1.1 Biomass resources and potentials
The topic addresses the assessment, mapping and optimization of biomass resources for a sustainable bioeconomy, covering the availability, accessibility and quality of biomass across diverse regions and timeframes, addressing the technical and strategic aspects of biomass mobilisation and utilisation, resource assessment and monitoring and synergies and trade-offs among biomass uses.

• Assessments of biomass potentials and land availability considering temporal dynamics at various spatial scales;
• Resource mapping and socio-economic mapping using GIS, remote sensing and spatial modelling and analysis tools;
• Biomass supply: by-products and residues from agriculture, agro-food waste, agro-industrial feedstocks and side streams;
• Biomass characterisation, innovative harvest methods, biomass logistics and supply chain management optimization;
• Biomass mobilisation strategies and approaches to increase feedstock accessibility and dynamic biomass monitoring systems tracking biomass availability;
• Assessing and managing synergies and trade-offs between biomass uses for energy, materials and food security.

1.2 Sustainable integrated agricultural management practices
The topic explores innovative and integrated agricultural and land management strategies that enable sustainable production of biomass for multiple uses, targeting efficient land use and rural development, while also delivering agro-ecological benefits, enhancing soil health, and supporting climate resilience and enhancing ecosystem services.

• Innovative agri-forestry systems for biomass production for energy and materials integrated with traditional agri-forestry systems;
• Novel, multi-purpose, intermediate and cover crops, including intercropping systems, for sustainable biomass production;
• Multifunctional and regenerative cropping systems enhancing biodiversity, land use efficiency and climate resilience and biomass production;
• Integrated biomass production systems with low-ILUC impact feedstocks, reducing pressure on high-value land;
• Selection, breeding and optimization of biomass crops on marginal, contaminated and degraded lands;
• Soil health improvement, regenerative agriculture, phytoremediation and land restoration practices;
• Sustainable biomass plantations, carbon farming and agricultural practices enhancing soil carbon sequestration, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving ecosystem services;
• Advanced tools for sustainable land management, including precision agriculture, remote sensing, and decision-support mechanisms;
• Agricultural management practices enhancing biodiversity, water regulation, nutrient cycling and other ecosystem services while supporting resilient biomass production and climate adaptation.

1.3 Algae and aquatic biomass production systems
The topic focuses on the development, optimization and integration of algae and other aquatic biomass production systems for the sustainable production of bioenergy, biofuels, food, feed, bio-based materials and high-value bio-based products. It covers both microalgae and macroalgae, aquatic biomass cultivation, harvesting, processing and valorisation and their role of aquatic biomass in the circular and blue bioeconomy, carbon capture, nutrient recovery and sustainable resource management.

• Identification, characterization, strain selection, assessment and genetic improvement of microalgae and macroalgae;
• Technologies and systems for the cultivation of algae, including photobioreactors, open ponds, marine and coastal farming systems and resource use efficiency;
• Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) and other integrated aquatic biomass production systems;
• Integration of wastewater treatment and nutrient recovery into algae systems, enabling biomass production and water resource recovery;
• Valorization of waste streams from aquaculture, fisheries and marine industries as nutrient sources for algae cultivation and the production of bioenergy, biofuels and bio-based products;
• Innovations in algae harvesting, drying and pre-processing, extraction of oils, chemicals and high-value compounds;
• Carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) through algae cultivation and integration with industrial CO₂ sources;
• Techno-economic analyses of algae production systems and value chains;
• Market opportunities, scalability and commercial deployment of algae-based technologies and products.

1.4 Municipal and industrial wastes
This topic explores the assessment, management and valorisation of municipal and industrial organic waste streams as sustainable feedstocks for the production of bioenergy, biofuels, and bio-based products. It covers resource assessment, collection, separation, pre-treatment and integration of organic waste streams into sustainable biomass value chains, highlighting innovative waste management strategies and circular bioeconomy approaches that maximize resource efficiency, reduce environmental impacts and contribute to a climate-resilient bioeconomy.

