Circularity with recycled and biogenic resources

(Primary) Raw materials are becoming increasingly scarce. Their extraction and processing place an excessive burden on the earth through greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss and water consumption. In view of a high resource consumption in (post-)industrial societies, there is a broad societal consensus that a transformation towards a significantly reduced resource footprint is an urgent matter. With this goal, recycled and biogenic materials are of great importance. Topics for funding include bio-inspired material design, microbial and molecular conversion, valorization of complex waste streams, and recycling-friendly product design. 

Interdisciplinary teams of 2-3 applicants are welcome. 

Main applicant must from natural sciences or engineering be at a German institution.

Funding: €1,300,000 total 

Duration: 4 years 

Research Authority due date: 22.2.24