YAF is structured into 7 different work packages (WPs): 4 scientific WPs, an advanced innovative training WP, a communication, dissemination and exploitation WP and a management WP.

The Network

Partners

  • The IMDEA Energy Institute was created by the Government of Comunidad de Madrid with the aim of promoting energy-related R&D activities that contribute to addressing global challenges in energy sustainability. IMDEA Energy is strongly committed to effectively transferring R&D results to the productive sector and aims to join efforts with other research centers and universities. In 2020, it was awarded with the accreditation as Unit of Excellence María de Maeztu by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. IMDEA Energy, will host 3 doctoral candidates in the Biotechnological Processes Unit,  the System Analysis Unit and the Thermochemical Processes Unit.

    Role within the project:
    • Host institution of DC1, DC8 and DC10.
    • Secondments of DC5, DC7, DC9 and DC12.
     
    Researchers involved:
    • Elia Tomás-Pejó (Biotechnological Processes Unit). Project Coordinator.
    • Diego Iribarren (System Analysis Unit).
    • Jennifer Cueto (Thermochemical Processes Unit). 
  • Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) is the only flagship in engineering and IT science and education in Estonia, providing higher education at all levels in engineering and technology, information technology, economics, science, and maritime. TalTech’s mission is to be a promoter of science, technology, and innovation and a leading provider of engineering and economic education in Estonia. TalTech is recognized for its diverse and international student body, drawing individuals from various corners of the world. The university offers a wide range of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, TalTech serves as a hub for research and development, actively contributing to advancements in science and technology.

    Role within the project:
    • Host institution of DC5 and DC11.
    • Secondments of DC3 and DC12.
    • Doctoral degree award of DC5 and DC11.
     
    Researcher(s) involved:
    • Dr. Petri-Jaan Lahtvee.
  • The Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) addresses challenges of societal and scientific importance through basic and applied research, teaching, scientific consulting and dissemination of knowledge within the areas of microbiology, biomedicine and biotechnology. A key focus of the department is the engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology. The department activities put a clear focus on the needs requested by the biotechnology industry and point towards innovations, new businesses and scientific services within bioremediation, ingredients, material science, biopharmaceuticals, and bioenergy for the benefit of society. The activities at the department also support many of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The research at the yeast biotechnology and fermentation group is focused towards the development and characterization of yeast cell factories for the production of high value chemicals, pharmaceutical peptides and industrial enzymes. One of our main aims is the discovery and development of novel yeast cell factories with superior capabilities to contribute to the green transition, thus facilitating the transition from classical production processes to more biosustainable and environmentally friendly ones, using low-cost feedstocks and reduced energy and fresh water demands.

    Role within the project:
    • Host institution of DC6 and DC12.
    • Secondment of DC1 and DC4.
    • Doctoral degree award of DC6 and DC12.
     
    Researcher(s) involved:
    • Dr. José Luis Martínez Ruiz.
  • Åbo Akademi University is the Swedish language multi-faculty university in Finland. One of the key areas of the University is Technologies for a Sustainable Future focusing on developing new technologies to replace fossil raw materials with renewable resources.

    Role within the project:
    • Host institution of DC7.
    • Secondments of DC8 and DC10.
    • Doctoral degree award of DC7.
     
    Researcher(s) involved:
    • Dr. Dmitry Murzin.
  • CIEMAT is a public research institution assigned to the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities under the General Secretariat for Research, focusing on energy and environment and the technologies related to them. At CIEMAT, the corresponding Doctoral Candidate (DC) will join the Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Unit (ABBU) which belongs to the Division of Renewable Energies.

    Role within the project:
    • Host institution of DC2.
    • Secondments of DC5 and DC6.
     