• Technical and economic potential of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and other organic waste streams as sustainable bioresources for bioenergy, biofuels and bio-based products;
• Assessment, quantification, characterisation and monitoring of municipal and industrial organic waste resources;
• Source separation, collection, sorting, mechanical-biological treatment and pre-processing technologies;
• Valorisation of pulp and paper waste, food and beverage waste, agro-industrial residues and other industrial organic waste streams;
• Treatment and valorisation of sewage sludge, slaughterhouse waste, digestates, organic fractions of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) and other biodegradable residues;
• Integrated waste management systems and waste-to-resource systems supporting resource recovery and circular biomass value chains;
• Integration of municipal, industrial and agricultural organic waste streams into bio-based value chains;
• Recovery of nutrients, carbon and other valuable resources from organic waste streams supporting circular bioeconomy objectives.

1.5 Forest biomass resources and sustainable forest management
The topic addresses sustainable production, mobilisation and management of forest biomass, including wood resources, forest residues and wood-processing side streams. It covers sustainable forest management, forest ecosystem services, biodiversity, biomass mobilisation, resource assessment and monitoring, and the contribution of forests to climate mitigation and the circular bioeconomy.

• Forest biomass quantification methodologies, carbon stock assessment, monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV);
• Forest monitoring using remote sensing, GIS and digital technologies;
• Advanced methodologies for biomass carbon stock accounting and monitoring using remote sensing, digital technologies and MRV systems.
• Forest biomass resources and mobilization and sustainable supply chains;
• Sustainable forest management, supporting biodiversity, ecosystem services and climate resilience;
• Assessment and enhancement of ecosystem services provided by biomass production systems.
• Forest ecosystem services, biodiversity conservation and multifunctional forest management;
• Wood resources, forest residues and wood-processing side streams for sustainable bio-based value chains.

2.1 Sustainability, socio-economic impacts and public acceptance
The topic explores the environmental, social and economic dimensions of biomass applications, with a particular focus on sustainability, equity and public engagement, delivering local socio-economic benefits, supporting just transitions and enhancing societal acceptance of bio-based solutions through responsible biomass production and utilisation.

• Sustainability aspects of biomass production and use, responsible sourcing, sustainable land use and ecosystem preservation;
• Voluntary and regulatory frameworks, sustainability schemes, sustainability standards and products certification;
• Socio-economic aspects, including rural development, regional economic diversification, energy access, etc.;
• Competition between multiple uses, impacts on food security, land use, traditional biomass use, trade-offs and risk mitigation of the increased use of biomass;
• Bioenergy contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG);
• Stakeholder engagement, public participation and strategies to building public trust and societal acceptance of bio-based solutions;
• Lessons learnt and good practices in sustainable biomass utilisation;
• Social and economic impacts of bio-based materials in housing and construction sectors;
• Biomass contribution to energy security, resilience and strategic autonomy.

2.2 Environmental impacts
The topic addresses the environmental effects of biomass production and conversion, with a focus on ensuring sustainable practices that safeguard natural resources, biodiversity and ecosystem services, using robust assessment tools and governance frameworks to balance biomass utilization with environmental protection goals.

• Environmental performance of biomass cultivation and use, agricultural intensification, water use and land use changes;
• Environmental performance of forest-based biomass systems and sustainable forest management;
• Trade-offs and synergies between different impacts;
• Biomass production and water use, energy, land and water interactions;
• Strategies for biomass production preserving biodiversity, protecting habitats and ecosystem services;
• Land use and land governance and sustainable land management practices;
• Land use change impacts, monitoring and addressing indirect land use changes, quantification, modeling and policy approaches;
• Environmental Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) for quantifying the environmental footprint of biomass pathways;
• Assessment, quantification and valuation of ecosystem services associated with sustainable biomass production.

2.3 Climate impacts and GHG performance
The topic addresses the climate-related effects of biomass, biofuels, bioenergy and bio-based products, including greenhouse gas emission accounting, climate change mitigation and carbon management. It addresses challenges and innovations in quantifying and optimizing the carbon balance within biomass value chains, including land use dynamics and novel carbon management strategies.

