Why Should you Join the BIS Network?
Ideal Location
The BIS network is run from the Green Chemistry Center of Excellence, York, UK. As a network aiming to develop the valorisation of food supply chain waste, the BIS hub is situated in one of the UK’s richest region in Food and Drinks companies. Its strong economy has attracted various industries, including home and personal care product companies such as Unilever and Reckitt Benckiser and major food companies including Northern Foods and Arla Foods. as well as the large speciality chemicals business Croda There is an abundance of waste resources coming from the regional Food and Drinks sector and the Agricultural sector. These assets are strengthened by the presence of a major research consortium between the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence, the Center for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP) and the Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC). The BDC is designed to bridge the gap between laboratory and commercial scale for the conversion of bio-renewable feedstocks into high value chemicals. Bio-industrial development expertise and opportunities are therefore easily accessible for the BIS network members.
We aim to establish similar hubs in different regions of the world with different local resources but similar blends of relevant industries so as to help cross-fertilisation of ideas, exchanges of best practice, and new collaborations between scientists and others interested in exploting the enormous potential of food waste.
Multidisciplinary Expertise
Direct access to diverse skills and expertise is critical as the chemical industry moves toward sustainable bio-based products and waste valorisation. The BIS network embraces multidisciplinary collaborative work, which is the key to successful development of an alternative renewable carbon feedstock based on waste for the production of bio-chemicals, bio-materials and biofuels with the support of industry.
Focus on Commercialisation
Industry’s support in research activities is vital to develop commercially viable technologies. The network aims to form strategic partnerships with industry, but also with key government and non-governmental organisations to create research projects that have a commercial application, recognising the vital importance of collaboration between academia and industry.
Opportunities for Funding
The overarching objective of the BIS network is to create new partnerships that are in a strong position to apply for funding to future calls focusing on the valorisation of food supply chain waste. The network will provide a ready-made consortium from which relevant partners could be selected to provide working groups with the correct balance of expertise, location and resource, dependent upon requirements of the call. Potential funding vehicles include EU Framework 7 calls involving ICPC countries, COST, BBSRC-FAPESP, and NSF ICC programme as well as appropriate mobility grants which would provide opportunities for training and technology transfer amongst network partners. Future potential for R&D funding is shown by current 2011/2012 FP7 calls, increasing interest from industry, and a drive towards incentives for bio-chemicals and bio-materials.
Strong and Interactive Partnerships
The BIS network is proud of its partnerships with the Green Chemistry Network and is actively seeking new partners in order to develop an interactive and complementary approach to achieve the objectives of the BIS network.
Partners
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The Green Chemistry Network (GCN)The Green Chemistry Network (GCN) aims to promote awareness and facilitate education, training and practice of Green Chemistry in industry, commerce, central, regional and local government, academia and schools. |