For our first post, we are pleased to highlight the participation of Elena Olivera-Begué Elena O., an early-career researcher from the GICOM Research Group GICOM BioConversió de residus Orgànics i nous Materials at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), in the Biochar Summit 2026, held on 10-11 June in Vienna.
🎤 Elena presented her work: “To what extent can biochar mitigate gas pollution from composting? Facts and challenges”
🔬 Her research explores the integration of biochar into modern biowaste treatment technologies, particularly composting and anaerobic digestion. The study examines its potential to improve process performance and reduce greenhouse gas, ammonia, volatile organic compound and odour emissions.
📊 The findings underline the potential of biochar while also showing that its performance strongly depends on factors such as substrate characteristics, biochar properties, dosage and application timing. Further full-scale research is therefore essential to support its effective implementation.
🤝 The summit offered Elena a valuable opportunity to present her findings, exchange perspectives with researchers and industry representatives, and build new professional connections.
🚀 Supporting early-career researchers in developing skills, sharing knowledge and engaging across disciplines and sectors is central to the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Staff Exchanges programme.
👏 Congratulations to Elena on representing GICOM and Bio4UP at this international event! ♻️ Bio4UP develops biochar-enhanced solutions for the zero-waste valorisation of organic waste, bringing together partners from Europe and Latin America through international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaboration.
🇪🇺 Funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, Grant Agreement No. 101236400.
#Bio4UP #Biochar #BiocharSummit2026 #MSCA #MSCAStaffExchanges #HorizonEurope #CircularEconomy #OrganicWaste #WasteValorisation #Composting #EarlyCareerResearchers #UAB #GICOM