    Researchers involved:
    • Dr. Antonio David Moreno (Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Unit).
    • Dr. María José Negro (Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Unit).
  • Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant vzw (BBEPP) is an independent, state-of-the-art facility for research, development and scale-up of novel bioprocesses. BBEPP has broad experience in advanced fermentation processes, with also extensive expertise in gas fermentation, biocatalysis, green chemistry, and development of innovative recovery and purification techniques. In YAF, BBEPP will provide training on these technologies in co-organized training events. BBEPP will supervise DC9 for research on novel separation and purification strategies and bioprocess scale-up.

    Role within the project:
    • Host institution of DC9.
    • Secondments of DC2, DC6, DC8 and DC10.



    Researcher(s) involved:
    • Dr. Evelien Uitterhaegen.

Associated Partners

  • ICL is a science-based university with an international reputation for excellence in teaching and research and is the only UK University to focus entirely on science, engineering, medicine, and business. ICL is one of the research organization partners of the YAF consortium, involved in the scientific and technical training of 2 DCs in the fields of yeast metabolic engineering to develop new cell factories and, yeast fermentation technology.

    Role within the project:
    • Host institution of DC3 and DC4.
    • Secondments of DC2, DC8 and DC11.
    • Doctoral degree award organisation of DC3 and DC4.
     
    Researchers involved:
    • Dr. Rodrigo Ledesma Amaro.
    • Dr. Francesca Ceroni.
  • URJC is a dynamic and innovative institution with an excellent academic offer. It strongly focuses on scientific and technical research and is committed to staying at the forefront of knowledge. With over 50,000 students from 100 countries and a staff of 2,000, URJC promotes R&D&I activities through collaboration with companies and institutions, enabling researchers to advance science and technology. URJC encourages close cooperation with industrial and economic sectors and is dedicated to finding interdisciplinary solutions to current problems. It ensures that its official qualifications meet the highest quality standards, producing graduates with the values essential in today's society.

    Role within the project:
    • Doctoral degree award organisation of DC1, DC8 and DC10
     
    Researcher(s) involved:
    • Dr. Luis Fernando Bautista Santa Cruz
  • The Complutense University of Madrid (Spanish: Universidad Complutense de Madrid; UCM, Latin: Universitas Complutensis Matritensis) is a public research university located in Madrid. it is one of the oldest operating universities in the world and the largest in Spain. The Complutense University has counted numerous Nobel Laureates not only among its graduates, but also its faculty members over the years. It is classified among the 100 best universities in the world and currently, the greenest university in Spain.

    Role within the project:
    • Doctoral degree award organisation of DC2.
     
    Researcher involved:
    • Dr. Rebeca Alonso Monge.
  • Ghent University (UGhent) is an open, pluralistic and socially engaged university located in Belgium. It is more than 200 years old, offers more than 200 programmes (including 64 English-taught master's programmes) and conducts in-depth research within a wide range of scientific domains. In YAF, UGhent is an Associated Partner and will provide training within the PhD Program of Bioscience Engineering and will be responsible for awarding the doctoral degree for DC9.

    Role within the project:
    • Doctoral degree award organisation of DC9.

     
    Researcher(s) involved:
    • Prof. Wim Soetaert.

  • Nutropy is a French company that develops an animal-free plug & play milk replacement for large scale dairy applications through precision fermentation technology. We produce milk proteins and fatty acids identical to those produced by cows to enable the production of cheeses that taste as good as conventional cheese but are more sustainable, healthier and better for the animals.

    Role within the project:
    • Secondments of DC1, DC3, DC4 and DC11.
     
    Researchers involved:
    • Dr. Maya Bendifallah.
  • Since 2005, hfp consulting provides professional development workshops exclusively for the scientific community. Our mission is to help scientists grow and succeed by working with them to develop leadership and self-management skills, by fostering personal development and strengthening interpersonal competencies and communication skills. We strongly believe that these skills, essential for today's challenges in scientific work, can be acquired and developed at any career stage.

    Role within the project:
    • Organisation delivering high quality and innovative training to the fellows and PIs through research.  

     
    Researchers involved:
    • Dr. Romilde Manzoni.

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