We are proud to announce the NBC-26 keynote speakers:
- Vera Meyer, Professor of applied and molecular biotechnology at TU Berlin, and visual artist V. Meer
- Markus Herrgard, Chief Technology Officer at BioInnovation Institute Copenhagen
- Katelijne Bekers, Cofounder and Chief Executive Officer of MicroHarvest
Vera Meyer
Vera Meyer studied biotechnology at the Sofia University (Bulgaria) and the TUB (Technische Universität Berlin, Germany). After obtaining a PhD degree (2001) and habilitation (2008) at the TUB, she worked in the Netherlands as Assistant Professor at Leiden University (2008-2011). She has been visiting scientist at the Imperial College London (2003) and at Leiden University (2005-2006). In 2011, she became Full Professor of Applied and Molecular Microbiology at the TUB. As a scientist, she tries to decode and understand nature’s genetic principles that define growth, product formation, survival and physiology of fungal systems. Here research fields include the optimization of protein and metabolite formation in fungal cell factories with the help of systems and synthetic biology tools, production of bioactive substances using fungal cell factories and the development of new antifungal agents and strategies. Recently she entered the field of material sciences exploiting mushroom-forming fungi as sustainable resource for innovative biomaterials. For more details see: www.tu.berlin/mikrobiologie/ Vera Meyer also works as a visual artist, using the pseudonym V. meer. Inspired by her scientific work with fungi, she puts a strong emphasis on sculpting and creating objects from chance finds like forest mushrooms, decaying wood and scrap metal. Through her art work she wants to enhance the awareness for fungi and their potential in biotechnology and for a sustainable bioeconomy in general.
Markus Herrgard
As the Chief Technology Officer at BioInnovation Institute (BII), Markus is responsible for shaping and executing BII's broad science and technology strategy, with a focus on digital technologies and data. BII is a leading life science incubator that supports startups and researchers in bringing their science to life by developing products that improve human or planetary health. Previously, he held a professorship in data-driven design and engineering of cell factories at DTU Biosustain, and acted as director of data science and automation, amongst others. With over 20 years of experience in innovation, data science, and technology development in life science, he has passion for operating at the intersection of life science and engineering. He has led and contributed to multiple projects and initiatives that leverage bioinformatics, cell biology, and metagenomics to address challenges and opportunities in biotechnology, medicine, and sustainability. He has have also built and mentored teams of talented scientists and engineers, and established and fostered partnerships with academic and industry stakeholders.
Luísa Cruz
Luísa is the Co-Founder and CTO of MicroHarvest, a German biotech using proprietary biomass fermentation to produce sustainable protein ingredients at industrial scale. With a background in biotechnology and a passion for translating science into real-world impact, she has led the technical development of MicroHarvest's proprietary fermentation platform from the ground up - from lab to industrial scale. Under her technical leadership, MicroHarvest has achieved significant milestones including the BloombergNEF Pioneers Award and is now preparing to launch its first 15kT industrial production facility.
Invited speakers
One invited speaker will be featured per NBV workgroup.