Category: <span>Working Groups</span>

Biofilm Microenvironments: EBNet workshop report out now

Microenvironments can be defined as localised zones with chemical, biological or physical characteristics that differ significantly from those of the larger-scale surrounding environment. Because microbes respond primarily to these immediate conditions, microenvironments strongly influence the performance of microbially-based systems. Understanding and controlling these influences is essential for engineering improved systems. …

EBNet’s UKRI report available now

A report covering EBNet’s main activities and outputs during our UKRI funding period is now up on the Resources page, under More EBNet reports.  A bit later than originally planned, but brimming with information on our working groups, events and publications. The report is available in two formats, with a …

Bioefficiency webinar available – and a PhycoClub crowdfunding campaign

If you missed the joint PhycoClub / EBNet webinar on 26 June 2026, or want to hear it again, a recorded version is now available HERE. Dr Marin Sawa’s talk on Bioefficiency led to many questions and further discussion continuing well after the session ended. The concept can readily be …

ISM2S Conference postponed – and a new paper on sensors

The organisers of the 3rd International Symposium on Microfluidics for Sensing and Sequencing (ISM2S) have reluctantly decided to postpone this year’s conference. Prof Zhugen Yang, who leads EBNet’s ESWS WG and is on the Conference organising committee, said: “Due to the merger between Cranfield and King’s College London and the …

Cryptosporidial oocysts and a persistent coliform – two new water treatment papers

A warm welcome for two new papers related to the work of EBNet’s Water Biofilms WG and to wider aspects of Theme 2. The first is a review of factors affecting removal of Cryptosporidium and other protozoal oocysts in slow sand filtration (SSF). Removal rates vary widely, and the review …

World Biogas Expo and BiofuelAi prize

Date and venue:  8-9 July 2026, NEC Birmingham The 2026 World Biogas Expo, organised by ADBA and the World Biogas Association, takes place in Birmingham early next month, with free registration. As always, the event will feature experts sharing the latest on global market trends, policy updates and technologial advances. …

Joint PhycoClub / EBNet talk – don’t miss this!

Date: 26 June 2026 10:30 UK, online Don’t miss this month’s PhycoFriday talk, jointly hosted by PhycoClub and EBNet’s BES WG.  Dr Marin Sawa will give a presentation on Bioefficiency, in the context of her work on algal biotechnology: for more details of speaker and topic, see below. Marin’s talk …

3rd Microfluidics Symposium – call for abstracts

Abstracts deadline: 20 July 2026 Date and location: 25-26 August 2026, Cambridge The 3rd International Symposium on Microfluidics for Sensing and Sequencing: Frontier Technology for Sustainability and Planetary Health (ISM2S 2026) is inviting abstract submissions. Following previous ISM2S in Cranfield 2024 and Oxford 2025, this two-day event covers the topic …

Our current knowledge: new paper on anode colonisation in MFC

A recent journal paper by several EBNet members adds to our knowledge of how microbes spread across anode surfaces in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The study investigated spatial and temporal dynamics of community assembly, using a novel multi-electrode MFC with two substrate conditions. Pre-inoculation led to successful current generation within …

AD optimisation and decision-making – an industry/academic perspective

Congratulations to our colleagues for their new paper in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews on requirements and approaches for optimising anaerobic digestion on a site-wide basis. The paper draws on work carried out for the AI for Net Zero project (EP/Y005600/1) led by Prof Michael Short, and with the Supergen …

EBIC webinar: Enzyme Engineering for PFAS Remediation – don’t forget

Date: 2 June 2026, 12-13:00 The Environmental Biotechnology Innovation Centre (EBIC) is delighted to invite you to an interactive live webinar on Enzyme Engineering for PFAS Remediation  This is the third of four webinars in EBIC’s current Engineering Biology in Action series. Hear from leading experts including Dr Tao Lyu …

Machine learning for modelling environmental biotechnologies – and WG report

Results from a webinar organised by EBNet’s working group on AI & ML in the Bioeconomy have formed the basis for a recent Perspectives paper in Resources, Conservation and Recycling. The paper identifies the power of biotechnologies such as fermentation, anaerobic digestion and bioelectrochemical systems  –  all topics of sister …