webinar

Processes Webinar | Decoding Microbial Power: Fueling the Future with Sustainable Bio-Innovation

Name: Processes Webinar | Decoding Microbial Power: Fueling the Future with Sustainable Bio-Innovation
Start: 2025-11-24T16:00:00
End: 2025-11-24T17:10:00

24 November 2025

16:00 (CET)

Online

Welcome from
the chair

I am delighted to welcome everyone to this webinar on "Decoding Microbial Power: Fueling the Future with Sustainable Bio-Innovation."

Some of nature's most creative innovators are microorganisms, which can propel bioproduct and sustainable energy solutions. Microbial biotechnology is a powerful tool for developing renewable alternatives and promoting a circular bioeconomy, helping us address global challenges in climate resilience, energy security, and sustainable development.

In today's webinar, two fascinating areas of innovation are highlighted:

Sustainable Bioproducts from Algae, which highlights how algal platforms can function as adaptable biofactories for fuels, materials, and bioactive compounds.

Sustainable Bioprocessing of Renewable Materials via Oleaginous Microbes for High-Value Metabolite Production, which illustrates how lipid-accumulating microbes can convert low-value resources into industrially relevant products.

These discussions demonstrate the variety of microbial solutions that can transform our future, from developing high-end, environmentally friendly products to promoting clean energy.

I would like to thank all the participants in this discussion on microbial innovation, as well as our esteemed speakers for sharing their knowledge. Let's work together to unlock the power of microbes and imagine future directions that will support resilience and sustainability.

Date: 24 November 2025

Time: 4:00 pm CET | 10:00 am EST

Webinar ID: 839 7917 5789

Webinar Secretariat: journal.webinar@mdpi.com

Meet the Event Chair

Dr. Neha Arora

Department of Biology, Skidmore College, NY, USA

Meet Our Speakers

View all speakers

Dr. Alok Patel

Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering (SBN) at Luleå University of Technology (LTU), Sweden;
I am currently working as an Assistant Professor in Biochemical Process Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering (SBN) at Luleå University of Technology (LTU), Sweden. My remarkable journey in the realm of bioengineering began with the successful completion of my PhD at the prestigious Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering at IIT Roorkee, India, in 2017. A visionary in the field, I embarked on an independent research career within the renowned Biochemical Process Engineering (BPE) group at LTU, Sweden. My research endeavors are centered on the development of cutting-edge biotechnological processes, with a keen focus on converting organic matter into invaluable resources such as bioenergy, biofuels, and biochemicals. In an impressively short span, I have made significant strides, earning recognition and acclaim for my innovative contributions. My leadership extends to spearheading the microalgal-based biorefinery in my division and assuming the role of principal investigator in a research grant of 4 million SEK funded by the Swedish Research Council Formas, Sweden. I am also a co-principal investigator in several other projects funded by prestigious institutions like EU Horizon and various national agencies. With an unwavering commitment to nurturing talent, I actively supervise master's students, Ph.D. candidates, and postdoctoral researchers within my group. My dedication to fostering global collaboration is evident through my mentorship of numerous interns, facilitating their growth through programs like ERASMUS and IAESTE, all while actively promoting international internships. My academic prowess is reflected in my prolific publication record, which boasts over 90 articles and three books. I further contribute to the academic community as an Associate Editor and esteemed editorial board member for several peer-reviewed journals, including BMC Biotechnology, and BMC Microbiology.

Dr. George P. Philippidis

Dept. Of Integrative Biology and Patel College of Global Sustainability, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA;
Dr. George P. Philippidis is Associate Dean for Research at the Patel College of Global Sustainability and has a joint Associate Professor appointment with the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, Florida. He is a Fulbright Scholar and holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from the University of Denver. He has authored numerous publications and 11 patents. Dr. Philippidis has long experience leading strategic business units in the private sector, directing applied research in the public sector, and teaching sustainability in academia. He started his career at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Denver, where he pioneered conversion of biomass to ethanol as a renewable transportation fuel. He then moved to Thermo Fisher Scientific in Boston, a Fortune 100 company, where he commercialized clean technologies. Subsequently, he joined the Applied Research Center at Florida International University in Miami to create and direct its energy business. He has been partner in a venture capital firm, founded technology start-ups, and advised companies and government agencies, including the US State Department, the US Department of Agriculture, and the Organization of American States. At USF, in addition to teaching and mentoring students, Dr. Philippidis directs green technology development and commercialization that aims at making the society sustainable and the economy circular through partnerships with industry, government, and communities. His applied research focuses on production of biomaterials, biofuels, and renewable energy from sustainable natural resources, such as algae, biomass, and oilseed crops, by integrating biochemical engineering, biology, sustainability, and business.

Sponsors and Partners

Organizer

Webinar Content

**11^th Processes Webinar**

Decoding Microbial Power: Fueling the Future with Sustainable Bio-Innovation

In this section, you will find the recordings of this webinar to watch, re-watch and share with your colleagues!
The webinar showcased the remarkable potential of oleaginous microorganisms, particularly algae, to power the future of sustainable energy and materials. Our esteemed speakers demonstrated how innovations in system biology and process design are accelerating discoveries and unlocking the full potential of algae. Overall, the webinar reinforced microbes as key drivers of sustainable innovation.