abiosus e.V.
Non-profit Association for the Advancement of Research on Renewable Raw Materials.
13th Workshop on Fats and Oils as Renewable Feedstocks.
8 – 10 June 2026 in Dortmund, Germany
13th Workshop on Fats and Oils as Renewable Feedstocks. 8 – 10 June 2026 in Dortmund, Germany
Rethinking Raw Materials.
Innovative processes for producing materials based on renewable raw materials play a vital role in transforming the chemical industry toward greater sustainability and resilience.
Biobased alternatives to conventional petrochemical products – such as plastics, surfactants, lubricants, or plasticizers – are at the core of current research.
One important field of research focuses on developing novel conversion technologies to efficiently transform renewable feedstocks – particularly unsaturated oleochemicals derived from vegetable fats and oils – into high-value intermediates and platform chemicals.
The goal is to advance the environmentally responsible use of these resources – and thereby make everyday products such as plastics, cosmetics, and detergents more sustainable.
abiosus e.V. actively supports and connects research efforts in this domain, fosters collaboration between academia and industry, and promotes visibility for innovative approaches and technologies.
Our Approach:
Organizing the biennial workshop to connect academic and industrial research.
Awarding scholarships to PhD candidates and students for participation in international conferences and research stays abroad.
Supporting collaborations between academic institutions and industry.
Latest News
-
We are excited to present the brand-new abiosus e.V. website! With a modern design, improved navigation, and fresh content, it is now even easier to learn more about our activities, projects, and events.
The updated platform reflects our mission to promote renewable raw materials, strengthen cooperation between academia and industry, and connect the international research community. Explore the new pages and discover what abiosus e.V. has to offer!
-
The latest Special Issue of the European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology (Vol. 127, No. 7, 2025) is now online. It highlights research on fats and oils as renewable feedstocks for sustainable chemistry, with contributions from speakers of the 12th Workshop organized by abiosus e.V. Readers will find exciting articles on biocatalysis, homogeneous catalysis, the development of platform chemicals, and innovative technologies for industrial applications. The issue provides both fundamental insights and practical perspectives on how renewable lipids can drive the transition towards a more sustainable chemical industry.
-
We are pleased to announce that the Workshop on Fats and Oils as Renewable Resources for the Chemical Industry will return in June 2026 in Dortmund. This biennial event has established itself as an important platform for exchange between academia and industry, highlighting the latest advances in oleochemistry, catalysis, and sustainable applications of renewable raw materials.
Stay tuned for more details on the program and registration. We look forward to welcoming you to Dortmund in June 2026 for another inspiring edition of the workshop!
Travel Grants
PhD candidates and Master’s students enrolled at German universities can apply for a travel grant to present their work as a lecture or poster at an international conference on Renewables and/or Sustainable Chemistry anywhere in the world.
PhD candidates and Master’s students from anywhere in the world can apply for a travel grant to present their work as a lecture or poster at a conference on Renewables and/or Sustainable Chemistry in Germany.
A limited number of grants of up to €1,000 are available.
Applications should include the conference program, a brief CV, an abstract of the contribution, and a letter of recommendation from the academic supervisor.
Research Stays
We award travel grants for research stays:
For students based in Germany, joining a research group abroad
For international students conducting research within a group in Germany.
Eligible projects must focus on Renewable Resources and/or Sustainable Chemistry!
A limited number of grants of up to €1,000 are available.
Applications should include a brief CV, a short outline of the research project, and a letter of recommendation from the academic supervisor.
Guest Lectures
We support guest lectures on renewable resources.
abiosus e.V. provides financial support for invited lectures taking place at German universities. The aim is to promote scientific exchange and strengthen the visibility of research on renewable resources and sustainable chemistry.
All researchers are eligible to apply. Applications must include:
Title of the lecture
Abstract
Name of the speaker
Date and location of the event
A limited number of grants are available.
8 – 10 June 2026 in Dortmund, Germany
13th Workshop on Fats and Oils as Renewable Feedstocks for the Chemical Industry.
The Potential for Impact is Substantial:
Around 2% of all plastics in the EU – approximately 1.3 million tonnes out of more than 56 million – are biobased. In light of the EU’s ambition to increase the share of renewable raw materials in the chemical industry to 25% by 2030, this field of research represents a key lever for systemic change.
2023
2030
Further reading.
The following references provide in-depth insights into current research on biobased materials and the transformation of the chemical industry. They are intended for further exploration and may be cited in academic and professional contexts.
-
Prof. Arno Behr & Dr. Thomas Seidensticker (TU Dortmund), Verlag: Springer Spektrum, 2018
-
Prof. Arno Behr & Dr. Thomas Seidensticker, Verlag: Springer, 2020
-
B. Matthäus & E. W. Münch, Verlag: Erling Verlag (Agrimedia), 2. Auflage, 2024
Books
-
U. Biermann, W. Friedt, S. Lang, W. Lühs, G. Machmüller, J. O. Metzger, M. Rüsch gen. Klaas, H. J. Schäfer, M. P. Schneider, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 2000, 39, 2206.
-
U. Biermann, U. Bornscheuer, M. A. R. Meier, J. O. Metzger, H. J. Schäfer, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2011, 50, 3854.
-
U. Biermann, U. T. Bornscheuer, I. Feussner, M. A. R. Meier, J. O. Metzger
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2021, 60, 20144–20165.
Publications