In a nutshell...
The Renewable Systems Engineering grant (RENESENG) is a new FP7 Marie Curie project that researches and trains a new breed of engineers with project experience in biorefineries and emphasis on advanced process design, synthesis, model-based screening and analysis and process integration. RENESENG continues and builds on a series of successful EU and national projects and will be training future scientists and engineers in biorefinery related topics.
The award is worth approx. 4,2 million EUROS to a European Consortium of major universities and biofuel companies. The project duration is 4 years starting on 1stof November 2013.
RENESENG aims to prepare a new generation of highly-qualified researchers in Biorefinery and bio based Chemical Systems Engineering Sciences in Europe. The programme is expected to bear high impact in the design of newly establishing industrial complexes in biorefinering and more generally in eco-industries. RENESENG brings together interdisciplinary academic and industrial teams of high-quality expertise, embracing disciplines in agricultural sciences, chemistry and chemical engineering, biology and biotechnology, computer science, process engineering, logistics and business economics, as well as social sciences with an emphasis on life cycle analysis skills.
The project brings state-of-the-art systems technologies mobilizing a critical mass in Europe that is already particularly active in this area but needs to coordinate the efforts and reduce fragmentation of knowledge.
The principal scientific challenge of the network will be to foster inter-disciplinary research from expert groups with dedicated interests in bio-renewables using a model-assisted systems approach as an integrating aspect, further capitalizing on its potential and role to address complex and large problems.The aim is to develop and validate modelling, synthesis, integration and optimization technology addressing:
- Lignin-based and cellulosic processes
- Water-based paths to biomass production
- Waste treatment paths
- Hybrids of bio-renewables with other forms of renewables
In parallel RENESENG will develop a program of training activities including, development of communication, business, and social skills, visits and social events allowing to prepare a new profile of researchers able to transmit their knowledge in to the wide stakeholder base associated with the bioeconomy. RENESENG ensures high quality careers prospects for all, through the active participation of 6 industrials, the creation of spin-offs and the sustainable implementation of a multicenter PhD training program.