The Institute for Sustainable Process Technology (ISPT) and the Netherlands Process Technology Association (NPT) are excited to introduce a series of specialized courses that are necessary to train chemical engineers in transition technology. The first in this series – tailored for post-master chemical engineers – focuses on biorefining and is offered in collaboration with Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). This advanced course is designed to provide EngD and PhD students, postdocs, and industrial engineers with the deep technical knowledge and practical skills necessary to take the lead in the biorefinery transformation.
We are living in an era of revolutionary change and transition. In the next 10 to 15 years, the way we live, work, and move, as well as how we produce and use energy and food, will be radically different from today. Technological innovation will be the driving force behind these transitions, and well-trained chemical engineers with deep technological expertise will be essential to leading the way.
However, most chemical engineers with the necessary depth of knowledge were trained in a different era, while many new graduates lack the specialized skills required to tackle today’s complex challenges. To address this, courses that go beyond the master’s level are critical to empowering engineers—both those working in industry and those pursuing third-cycle degrees such as EngD or PhD—to succeed in the energy and materials transition.
The Biorefinery Course 2024 provides exactly that: the in-depth training needed to comprehend and improve chemical installations that convert fossil feedstocks into products and transition those processes to circular and bio-based alternatives. Understanding complex systems like gas-liquid contactors and membrane installations, as well as mastering challenges related to feed composition and product requirements, is key for engineers to drive innovation in biorefinery.
Bridging the knowledge gap
A major gap exists in current educational systems. While BSc and MSc curricula offer a broad foundation in chemical engineering, there is simply not enough time to cover all key technologies in full depth. ISPT and NPT highly value the quality of European chemical engineering programs, but making a specialist requires additional, focused training—similar to how specialized athletes train for peak performance.
In addition, many companies have increasingly relied on external vendors to detail their equipment over the past decades. However, for industries to successfully transition, they must regain a deep understanding of their own processes and equipment.
Moreover, there is a clear need for engineers who are critical thinkers—those who recognize that while some ideas may seem promising in theory, they may not be scalable in practice. Millions of euros are often invested in technologies that, despite their potential, may never reach full-scale implementation. Engineers with the right training can help avoid these pitfalls and lead successful, scalable innovations.
Empowering the next generation of engineers
This is why a broader initiative by ISPT and NPT is starting to develop advanced courses that empower engineers to think critically and master transition technologies. By leveraging the insights of highly skilled specialists within their networks, ISPT and NPT will provide participants in a series of upcoming courses with a bird’s eye view of cutting-edge fields like plastics and metals recycling and the partial electrification of unit operations.
This course allows engineers to collaborate, solve real-world challenges, and gain the technical skills necessary to lead biorefinery projects in both academia and industry.
Biorefinery Course 2024 details and key benefits
The Biorefinery Course 2024 will take place over 4 full days in December:
- Dates: December 8, 9, 10 (lectures and group case study work) and December 19 (presentation of case studies)
- Location: Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
- Instructors: Leading experts prof. dr. ing. Boelo Schuur and prof. dr. ing. Meik Franke
Participants will work in teams to solve real-world biorefinery challenges, applying what they learn to practical case studies. By the end of the course, participants will have the skills to choose the best technologies for biorefining, analyze key crop components, and design a conceptual process for industrial biorefineries.
Who should attend?
This course is ideal for:
- EngD and PhD students and postdocs seeking advanced technical training
- Industrial engineers aiming to enhance their knowledge of biorefining technologies
- Professionals involved in the transition to circular and bio-based chemical processes
Fees
- €500 ex. VAT for NPT members and/or ISPT partners (most Dutch universities are ISPT-partner)
- €1000 ex. VAT for non-members
Empowering engineers for the future
Boelo Schuur: “To transition the chemical industry to sustainable processes, engineers must not only understand the full depth of current technologies but also lead the development of innovative solutions. Our Biorefinery Course will empower participants to take on these critical roles.”
This course is part of a broader effort by ISPT and NPT to provide post-master-level engineers with the specialized training needed to drive the transition towards a sustainable economy.
Sign up today
Interested in joining the Biorefinery Course 2024? Register below or contact us for more information. Don’t miss this opportunity to become a leader in the biorefinery sector.