• Comprehensive evaluation of the carbon footprint and climate impacts of biomass, biofuels, bioenergy and bio-based products production;
• Assessment of climate change mitigation potential of biomass production and use;
• GHG emissions accounting, Land Use, Land Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF)and sustainable forest management practices;
• Advanced approaches to quantify and mitigate emissions associated with direct and indirect land use change;
• Assessing carbon storage on land, practices enhancing carbon storage in soils and vegetation including biochar;
• Life cycle assessment methods to quantify and compare the GHG performance of diverse biomass pathways;
• Dynamic modeling and uncertainty analysis incorporation of temporal and spatial variability in GHG assessments;
• Advanced methodologies for greenhouse gas accounting, carbon footprint assessment and carbon balance modelling across biomass value chains.

2.4 Biomass strategies and policies
The topic explores the development, implementation and impact of strategic policies that drive sustainable biomass production and utilization within the broader context of the circular economy and low-carbon transition. It addresses policy frameworks that promote the role of biomass in climate mitigation, rural development and the bioeconomy at regional, national, and international levels.

• Regulatory frameworks and incentive mechanisms promoting sustainable biomass use and resource efficiency in a circular economy;
• Agriculture, forestry and rural development policies integrating biomass use with rural development, promoting sustainable land use and biodiversity conservation;
• Role of biomass and biomass policies addressing climate change mitigation objectives;
• Biomass contribution to a low carbon economy, carbon emissions, LULUCF accounting and integration into emission trading schemes and carbon pricing mechanisms;
• Biomass and rural development, opportunities for biomass-related industries and economic diversification in the sustainable and circular economy;
• Global bioeconomy advancements, international cooperation for a bioeconomy and transnational partnerships;
• Strategies for the integration of bioenergy into a low–carbon economy;
• Strategies for the integration of bio-based products into the chemical industry.

2.5 System analysis, digital technologies and AI applications

The topic addresses the application of systems analysis, digital technologies, the integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, Digital Twins, advanced modelling and decision-support tools for optimizing biomass systems, including process control, real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance and smart supply chain management for sustainable biomass systems.

• Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Digital Twins and advanced analytics throughout biomass value chains;
• Digital technologies optimizing process operations, including AI and machine learning to monitor, control and optimize processes;
• Advanced sensing, real-time process monitoring, automation and control enhancing system stability, flexibility and system integration;
• Process simulation tools and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling, to optimize reactor designs and predict system behavior;
• Data analytics assessing system performance and optimization and supporting resource-efficient operations;
• AI applications in biomass processing, predictive maintenance and industrial operation optimization;
• AI-enhanced supply chain management and decision-making tools;
• Systems modelling, integrated assessment models and multi-criteria decision analysis;
• Comprehensive system assessment and multi-criteria optimization tools.

3.1 Biomass integration into energy systems
The topic explores innovative strategies for integrating biomass into modern, flexible and decarbonized energy systems, including sector integration, hybrid renewable energy systems, energy system flexibility and carbon integration, technological innovations, system-level integration and policy frameworks that support the broader deployment of bioenergy as part of a sustainable energy transition.

• Innovative solutions for small communities, district heating and cooling systems, new concepts for hybrid systems integrating bioenergy and other renewables;
• Bioenergy providing grid services, electricity grid stability, supporting power-to-gas systems and enabling gas grid flexibility;
• Bioenergy solutions for rural electrification concepts and off-grid systems;
• Biomass integration in district heating and cooling networks, combined heat and power (CHP), polygeneration systems and retrofit solutions replacing fossil fuels;
• Greening the gas grids, production and injection of biomethane, biohydrogen etc. into existing natural gas infrastructure;
• Innovative systems integrating biogenic or air-captured carbon CO₂ in carbon-recycling applications and improved conversion efficiencies.
• Integration of biomass with renewable electricity, renewable hydrogen and carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) for enhanced system efficiency and renewable carbon utilisation;
• Industrial heat applications and biomass integration into industrial energy systems.

