2025-10-30

Lab-talk to Florian Csarman


In this interview, recorded at BOKU University’s Laboratory of Food Technology, we meet Florian Csarman, a postdoctoral researcher and member of the Cluster of Excellence Circular Bioengineering. He gives us a glimpse into his current work and the exciting research taking place in the lab.


In diesem Interview, aufgenommen im Labor für Lebensmitteltechnologie der BOKU Universität, treffen wir Florian Csarman, Postdoktorand und Mitglied des Clusters of Excellence Circular Bioengineering. Er gibt uns einen Einblick in seine aktuelle Arbeit und die spannenden Forschungsaktivitäten im Labor.

2025-10-6

New Positions Open!

The Cluster of Excellence Circular Bioengineering is growing! Several new research positions are now open across our partner institutions. These roles offer exciting opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge projects that advance sustainable biotechnology and circular bioeconomy research.

We invite motivated researchers and students who are passionate about interdisciplinary science, innovation, and sustainability to explore the open positions.

New Roles

2025-10-3

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. Participants introduced themselves and their research, setting the stage for advancing Program 2’s mission to drive a microbial biotech shift toward sustainable systems using CO₂, waste, and electricity. The meeting concluded with informal discussions and a group photo, marking a strong start for interdisciplinary cooperation.

Quarterly meetings will follow to maintain momentum, share progress, and deepen collaboration across teams.

  • Program 2 aims to transform microbial biotechnology from linear, agriculture-based systems to sustainable, circular approaches utilizing CO₂, waste, and electricity. The research integrates synthetic biology, bioinformatics, and bioprocess engineering to design efficient, eco-friendly microbial production systems.

  • The meeting began with opening remarks by Program 2 Leaders professors Diethard Mattanovich and Gunda Koellensperger, followed by introductions from the PIs and short presentations from Postdocs and PhD students.

    Topics included:

    • Synthetic pathways in K. phaffii

    • Subcellular metabolomics and artificial yeast compartments

    • Machine learning for bioprocess design

    • Bioinformatic tools for bioreactor cultivations

    • Single-cell lipidomics

  • Researchers within Program 2 are encouraged to stay connected, exchange ideas, and collaborate across disciplines to achieve the best scientific outcomes.

    Those interested in circular bioengineering research are invited to follow the Cluster’s updates and explore future opportunities to engage in upcoming projects and events.

2025-9-29

Circular Bioengineering: Driving Sustainable Innovation

The Cluster of Excellence Circular Bioengineering is not just a dream. It’s already in motion. 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.

Since its launch, many talented researchers have already joined our teams, and several papers have been published showcasing our commitment to pioneering a circular bioeconomy. Funded by the excellent=Austria program, we’re pushing boundaries towards a circular and sustainable future, guided by environmental, economic, and societal responsibility.

The final round of applications will open very soon. Follow us to stay updated on new opportunities, research highlights, and collaborations!

Group picture of Bundesminister Polaschek, FWF-president Gattringer and the Board of Directors

2024-10-30

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. The members of the Board of Directors received certificates and the official excellent=austria sign.

2024-10-04

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. After a rollercoaster ride through the preproposal, full proposal, and hearing stages, we are excited to announce the intended start of the cluster on December 1st, 2024.

Bringing together top researchers from five leading Austrian universities—BOKU University, the University of Graz, Graz University of Technology, the University of Vienna, and the Technical University of Vienna—this cluster aims to revolutionize industries and spearhead the transition toward a sustainable, bio-driven economy. By advancing cutting-edge, eco-friendly technologies and processes, this collaboration will tackle global challenges and push the boundaries of circular bioengineering.

  • In 2021, the first thoughts about a cluster of excellence, took shape. A letter of intent was signed by the five contributing universities

  • The cluster took shape by formulating a preproposal, a full proposal and while preparing for a competitive hearing

  • Now the dreams of 2021 will finally become reality and the cluster of excellence can start with December 2024!