engineering.
Inspiring Future Scientists
High school students recently stepped into real research labs at the Cluster of Excellence Circular Bioengineering, gaining hands-on experience with scientific instruments and innovative sustainability-focused research.
Poster Prize Awarded at the Exner Lectures
We are proud to announce that Anastasiia Naryshkina, a PhD student in the cluster, has been awarded a Poster Prize at the prestigious Exner Lectures.
Circularity, Creativity & Science: Art-Science Dialogues
On the occasion of the monumental exhibition METABOLICA by Austrian artist Thomas Feuerstein, TU Wien hosted the art/science event “Circularity, Creativity & Science”, bringing together artists, scientists, and students to explore how artistic practices can inspire and transform scientific thinking.
Kick off Retreat 2025
The first Kick-off Meeting of Program 2 was held on 17 September 2025 at BOKU University, Vienna, bringing together PIs, Postdocs, and PhD students to strengthen collaboration and exchange ideas.
Antje Potthast Named “BOKU Erfinderin 2025”
The Cluster of Excellence Circular Bioengineering proudly congratulates Univ.-Prof. Antje Potthast on receiving the prestigious BOKU Erfinderin 2025 award.
Circular Bioengineering Kick-off Retreat 2025
The Cluster of Excellence Circular Bioengineering is gathering for its first Kick-off Meeting and Retreat at the Sky Lounge, University of Vienna.
Kick-off Meeting of Program 2
The first Kick-off Meeting of Program 2 was held on 17 September 2025 at BOKU University, Vienna, bringing together PIs, Postdocs, and PhD students to strengthen collaboration and exchange ideas.
Circular Bioengineering: Driving Sustainable Innovation
Our consortium of Austria’s leading research institutions has brought together brilliant minds and cutting-edge expertise to reshape how goods are produced, consumed, and renewed.
New Materials for a Sustainable Future at University of Vienna
How can we move away from plastic dependency and create materials that are truly circular with zero waste?
Awards ceremony
On October 30th, we celebrated the cluster during an award ceremony with the federal minister of education and research, Prof. Dr. Martin Polaschek, and the president of the Austrian Science Fund, Prof. Dr. Christof Gattringer.
FWF funds Circular Bioengineering
On Friday, October 4th, the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) announced its decision to invest € 16 million in the Cluster of Excellence Circular Bioengineering, which is topped up by the contributing universities with another € 10.5 million.