about

Circular Bioengineering

Our Vision

is to revolutionize the production and life cycle of goods by disaggregating, reconstructing, and synthesizing bio-based materials.

Our Mission

is to drive a paradigm shift in how goods are produced, consumed, and renewed, by harnessing cutting-edge research in molecular biosciences and biotechnology.

After their service life, these materials can be demodified and reverted back to a native or near-native state, creating biodegradable materials that are easily disposed of or reused. In cases where reversion is not feasible, these materials will serve as feedstock for green-on-green transformations, utilizing white biotechnology for further upcycling. By harnessing cutting-edge research in molecular biosciences and biotechnology, we design and engineer bio-based materials that are sustainable, efficient, and waste-free. Our unique, cross-disciplinary approach integrates technological advances with rigorous environmental, economic, and societal assessments to pioneer a new era of circular bioeconomy—pushing the boundaries towards a fossil fuel-free world.

Funded by the “excellent=austria” program, this initiative unites leading research institutions across Austria, including the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), the University of Graz, the Technical University of Graz, the University of Vienna, and the Technical University of Vienna. Together, we aim to create transformative, sustainable solutions that address global challenges and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The COE is committed to fostering collaboration among Austria’s top universities and researchers, creating a nucleus for the development of the bioeconomy. We aim to train the next generation of scientists through interdisciplinary educational programs, lab rotations, internships, retreats, and mentoring initiatives. These programs are designed to equip early-career researchers with managerial competencies, transferable skills, and the ability to work across disciplines and cultures. By combining high-profile research with early independence and internationalization, we prepare scientists to become decision-makers in academia and industry.

Public engagement is a cornerstone of our mission. Through comprehensive outreach activities, we aim to inspire the public and key stakeholders, fostering trust in science and technology. Our initiatives include interactive workshops, participatory events, and collaborations with art-students, artists, and designers to create exhibits and educational materials. We actively contribute to science education in schools and engage with the public through social media, podcasts, and citizen science projects. By contextualizing our research within societal challenges, we aim to raise awareness and promote dialogue on sustainability, green chemistry, and circular bioengineering.

Stakeholders & Funders

We bring together the expertise and resources of five leading Austrian universities, working collectively to develop and promote a sustainable bioeconomy. Each institution contributes its unique capabilities and competencies to advance interdisciplinary research and innovation in the field of Circular Bioengineering.

As the consortium leader of the Cluster of Excellence, the BOKU University, plays a central role in coordinating and leading the project. With its extensive experience in sustainable resource management, biotechnology, and environmental sciences, BOKU provides a solid foundation for the development of bio-based materials and processes. The university also offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, such as the Core Facility Analysis of Lignocellulose and the Core Facility Biomolecular & Cellular Analysis, which are essential for the cluster’s research.

The University of Vienna contributes its outstanding expertise in analytical chemistry and materials science to the project. With facilities such as the Centre for X-ray Structure Analysis and the Core Facility Mass Spectrometry, the university supports the precise analysis and characterization of materials and processes. The University of Vienna is also a leader in developing innovative analytical methods and conducting environmental assessments of biotechnological processes.

TU Wien is renowned for its competencies in chemical process engineering, synthetic biology, and sustainable innovation. With access to facilities such as the Analytical Instrumentation Center and the NMR Center, TU Wien contributes to the development and optimization of biotechnological processes and technologies. The university is also a key partner in the training and mentoring of early-career researchers.

The University of Graz brings its expertise in green chemistry and biocatalysis to the Cluster of Excellence. With its experience in developing sustainable chemical processes and its close collaboration with Graz University of Technology through the NAWI Graz Framework, the University of Graz is a central player in promoting interdisciplinary research and education.

Graz University of Technology complements the Cluster of Excellence with its expertise in materials science, biotechnology, and engineering. With access to central laboratories and core facilities, as well as its proficiency in developing bio-based technologies, TUG significantly contributes to achieving the research goals of the cluster.

Through the collaboration of these five institutions, a unique network is created that combines the best scientific minds and cutting-edge infrastructure. Together, they establish the foundation for groundbreaking research and innovation, driving the transition to a circular bioeconomy in Austria and beyond.

