JP FAPESP Workshop: Strengthening EU–Brazil Collaboration in Sustainable Research

At the end of February, leading researchers from Brazil and Europe came together for the Interinstitutional JP FAPESP Workshop, held across three universities: UNICAMP (Campinas), USP (São Carlos), and UNESP (São José do Rio Preto).

The programme featured presentations, open lectures, and team meetings, covering the latest activities of three FAPESP Young Investigator (JP) projects:

• Prof. Luís Marangoni Júnior (UNICAMP, FEA UNICAMP): pulsed light processing of foods and packaging
• Prof. Bianca Chieregato Maniglia (USP, IQSC): biomaterials, 3D printing, and bone scaffolds
• Prof. Tiago Carregari Polachini (UNESP, IBILCE): biorefinery, biomass valorisation, and PEF processing of foods.

The workshop also included open lectures and contributions from the Protein4Impact coordinator, Pedro Augusto, invited from Chaire de Biotechnologie – CentraleSupélec (Université Paris-Saclay), highlighting how European innovation in sustainable protein production can be applied to the Brazilian expertise in tropical crops, high biomass availability, and local processing knowledge.

The event showcased cutting-edge research in sustainable biomass valorisation, emerging food technologies, and bio-based materials, fostering collaboration across continents.

Open presentations at each university provided insights into practical applications and technological advances, including:

• 3D printing for biomaterials and structured foods
• Integral valorisation of plant biomass, including proteins
• Non-conventional / emerging technologies for biomass processing
• Sustainable food packaging and design-for-recycling approaches.

Throughout the event, discussions focused on how diverse research environments, raw materials, and technological approaches can complement each other, accelerating innovation in circular bioeconomy, low-carbon protein systems, and new bio-based materials.

For Protein4Impact, this workshop reinforced the value of connecting European research expertise with partners working with different raw materials, climates, and production systems, opening pathways for joint projects that neither region could advance alone.

A warm thank you goes to all participants, speakers, and supporters, and especially to FAPESP for enabling these collaborative initiatives that strengthen science across continents.

We look forward to continuing this collaboration and exploring new opportunities together to advance sustainable protein research and bio-based innovation!