Project description
Growing tree bioengineering research in Estonia
Biotechnological innovation in forest biorefining is crucial for Europe's climate goals and carbon neutrality. Recent geopolitical events highlight the need for alternative supply chains, while the decline of North-East Estonia's fossil industry accelerates the shift toward sustainable solutions. The EU-funded TreeBioTEC project will establish a tree bioengineering research group at the Institute of Bioengineering at the University of Tartu (UT) in Estonia. This initiative aims to enhance birch trees' photosynthesis, growth rates and resilience, supporting reforestation, carbon capture and soil bioremediation in contaminated mining areas. The project will also raise public awareness of bioengineering, foster collaboration between industries in Estonia and Finland, and position Estonia as a leader in forest biotechnology.
Objective
Advancing biotechnological innovation in the forest biorefining sector is crucial for Europe to meet climate objectives and driving the shift towards a carbon-neutral economy. However, challenges such as preserving natural forest ecosystems and promoting sustainable development practices offer opportunities for growth. Recent geopolitical events like the Russian invasion of Ukraine highlight the need to explore alternative supply chains and build industry resilience. The decline of the fossil-based industrial region in North-East Estonia acts as a catalyst for transitioning towards forest biorefinery solutions, prompting proactive measures to address environmental concerns and historical pollution from past mining activities.
TreeBioTEC will innovate alternatives led by Prof. Ykä Helariutta, an ERA Chair holder, by establishing a research group for tree bioengineering at the Institute of Bioengineering (UT). This initiative aims to enhance photosynthesis, growth rates, and resilience of birch trees, fostering reforestation, carbon capture, and soil bioremediation of contaminated mining areas for the wood industry.
Furthermore, TreeBioTEC strives to capitalize on public interest in bioengineering through a public awareness campaign, engaging stakeholders and fostering dialogue on biotechnological advancements. Leveraging geographic proximity and industry connections between Estonia and Finland, the project cultivates a collaborative ecosystem accelerating bioengineering efforts.
Additionally, the initiative fosters creativity by drawing inspiration from programs like Gingko Bioworks Creative Residency. Collaboration among scientists, architects, landscaping artists, and experts will create an innovative living laboratory exploring bioeconomy solutions.
Through TreeBioTEC, the Institute of Bioengineering positions Estonia as a leader in forest biotechnology, catalyzing advancements and fostering collaboration to address global challenges.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology environmental engineering ecosystem-based management ecological restoration
- natural sciences earth and related environmental sciences environmental sciences pollution
- engineering and technology environmental biotechnology
- agricultural sciences agriculture, forestry, and fisheries forestry
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.4.1 - Widening participation and spreading excellence
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-CSA - HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-TALENTS-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
51005 TARTU
Estonia
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.