The Clusters of Excellence are funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) as part of the Excellence Austria initiative, a nationwide program designed to strengthen outstanding, interdisciplinary research in Austria.

The initiative aims to establish internationally visible research networks that excel through scientific excellence, innovation, and sustainable collaboration. The Cluster of Excellence Circular Bioengineering is supported by the FWF within this framework and brings together expertise from biotechnology, materials science, and systems biology to develop innovative solutions for a circular bioeconomy. This support enables the establishment of long-term research partnerships, the promotion of early-career researchers, and meaningful contributions toward a more sustainable, bio-based future.

Partners & Collaborators

The Cluster of Excellence Circular Bioengineering collaborates closely with leading partner organizations and competence centers to advance research and development in the field of circular economy and bioengineering.

Through partnerships with renowned institutions such as the Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (acib) and Wood K plus, synergies between academic research and industrial application are created. The goal is to translate fundamental research findings into practical applications and develop innovative technologies for the bio-based economy.

The COE promotes international exchange through symposia, guest professorships, and collaboration with experts worldwide. These initiatives strengthen interdisciplinary research and provide access to state-of-the-art facilities, such as the planned “Materials Characterization Core Facility” at BOKU.

External Boards & Committees

Various boards and committees play a central role in the strategic direction, quality assurance, and promotion of collaboration within the Cluster of Excellence Circular Bioengineering. They support the organization in achieving its goals and contribute to the successful implementation of research and training programs.

Committee for Fairness, Equality, and Diversity (COFED)

The Committee for Fairness, Equality, and Diversity (COFED) is composed of a BOD member, a key researcher, a postdoctoral researcher, and a PhD candidate. COFED supports the Management Unit in designing goals and measures for gender equality, non-discrimination, and equal opportunities. It ensures the communication of the equality strategy and guidelines within the COE and oversees the organization and implementation of events and training on gender equality, non-discrimination, and equal opportunities. In cases of conflicts within the Cluster of Excellence Circular Bioengineering, the committee acts as a confidential mediator and safeguards the rights of PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers. Annual meetings are held, and reports are submitted to the Managing Director and the Director of Research.

Board of Appeal (BoA)

The Board of Appeal (BoA) is an independent and confidential contact point for complaints, appeals, and interpersonal conflicts within the COE Circular Bioengineering. It supports a fair, respectful, and inclusive working environment and addresses issues such as conflicts between PhD candidates and supervisors, bullying, discrimination, sexual harassment, suspected violations of good scientific practice, and other forms of misconduct. The BoA handles all matters in an unbureaucratic, solution-oriented, and confidential manner. It consists of two student representatives and two Key Researcher representatives, supported by substitute members to ensure continuity and independence. Current members:

PhD representatives

Aranza Vital Grappin (University of Graz)
aranza.vital-grappin@uni-graz.at
Markus Paunger (University of Vienna)
markus.paunger@univie.ac.at
Substitute PhD representative
Simeon Tietmeyer (University of Graz)
simeon.tietmeyer@uni-graz.at

Key Researcher representatives

Mélanie Hall (University of Graz)
melanie.hall@uni-graz.at
Stefan Hofbauer (BOKU University)
stefan.hofbauer@boku.ac.at

Technology Transfer Board (TTB)

The Technology Transfer Board (TTB) is led by experienced researchers and members of the COE. It supports researchers in securing and protecting intellectual property and in collaborating with industry partners.

Additionally, the TTB promotes the training of researchers in the areas of IP protection and management. The Board brings together representatives from all participating research sites and programmes of the COE to foster exchange, coordinate technology transfer activities, and maximize the societal and economic impact of research outcomes.

The TTB includes representatives from all participating research institutions and programmes within the COE Circular Bioengineering. Current members:

Roland Ludwig (BOKU University) – Director of research
Bernd Nidetzky (Graz University of Technology) – Deputy Director of research
Marko Mihovilovic (TU Wien) – Deputy Director of the Management and Training unit
Gunda Köllensperger (University of Vienna) – Director of the communication and transfer unit
Wolfgang Kroutil (University of Graz) – Deputy Director of the communication and transfer unit
Matthias Steiger (TU Wien) – Key Researcher
Johannes Konnerth (BOKU University) – Key Researcher
Stephan Hann (BOKU University) – Key Researcher