Rui Magalhães and Tiago Afonso, researchers at the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF), visited the Estonian University of Life Sciences (EMU) in Estonia, within the scope of the CROSSPATHS project.
The two-day visit aimed to strengthen collaboration between project partners, promote the exchange of best practices in research infrastructure management, and explore new opportunities for knowledge transfer and international cooperation in the agrifood and biotechnology sectors.
Research infrastructure management
On the first day, the researchers had the opportunity to visit several research facilities and scientific platforms at the host institution, including the microbiology, food and hygiene, aquaculture, aquaponics, and microalgae laboratories. The visit also included discussions with laboratory managers and research support teams, focusing on laboratory management practices, the organization and optimization of research infrastructures, and strategies to enhance the quality and efficiency of research activities.
These exchanges provided valuable insights into how research infrastructures can be better leveraged to support innovation-driven companies through specialized scientific services, while simultaneously strengthening institutional research capacities and international networking.
Co-creation workshop
On the second day, the researchers participated in the 3rd Co-Creation workshop of the CROSSPATHS project, organized by the Estonian University of Life Sciences (EMU). This workshop focused on knowledge transfer practices, innovation ecosystems, and collaborative approaches between academia and external stakeholders.
Within this context, Rui Magalhães presented the CBQF research groups, scientific infrastructures, and collaborative activities with industry, highlighting the centre’s role in supporting innovation in the agrifood and biotechnology sectors. Tiago Afonso showcased how knowledge transfer is supported and implemented at CBQF, presenting concrete examples from the Be@t Project and illustrating how collaborative research projects can contribute to effective science-industry interaction and innovation dissemination.