On the 3rd of June 2026, the Department of Food Science and Technology at Ionian University hosted a Biotech Fair as part of the BIOSHIELD project, “Novel Biotechnological Solutions in Climate Change Mitigation”.
During the event the academics Dr Nikolaos Kopsahelis and Dr Vasiliki Kachrimanidou presented the objectives, the progress and the achievements of the BIOSHIELD project. The range of activities performed throughout the project was highlighted; from workshops and online training and the development of innovative educational content to the integration of design thinking and blended learning methodologies. A cornerstone for these efforts was the strong collaboration between partner universities across different countries, bringing together complementary expertise and perspectives with a common focus on biotechnology and climate change mitigation. The outcomes are a testament to the value of this international and interdisciplinary collaboration and the commitment of the BIOSHIELD partners to advancing biotechnology education. The event was also supported by the other members of the Ionian University team: Dr Maria Alexandri, Dr Aikaterini Papadaki, Mrs Aikaterini Natsia and Mrs Dimitra Alimpoumpa, that contributed significantly to the successful implementation of the BIOSHIELD project and the conference organization.
The second part of the Biotech Fair focused on the students, where they presented their innovative scientific projects, developed during the piloting phase of the BIOSHIELD project. Four student teams participating in the module “Sustainable Food Systems: Biotechnology and Renewable Resources for Clean Label Products” showcased their ideas and findings, addressing two key topics: “Re-thinking Waste: Biotechnology as a Lever in Biorefinery Design” and “Food Sustainability: Emerging Approaches to Mitigate Protein Shortage.”
The presentations led to an engaging exchange of ideas with representatives from local food enterprises, NGOs, and the private sector. Participants actively engaged with the students, raising questions, challenging their ideas, and exploring the practical applicability and future potential of the proposed solutions. The exchange provided valuable feedback to the students while also demonstrating the relevance of biotechnology-driven approaches to current challenges in food sustainability and resource management.
Overall, the Biotech Fair provided a valuable platform to share the outcomes of the BIOSHIELD project, fostering the dialogue between students and external stakeholders, and highlighting the impact of international and cross-disciplinary collaboration in advancing innovative biotechnological solutions for a more sustainable future.