EPNOE Research Roadmap

The EPNOE Research Roadmap 2040 is a joint effort of more than 20 high-level scientists from 13 European countries with a common goal to build a unique vision of experts for the future of polysaccharide research and education in Europe.

The Research Roadmap covers five strategic areas:

Materials and engineering;
Food and nutrition;
Biomedical applications;
Basic sciences (chemistry, biology, and physics);
Skills.

Mission Statement

With this Research Roadmap we want to address the most relevant scientific questions around sustainable solutions of biomass and polysaccharides.

Our Vision

Polysaccharides are essential to life and for a sustainable future of our planet. The advances in polysaccharide science and technology will contribute to the achievement of the five goals of the EU Bioeconomy strategy and climate neutrality by 2050.

Why Polysaccharides?

Polysaccharides will be at the central point of the world of tomorrow as a transition to sustainable technologies is crucial for the future of humanity.

Proper utilisation of polysaccharide resources has the potential to increase biodiversity, enhance food safety and sustainability, and decrease CO2 emissions and pollution.

Three main drivers strongly push the use of polysaccharides:

1) The emergence of a bio economy that increases the contribution of bio-based products;

2) They are polymers with exceptional properties, opening routes for novel applications in all sectors of human activities like materials science, nutrition, health, personal care, and energy;

3) The renewable character of polysaccharides, making them the primary CO2 neutral candidates for the global transformation to a more sustainable world.