3.2 Integrated biorefineries for co-production of biofuels, biochemicals and bio-based products
The topic addresses the innovative and integrated biorefinery concepts that aim to maximize the value derived from biomass by producing a wide range of bio-based products, including biofuels, biochemicals, biomaterials and bioenergy. It also includes the integration of biochemical, thermochemical and physico-chemical conversion processes in multi-product, multi-purpose biorefinery systems.

• Innovative and integrated biorefinery concepts for biofuels, bio-chemicals and bio-based products;
• Multi-purpose biorefinery schemes optimizing biomass use, enhancing overall efficiency and maximizing the yield of high-value products;
• Co-production of biofuels, biochemicals, bioplastics, biopolymers and energy from biomass etc.;
• Integration of biological, biochemical, thermochemical and physico-chemical conversion processes into biorefineries, optimizing processes and biomass use;
• Process design, intensification and system-level integration, maximising performance, efficiency, conversion rates and reliability;
• Assessment tools, process simulation tools and models for evaluating biorefinery performance, feasibility and scalability of different biorefinery configurations;
• Techno-economic assessment addressing cost-effectiveness of multi-product production systems, scalability and business model development;
• Integration of renewable hydrogen, carbon capture, carbon recycling and renewable carbon concepts into integrated biorefineries;
• Integrated production of fuels, chemicals, materials and energy maximising biomass valorisation.

3.3 Resource efficient bioeconomy
The topic explores strategies for advancing a resource-efficient bioeconomy, with a focus on maximizing the value of biomass while ensuring sustainability, circularity and efficient resource use. It addresses efficient resource management, sustainable biomass value chains, cascading use, circular economy principles and cross-sector integration supporting a resilient and competitive bioeconomy.

• Efficient management of natural resources including land, water and nutrients while maintaining ecosystem services;
• Resource efficient value chains improving resource recovery, optimizing logistics and resource use;
• Sustainable circular economy, cascading use of biomass, circular-by-design approaches and end-of-life resource recovery;
• Sustainable biomass allocation for food, feed, materials, fuels and energy considering synergies, trade-offs and resource efficiency;
• Innovation, growth and job creation, new business models that create economic opportunities in agri-industries, bio-based industries and sustainable agriculture;
• Cross-sectorial integration between the bioeconomy, circular economy, agriculture, forestry and industry;
• Resource efficiency indicators, circularity metrics and sustainability assessment of biomass value chains.

3.4 Technology scale-up, market deployment, investments and financing
The topic addresses technology scale-up, demonstration activities, market deployment, investment strategies, financing mechanisms and policy instruments supporting commercialization of biomass technologies, challenges and opportunities to unlock the full potential of biomass resources. It focuses on enabling the successful deployment of bioenergy and bio-based technologies through innovation, investment, market development and international cooperation.

• Policies, initiatives and strategies for decarbonisation of the economy and the role of bio-based solutions for climate mitigation and circular economy;
• Policies, market incentives and support mechanisms including subsidies, carbon pricing, grants and regulatory frameworks;
• Technology scale-up and market implementation of innovative technologies, addressing challenges and barriers to scale-up and market adoption;
• Business models, techno-economic assessment, financial modelling, bankability analysis, innovative financing instruments, cost-benefit and investment risk assessment for bio-based value chains;
• Global bioenergy and bio-based products markets, biomass trade, market dynamics, demand drivers, and the competitive landscape impacting investment decisions;
• International cooperation, international funding mechanisms, and multilateral climate finance supporting large-scale technology implementation;
• De-risking investments through public funding, financial instruments, guarantees and blended finance mechanisms;
• Operational experience, lessons learned and market barriers for commercialization.

4.1 Biomass pre-treatment and production of intermediates
This topic explores cutting-edge biomass pretreatment technologies for enhancing the accessibility of biomass for conversion into biofuels, bio-based chemicals and other value-added products. Emphasis is placed on the development of novel pretreatment methods, feedstock conditioning, process optimization and the production of intermediates bridging raw biomass and downstream conversion processes.

