How would you describe your research in one sentence?

“By doing sequential extractions on Brewer’s spent grain, a poorly valorised biomass residue, I aim to maximize its upcycling into high-value products contributing to a more circular and sustainable economy.”

What are your impressions of working industry vs academia?

“Doing research with industrial partners forces one to keep an eye on the practical application of the knowledge gained and to consider societal and economic factors.

“Concretely in the field of BSG valorisation, numerous academic studies have been done to optimize the generation of health-promoting extracts. While alternative, innovative extraction schemes often give a higher yield, physical or more often economic factors make that these new approaches are not industrially relevant.”

How industry benefits from working with researchers and vice versa

“The cooperation between industry and public research is beneficial for both. On one side industry can take advantage of the know-how and expertise present in public research centres to gain break-through assets. On the other side, interaction with the private sector allows the valorisation of the expertise of public research, while facilitating the generation of societal/economic/environmental impact. In the end, such win-win collaborations foster the development of new venues for progress.”

Your project is a collaboration between LIST and PM-International, what does this look like in practice?

“My project is in collaboration with PM International, located in the same building as LIST. The relationship with the company involved in my project is interactive, participative, and constructive. Results are discussed regularly, and suggestions, ideas and pre-occupations from all partners synthesized to guide the smooth realisation of my project.”

How would you describe yourself as a scientist?

“I am a curious person and have always wanted to work in science to understand how nature works, especially the plant world. What is hidden and how can we use the plant world and its products to societal progress? I decided to work in this research group because it is in line with my goals and passions as a researcher and a person. The study of biology and its application in society is the best way to use our knowledge, learn more and progress.”

What do you love about science?

“I have loved science since I was little. I like research because people are obliged to go deeper and deeper, find explanations which give meaning to the macro world. Being a researcher permits to constantly ask questions and then to be motivated to find the answers. It always allows to learn and, perhaps apply outside of a laboratory.”

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

“I would say that I like to work at an intermediate position. I will continue doing research and meanwhile have the possibility to apply it in the society for improving and progressing. The important thing for me is always to take into account what I want, and how I can contribute to the world, by safeguarding the place where we live.”

Are there any mentors that have had an impact on you?

“I have the chance to be surrounded by people in my research group who trust me and motivate me to go further and further. I’m learning a lot, in particular from my supervisor who directs me by giving me the right freedom to apply myself and develop my ideas.”

Why did you decided to conduct your research in Luxembourg?

“I chose Luxembourg because I noticed the focus on research and its valorisation. Specifically, I chose to work for LIST because I was surprised by the research conducted by my current group. Furthermore, thanks to Luxembourg’s priority given to research, advanced techniques and technologies can be used and exploited. Summing up all these factors, I found Luxembourg to be an innovative and active country that invests in the future.”