From 16 to 19 September, a Norwegian delegation, including representatives from Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences (INN), took part in a series of significant events in Brazil. While the G20 International Seminar on Amazon and Tropical Forests in Manaus set the stage, the spotlight for INN was the full-day seminar on 'Brazil and Norway: Strengthening Partnerships for Global Sustainable Development', held across Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
Exchange of knowledge
On Monday, the Brazil-Norway seminar focused on the essential partnerships between the two nations, with keynote speeches highlighting the power of knowledge exchange. Biodiversity, a cornerstone of INN's research, was discussed in-depth, led by Clarice Ferraz from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and expanded upon by INN’s Kaue de Sousa, alongside Torbjørn Haugaasen from NMBU.
This vital topic set the stage for a multifaceted discussion on climate change, where INN's ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through innovative bioprocesses were emphasised.
To make peace with nature
The seminar’s pivotal discussion, 'The New Bioeconomy: Making Peace with Nature', saw Bioeconomy explored from diverse angles. Hans Kleivdal of NORCE kickstarted the session with a solid and broad analysis of both the milestones and hurdles along the way.
INN’s Alejandro Romero-Soto presented the MUSA project, which highlighted innovative biorefining solutions for residual mass. The Biorefinery Group leaders, Professors Carlos Martin Medina and Knut Olav Straetkvern’s continuous work at INN Hamar showcases how scientific advancements can play a critical role in mitigating climate change.
The session further featured insights from Professor Priscila Oliveira de Giuseppe of LNBR, whose expertise in biorenewables offered exciting prospects for future collaborations.
Visits to several institutions
The week continued with insightful visits to key Brazilian research institutions, including the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ-USP), and National Laboratory of Bio Renewables - LNBR. With these institutions, INN´s Pro-Rector for Research, Marit Sletmoen, analysed the conditions and perspectives for student and staff mobility, as well as common research areas that would open up joint projects.
The scientific visit to LNBR provided INN with the opportunity to explore cutting-edge facilities such as the synchrotron at SIRIUS, fostering deeper understanding and collaboration in areas like biotechnology and bioeconomy.
Professor George Rocha and LNBR’s Prokaryotic Group leader, Priscila Oliveira, praised the exchange of collaboration perspectives with INN’s representatives, opening doors for potential joint ventures.
Through these dynamic engagements, INN is poised to deepen its global impact, not only by strengthening partnerships with Brazilian research leaders but also by contributing to critical projects aimed at tackling today’s most pressing sustainability challenges.
