Research for the future in focus at EPNOE2025 in Sundsvall

The conference was organized by the FSCN Research Center at Mid Sweden University together with the EPNOE Association and attracted over 340 participants from 27 countries and representatives from more than 30 companies. The research that was at the centre was about bio-based materials and systems – an area of crucial importance for the green transition. By developing solutions that can replace fossil raw materials with renewable ones, new opportunities are created to reduce climate impact and at the same time strengthen innovation and competitiveness, both in Europe and globally.

The conference offered an extensive program with 7 plenary lectures, 20 keynote presentations, 160 oral presentations and 104 poster presentations - and opportunities for networking. The atmosphere was inspiring and generous, with many opportunities to discuss current research, new ideas and future collaborations.

"It has been a much appreciated conference and everyone who participated has contributed to creating it! It's a very generous research community and these days have really shown that. You can even joke about polysaccharides," says Magnus Norgren, professor of chemical engineering at Mid Sweden University and chairman of the conference.

Inspiring about science and innovation

This is the ninth time that the international EPNOE conference has taken place. Pedro Fardim, President of the EPNOE Association, highlights both the importance of the research presented and the role of the host city.

"EPNOE2025've been fantastic, with inspiring discussions about science, technology and innovation in bio-based systems. We travel home with great memories from Sundsvall.

Several participants also emphasized the value of meeting as a research community. Pragya, who is a researcher at KU Leuven in Belgium, described it as a very valuable experience to be able to meet others in the same field, and highlighted the event as well executed.

Chhavi Verma, researcher at KTH, also emphasized how important it is to exchange ideas and get inspiration from colleagues.

"It means a lot to meet other researchers in the same field. The lectures have been very interesting.

High quality and many new ideas

For Artur Zdunek, professor at the Institute Agrophysics PAS in Poland and a first-time participant, the impression was also very positive.
"I'm very happy to be here, and the subjects are perfect for my research. It is also a very well organized conference. The presentations are of very high quality and the plenary lectures are excellent. I have met many new people and gained many new ideas for my research," he says.