• Biomass pretreatment methods to increase physical, chemical and and biological characteristics;
• Physical, chemical and biological pretreatment technologies enhancing biomass digestibility, enzyme accessibility and conversion efficiency;
• Innovative pretreatment technologies, including enzyme-assisted pretreatment, hydrothermal processing, or electric field-assisted treatments;
• Process development, optimisation and integration of multiple pretreatment steps, real-time monitoring and process control and optimization;
• Integration of pretreatment technologies with downstream conversion processes, such as fermentation, anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis and gasification;
• Characterisation and utilisation of biomass intermediates for downstream conversion processes;
• Feedstock conditioning, fractionation and quality improvement for efficient biomass conversion.

4.2 Advanced biomass combustion
The topic explores the latest advancements in biomass combustion technologies, focusing on the development, optimization and integration of innovative combustion systems across small, medium and large-scale applications. Greate emphasis is placed on aspects relating to small-scale combustion and the reduction of emissions. It includes process improvements, combustion efficiency, emission control, flexible fuel utilisation, industrial applications and the integration of bio-based applications with carbon capture technologies.

• Innovative concepts for small scale and medium scale combustion, improvements in process efficiency and emissions reduction;
• Large scale advanced combustion systems optimizing fuel flexibility, efficiency, reducing emissions and improving overall performance;
• Advanced biomass combustion system design and emission control technologies;
• Process modelling, process simulation tools, real-time monitoring and advanced diagnostics and digital control of combustion systems;
• High efficiency combustion systems, including supercritical and ultra-supercritical thermodynamic cycles;
• Integration of Bio-based systems with Carbon Capture and Storage (Bio-CCS), system optimization, integration challenges and scaling up;
• Techno-economic assessments and scale up of Bio-CCS and BECCS;
• High-efficiency biomass heating systems and industrial combustion applications.

4.3 Gasification for power, CHP and polygeneration
The topic explores the application of biomass gasification technologies for efficient power generation, Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems and polygeneration systems. The emphasis is on the utilisation of producer gas for energy applications (electricity, heat, and/or biofuels) and system integration.

• Fundamental studies underlying biomass gasification, optimizing feedstock conversion, syngas quality and energy output;
• Technology development, innovations in gasifier design, advanced process control systems, integration of hybrid systems;
• Gasification process modelling and optimisation for efficient energy production;
• Syngas composition, and efficient syngas cleaning and conditioning for downstream use;
• Syngas utilisation in engines, turbines and fuel cells and system integration challenges for efficient power production;
• Valorising of gasification by-products through recycling, energy recovery and material utilisation;
• Integration of gasification with other renewable technologies for hybrid power generation;
• Industrial applications of biomass gasification for heat, power and integrated energy systems.

4.4 Gasification for synthesis gas production
The topic addresses advances in biomass gasification for the production of high-quality synthesis gas as an intermediate for fuels, chemicals and renewable carbon applications.  It covers gasification technology developments, fundamental studies on thermochemical processes and gasifier design, syngas cleaning, conditioning and upgrading for various energy and chemical applications, process control and monitoring and process optimisation for downstream synthesis processes.

• Fundamental studies on gasification, reaction kinetics, feedstock characteristics and gasifier design optimization;
• Technology development, innovations in gasifier configurations and operational strategies to improve cost-effectiveness, reliability and scalability;
• Advanced gasification systems and novel gasification concepts, targeting higher conversion rates and cleaner syngas;
• Gasification for renewable fuels, chemicals and renewable carbon economy applications;
• Syngas cleaning, catalytic reforming and conditioning for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, methanation, methanol synthesis and other downstream processes;
• Advanced process monitoring, automation and control for synthesis gas production ensuring process stability and optimal operation;
• Techno-economic analysis and scale-up challenges.

4.5 Anaerobic digestion for biogas and biomethane production
The topic addresses the latest innovations and technological advancements in Anaerobic Digestion (AD) for biogas and biomethane production, including process optimization and novel feedstocks to biogas upgrading and integration into renewable energy systems and circular bioeconomy concepts.

