State-of-the-art facilities for biotechnologies research

On 26 March 2019, as part of its activities in environmental research, and environmental and industrial biotechnologies, the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) has inaugurated on its Hautcharage site new laboratories dedicated to bioreactors and new offices for the research group “Plant biotechnologies”.

LIST’s “Plant biotechnologies” research group develops new concepts, products and services based on integrative biology and biotechnological approaches for the valorisation of plant biomass as feedstock of molecules for renewable industrial products and the green biotech sector. In the framework of innovation and research projects, LIST researchers in the field, as well as LIST research partners, will have the chance to benefit from these state-of-the-art facilities in a six-meter high hall.

As Lucien Hoffmann, Director of ERIN department, explains: "This will make it possible to go from bioreactors of a few litres in the laboratory to larger 500 litres bioreactors. We now have some unique equipment in the region that will enable us to generate new innovative synergies with industry”. These new laboratories are an integral part of the development of LIST's Greentech Innovation Centre and will also support Luxembourg's desire to build a greener economy. Throughout the Institute, as mentioned by Jean-François Hausman, Plant biotechnologies group leader: “These state-of-the-art facilities will also promote the human aspect of research projects, in the way that complementarity between LIST research departments will be strengthened.”