CATRIN contributed to the success of the European Congress on Biotechnology

CATRIN contributed to the success of this year’s European Congress on Biotechnology (ECB2026), held in Antwerp, Belgium, not only through its scientific presentations but also through active involvement in the organisation of the four-day programme. The congress brought together leading researchers, innovators and industry experts to explore how biotechnology can shape the future of health, food, energy and the environment.

CATRIN was strongly represented at this major European biotechnology event through scientific contributions in the fields of nanobiomedicine, biosensors, plant biotechnology and nanotechnology. Kateřina Poláková (Chair of the Biopharmaceutical and Medical Biotechnology Section of the European Federation of Biotechnology), Michaela Holecová (Executive Board Member of the European Federation of Biotechnology), Veronika Veselská, Klára Gajdošová, Jitka Frébortová, Véronique Bergougnoux-Fojtík, Nikola Kořínková, and Ivo Frébort contributed to the congress as session chairs, co-chairs and presenters across the four key thematic streams: innovations for healthy living, solutions for a sustainable planet, manufacturing with microbes, and feeding the planet.

Ivo Frébort, Leader of the Plant Engineering and Biotechnology research group at CATRIN, who was elected Secretary of the European Federation of Biotechnology during the congress, also served as Chair of the Scientific Programme Committee for ECB2026.

“Excellent plenary and keynote speakers, including Molly Stevens, Philip Meysman, Arben Merkoci and many others, presented not only breakthrough ideas and scientific achievements but also inspiring examples of their successful translation into real-world biotechnology applications that are already making a significant impact on society worldwide. Their presentations were particularly inspiring for the many young scientists attending ECB2026. Moreover, the friendly atmosphere created an ideal environment for lively discussions and the exchange of the latest advances in biotechnology during symposia, poster sessions and social events,” said Kateřina Poláková.

Beyond its rich scientific programme, ECB2026 also served as a strategic platform connecting Asia and Europe in advancing next-generation biotechnology.