• Advances in anaerobic digestion including enhanced microbial community management, bioaugmentation and process improvement and optimisation;
• Microbial Electrolysis Cells (MEC) and other emerging biological conversion technologies;
• Advanced digester concepts, modular and multi-stage reactor configuration;
• Innovative anaerobic digestion processes, including dry digestion, thermophilic digestion and novel feedstocks;
• Feedstock pretreatment for improved anaerobic digestion performance;
• Biological and catalytic biomethanation technologies;
• Biogas upgrading to biomethane and optimisation of upgrading technologies;
• Biomethane purification, grid injection, gas quality requirements and grid integration;
• Nutrient recovery, digestate valorisation and production of bio-based fertilisers;
• Integration of anaerobic digestion with carbon capture, renewable hydrogen and circular nutrient management.

5.1 Pyrolysis
The topic addresses the latest research, technological innovations and practical applications in the pyrolysis of biomass for the production of liquid bioenergy carriers, intermediate bio-oils, biochar and other value-added co-products. It covers the full spectrum of pyrolysis technologies from fundamental science to and reactor development to upgrading and integration with downstream conversion processes.

• Production of liquid bioenergy carriers from solid biomass, addressing feedstock flexibility, yield optimization and product quality;
• Fundamental studies and investigations into thermochemical mechanisms, reaction kinetics and pyrolysis product distribution;
• Technology advances, novel reactor designs and process intensification and integration of pyrolysis with other conversion technologies;
• Process modelling, simulation and optimisation for improved process performance and product yields and quality;
• Bio-oil purification, stabilisation, hydrotreatment and catalytic upgrading and utilisation (combustion, chemical extraction, FT, etc.);
• Biochar production, characterisation and valorisation;
• Valorisation of by-products, wastewater treatment and resource recovery;
• Energy balances and techno-economic analysis of pyrolysis systems.

5.2 Hydrothermal processing
The topic addresses cutting-edge research and technological advancements in hydrothermal processing of biomass, including hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), supercritical water gasification (SCWG) and hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC). It covers process fundamentals, process development, product upgrading, resource recovery and system integration.

• Advances in HTL, SCWG and HTC reactor designs, operating conditions and novel catalysts;
• Process fundamentals and studies on hydrothermal reactions, reaction mechanisms and kinetics;
• Technology development, process intensification, continuous process operation, process control and scale-up;
• Biocrude production, improving yields and quality through separation, stabilisation, catalytic upgrading and refining;
• Recovery and characterization of specialty chemicals, nutrients, and bioactive compounds;
• Wastewater treatment, water recirculation and by-product management strategies.
• Energy balances and techno-economic assessment of hydrothermal processing pathways.

5.3 Biofuels and renewable hydrocarbon biofuels
The topic addresses the development and optimisation of conventional and advanced biofuels derived exclusively from biomass, covering sustainable liquid and gaseous fuels for road, aviation, maritime and heavy-duty transport. It includes biochemical and thermochemical conversion pathways, fuel upgrading and integration into existing fuel infrastructure. Particular emphasis is on the activities focussed on the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) pathways.

• Conventional and advanced biofuels for road, aviation and maritime sectors;
• Oil-based fuels and renewable hydrocarbon biofuels from lipids and lignocellulosic biomass via biochemical and thermochemical conversion routes;
• Biochemical production pathways including alcohols, biomass pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis and novel C6 and C5 fermentation techniques;
• Biofuels production from algae, and other novel biomass feedstocks;
• Microbial oils and advanced biological routes for renewable fuel production;
• Upgrading of intermediates, refinery integration and co-processing of biomass-derived intermediates with conventional refinery streams;
• Novel catalysts and process intensification techniques for biofuel upgrading;
• Downstream wastewater treatment, recycling and resource recovery;
•  Process optimisation, energy balances and techno-economic assessment of biofuel pathways.

5.4 Biofuels and synthetic fuels from biomass and hydrogen
The topic addresses the integration of biomass and renewable hydrogen for the production of renewable fuels, including biofuels with hydrogen upgrading, synthetic fuels (e-fuels), hybrid biomass-to-liquid pathways and renewable carbon concepts. It covers innovative fuel synthesis routes, innovative conversion processes, carbon recycling and integrated biomass-hydrogen systems.

