The first international conference of the Green and Sustainable Plant Chemistry Chair, BIOVASA-2023, took place on 2 and 3 November 2023.
Focusing on the theme of biomass valorisation, the aim of the BIOVASA2023 conference was to encourage discussions and collaborations in order to promote green and sustainable chemistry practices for the betterment of our planet. It was hosted by the Semlalia Faculty of Sciences at Cadi Ayyad University and co-organised by Avignon University, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Compiègne University of Technology and Sultan Moulay Slimane University.
Inaugurated in the presence of the President of Cadi Ayyad University, the Rector of the Semlalia Faculty of Science and all the speakers, it was dedicated to Professor Farid Chemat, who passed away last January.
With over 100 participants and some fifty speakers, the conference was a real platform for exchanging knowledge on the cutting-edge technologies for transforming biomass into valuable products.
In addition to the presentations, participants were able to enjoy over fifty posters, the high quality of which was underlined by the guest speakers.
The discussions focused on 5 themes:
- Plant biomass resources and raw materials
- Sustainable chemistry applied to the development of plant biomass
- Green and ecological extraction processes for natural products
- Biomaterials derived from biomass: Biopolymers and bioactive molecules
- Developing plant biomass for sustainable applications
Microwave eco-extraction demonstrations were also given using the teaching kits created by Professor Farid Chemat and his teams. These kits were also distributed to Cadi Ayyad University, Sultan Moulay Slimane University and the two doctoral students selected by the jury for the best presentation and poster.
Guest speakers
- Frédérique Portolan - Managing Director and founder of Natur Insight
- Abdelkrim El Kadib - Professor, Euromed University, Fez
- Romane Abderrahman - Professor, Cadi Ayyad University, Morocco
- Bertrand Charrier - Professor, Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour
- Zineb Kassab - Research and teaching assistant at the Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering (MSN) at the Polytechnic School of Mohamed VI University
- Blaise L. Tardy - Assistant Professor, Khalifa University, United Arab Emirates
- Giancarlo Cravotto - Full Professor of Organic Chemistry, University of Turin
The green and sustainable plant chemistry chair
The UNESCO Chair in Green and Sustainable Plant Chemistry was created in 2022 by Professor Farid Chemat, a specialist in the eco-extraction of natural products. It has been accredited by UNESCO for four years. Anne Sylvie Fabiano-Tixier is in charge.
With the aim of disseminating knowledge on eco-extraction, the Chair's work focuses on the conversion of plant biomass into reagents, ingredients, bioenergy and food and non-food products at socially, environmentally and financially acceptable levels.
Find out more about all the Chair's activities on its website: https://www.chaireunesco-chimieverte.com/
Mis à jour le 7 December 2023