Austria–Japan Workshop EXPO 2025

The Austrian Pavilion at EXPO 2025 in Osaka hosted a scientific highlight: An Austria–Japan Workshop, significantly organized by the Institute of Chemistry of Renewable Resources under the lead of Prof. Thomas Rosenau, brought together researchers and partner institutions from Japan and Austria. Participation was embedded in the ABC&M excursion (Advanced Biorefineries: Chemistry and Materials), which is fully funded by the ABC&M doctoral school. This ten-day journey takes PhD students to internationally leading Japanese institutions, combining scientific exchange with cultural insights. It forms part of the unique ABC&M curriculum with 40 ECTS. 

Prof. Antje Potthast, as ABC&M speaker, emphasized the importance of the program for doctoral training. The workshop featured discussions on current research results and future cooperation, ranging from enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis to the optimization of hardwoods and novel strategies for specialty papers. As one of the few scientific events within the EXPO framework, the workshop underscored BOKU’s long-standing and successful collaboration with Japan in the fields of wood chemistry and renewable resources.