Thesis students contributing to future bio‑based solutions

This year’s thesis projects span lignin valorisation, fungal biotechnology and circular bio‑based production, carried out in close collaboration with RISE researchers.

As part of the R&D Council, Cornelia Styhr and Tove Ringi, Master’s students in Engineering Biology at Linköping University, are working to develop methods for quantifying and optimising the production of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC). 

"Having the opportunity to work hands-on with the cutting-edge equipment available at RISE is both inspiring and developing. I really enjoy combining biological knowledge with technology in order to contribute to research,” says Tove Ringi.  

Using acetic acid bacteria and multiple strains accessed through international collaborations, their project combines evolutionary experiments with upcoming high‑throughput testing and automation in RISE’s pilot facilities. Their work contributes to scalable, circular bio‑based materials aligned with RISE’s process development expertise. 

"I am very grateful for the opportunity to carry out my master’s thesis at a company like RISE. Being able to discuss challenges with them and learn from their experience is very valuable. It is exciting to be involved in an important project and to gain experience in research,” says Cornelia Styhr. 

The close collaboration between students, researchers and industry partners is a key feature of the environment in Örnsköldsvik and helps to create an attractive platform for both skills development and innovation.

“The R&D Council is a vital platform where companies’ needs meet our research expertise and technical infrastructure. Students are a key resource here. Through their thesis projects, we can test ideas, generate data and bring projects closer to industrial application, thereby strengthening companies’ development capacity. At the same time, it is a great pleasure to welcome students from all over the country to Örnsköldsvik. Our aim is to provide students with the best possible conditions, with strong support and access to modern technical infrastructure”, says Gunnar Westin, head of the biotechnology group at RISE.

In parallel, other MSc students are also contributing to related research initiatives. From KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Adam Harrison and Darshan Balachandran, MSc students in Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, conduct their thesis projects within the EU‑funded research initiatives Lignofun and Plantomyc at RISE. Their work focuses on developing and scaling bio‑based production pathways – from engineering bacterial cell factories for lignin valorisation to using filamentous fungi for circular co‑production of protein and bioactive compounds.

A new call for applications for Processum’s R&D Council is approaching, with a deadline of 11 May. It offers an opportunity to build on the type of projects currently being carried out in Örnsköldsvik, while also opening up for new collaborations and innovative ideas for bio-based products and processes in the biorefinery sector. Read more here