• Innovative fuel synthesis processes combining biomass, renewable hydrogen and biogenic carbon;
• Hybrid biomass-to-liquid (BtL), Power-and-Biomass-to-Liquid (PBtL), Biomass-to-Gas (BtG), and biomass-hydrogen integration pathways;
• Technology innovations and cutting-edge research for Power-to-Gas, Power-to-Liquids, recycled carbon fuels, and renewable carbon fuels using CO₂ and hydrogen;
• Hydrogen production pathways involving thermochemical, electrolytic, photolytic and biological processes;
• Electrochemical pathways to produce hydrogen, synthetic fuels and high-value chemicals and intermediates;
• Alternative logistics and infrastructure for hydrogen, methanol, ammonia and synthetic hydrocarbon fuels;
• Hybrid processes integrating renewable hydrogen with biomass-derived intermediates and biogenic CO₂;
• Techno-economic analysis, scalability and system integration of biomass-hydrogen fuel pathways.

6.1 Processes for bio-based chemicals and high-value compounds
The topic addresses innovative production methods and emerging pathways for the production of bio-based chemicals and high-value organic compounds derived from biomass, through biochemical, catalytic, electrochemical and hybrid conversion technologies. It covers novel process development, catalytic and enzymatic synthesis industrial biotechnology, reaction engineering and the integration of biotechnology with chemical conversion. It includes process intensification, process optimization and scale-up strategies aimed at replacing fossil-derived chemicals with sustainable alternatives through efficient, sustainable and economically viable production routes.

• Development of bio-based chemicals, fine biochemicals (enzymes, additives, ingredients, etc.) and specialty bio-chemicals (catalysts, adhesives, solvents, etc.);
• Emerging catalytic and enzymatic and electrochemical processes with improved efficiency, selectivity and yield;
• Industrial biotechnology, microbial conversion and fermentation technologies for chemical production;
• Integration of biotechnological and chemical synthesis routes;
• Biocatalysis, enzyme engineering and chemo-enzymatic processes;
• Reaction engineering and process optimisation for bio-based chemical production;
• Assessing most promising value chains, processes and concepts for bio-based chemicals;
• Strategies for process intensification and scaling-up for bio-based chemical production;
• Valorization of side-streams, residues, and waste streams for bio-based chemical production
• Techno-economic and environmental assessment of chemical production pathways;
• Perspectives for bio-based chemicals and their contribution to climate neutrality goals.

6.2 Processes for bio-materials, bio-polymers and bioplastics
The topic addresses processes for the production and application of sustainable bio-based materials, including bio-based polymers, bioplastics, biocomposites, biomaterials for housing/buildings and other industrial applications. It includes nutrient recovery, waste valorization, biodegradability and end-of-life management.

• Processes for bio-based polymers, bioplastics, biomaterials biocomposites and bio-based fibres
• Bio-based materials for housing, buildings buildings and infrastructure;
• Natural fibre-reinforced composites and hybrid bio-based materials;
• Advanced processing technologies for polymers, composites and biomaterials;
• Production of organic fertilizers, biochar, plant biostimulants and compost;
• Nutrient cycles and recovery (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium);
• Bio-based materials for housing/buildings/infrastructure: bio-composites for insulation, structural panels, natural fiber-reinforced materials etc.;
• Circular bio-economy inputs and waste valorization for materials production;
• Carbon-based bio-materials and biochar-derived functional materials;
• End-of-life management, biodegradability and recyclability of bio-based materials for sustainable construction and other sectors;
• Material properties, durability, functionalisation and performance evaluation;
• Perspectives on bio-based materials in achieving circular economy and climate neutrality goals.

