Strengthens European Collaboration Through Knowledge Exchange and Innovation
29 July 2026 | Gteic Gaoth Dobhair, Donegal, Ireland
The third day of the VALZEO Secondments in Donegal brought together researchers, project partners, and innovation stakeholders for a dynamic programme dedicated to knowledge exchange, collaborative research, and future European cooperation. Hosted by SITES – Sustainable Innovation Technology Services Ltd., the activities reflected VALZEO’s commitment to strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and advancing circular bioeconomy solutions through scientific excellence.
The day opened with sessions on Funding Mechanisms and Operational Matchmaking, where participants explored opportunities to build new partnerships, identify complementary expertise, and discuss future collaborative initiatives supporting sustainable innovation and circular economy research. These discussions provided valuable insights into European funding opportunities while reinforcing connections between research institutions, industry, and regional stakeholders.
A central highlight of the programme was the Impact Canvas Pitch Session, where participating organisations presented their research activities and demonstrated how their expertise contributes to the broader objectives of VALZEO. The session encouraged dialogue around multidisciplinary collaboration, innovative materials, waste valorisation, environmental remediation, and future joint research opportunities.
Among the featured presentations, Prof. Roberto Boada, VALZEO Project Coordinator from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), presented the project’s vision for transforming agro-industrial residues into high-value resources through advanced materials research and European collaboration. His presentation illustrated how multidisciplinary expertise, international cooperation, and knowledge exchange are driving the development of innovative zeolite-based materials for environmental remediation and biofuel production.
The programme also featured contributions from Prof. A. Rabdel Ruiz-Salvador of the Universidad Pablo de Olavide (UPO), who highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific partnerships in supporting the development of sustainable materials and circular bioeconomy solutions.
Another key presentation was delivered by Dr. Gustavo Pérez from Centre GTS – Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), who shared multidisciplinary analytical approaches for guiding functional materials design while discussing future funding opportunities and collaborative research initiatives capable of accelerating innovation across European research networks.
In the afternoon, participants attended the Interreg Impacts in the Donegal Gaeltacht session, where regional initiatives and collaborative projects demonstrated how research and innovation can generate tangible benefits for local communities while supporting Europe’s transition towards a more resilient and circular bioeconomy. The discussions further strengthened the links between scientific research, regional development, and long-term sustainability objectives.
As the secondment progresses, the VALZEO consortium continues to reinforce its international network by connecting researchers, institutions, and regional stakeholders around a shared vision of transforming agro-industrial waste into sustainable materials and practical environmental solutions. The Donegal secondments provide an important platform for exchanging expertise, building future collaborations, and creating lasting impact beyond the lifetime of the project.
The programme continues with technical site visits across Donegal, where partners will explore practical examples of circular innovation within the marine bioeconomy, aquaculture, and regional value chains, further strengthening the connection between scientific research and real-world implementation.
Funding statement
Funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Staff Exchanges programme, Grant Agreement No. 101086354. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