6.3 Chemical platforms, platform molecules and high-value products
This topic addresses the development, production and valorisation of biomass-derived platform molecules and integrated chemical platforms that enable the sustainable production of high-value bio-based products such as bioplastics, biofuels, specialty chemicals and other bio-based products. It covers renewable carbon platforms based on sugars, lignin, synthesis gas, methanol, lipids and other biomass-derived intermediates, together with their integration into diversified chemical value chains. Particular attention is given to process integration, carbon efficiency, circularity and resource optimization.

• Integrated chemical platforms based on sugars, lignin, synthesis gas, methanol, lipids and other renewable carbon building blocks;
• Production, fractionation, purification and characterisation of biomass-derived platform molecules and renewable carbon intermediates;
• Valorisation of platform molecules into sustainable chemicals, polymers, biomaterials, specialty chemicals and other high-value products;
• Lignin valorisation for renewable aromatics, functional monomers, polymers, carbon materials and other high-value applications;
• Syngas- and methanol-based platforms for the production of chemicals and sustainable fuels;
• Integration of biological, catalytic, electrochemical and thermochemical pathways within chemical platform concepts;
• Process integration, carbon utilisation efficiency, circular carbon approaches and cascade valorisation;
• Technical, biological and economic challenges, techno-economic assessment and scale-up of platform molecule and chemical platform concepts.

Examples at commercial or demonstration scale on the sustainable biomass production with attention to carbon management systems. Abstracts may address cover crops, alternative crops such as short rotation coppice and miscanthus, abandoned or degraded lands etc. Attention should be given on the feedstock availability, logistics over the total supply chain aiming to maximise the biomass availability for the bioeconomy. Identification of policy gaps and recommendations for closing them are welcome.

Examples at commercial or demonstration scale on the sustainable management of waste streams, residues and process residues in industrial applications. Abstracts may address agricultural and forestry residues, municipal solid waste, sewage sludge and industrial process residues. Attention should be given on the feedstock availability for global applications but also for optimal valorisation for products and energy.

This Topic addresses industrial scale applications for the production of biomethane from biomass residues, dedicated crops and waste streams for transport applications or injection in the natural gas grid. Attention should be given on the total value chain, the overall economics and the environmental impact for biomethane production and use.

Novel biochemical and thermochemical conversion technologies to produce advanced sustainable fuels (bio, ebio, hybrid systems and e-fuels) for all transport sectors are needed to increase their availability -while improving the sustainability aspects of commercially available sustainable fuels within a complex global and national policy and legislation environment that may hinder market deployment. Abstracts should address the industrial applications of innovative production technologies integrated in the value chain as well as any policy and market related issues in meeting the climate objectives while addressing non-technical barriers. Abstracts dedicated to heavy duty and long-haul road transport as well as maritime applications are welcome. Priority will be given to abstracts addressing the complete ecosystem.

Abstracts should address the industrial production of sustainable aviation fuels providing information on the complete value chain. The authors should also address policy issues and market barriers for widespread deployment from industry’ perspectives. Abstracts may also address the role of airports as a key stakeholder in the supply chain. Information on using SAF in actual airline flights and experiences gained will be welcomed.

Significant advances have been made recently in thermochemical biomass conversion; however, technical and process optimisation problems related to the overall system reliability may persist. Abstracts should describe the advances in industrial conversion technology in detail and how the work presented improves overall system reliability, increases carbon conversion efficiency and overcomes persisting technical problems. Discussion of non-technical barriers in market deployment could also be included wherever appropriate.

The role of renewable and/or green hydrogen as a synthetic vector in e(bio)-fuels and e(bio)-chemical production has increased significantly recently and industrial applications are already in the market, and industry can produce hydrogen from biomass. Abstracts are invited that address such technologies describing the advances in industrial conversion technology, their integration within an e(bio)fuel or chemical production process, while addressing LCA issues in detail. Market introduction issues should also be addressed.

Abstracts should address the industrial production of sustainable bioproducts and biochemicals in biorefineries from various biomass sources such as dedicated crops, residues and algae including e-production. Emphasis should be given to the complete value chain, the design of the biorefinery (production and refining units, process design and optimization) as well as the market deployment. Processes & applications producing green products out of waste streams will be welcomed.