Project No. 1.1.1.2/VIAA/3/19/528

 

Source of funding:  European Regional Development Fund Specific Objective 1.1.1 “Improve
research and innovation capacity and the ability of Latvian research institutions to attract external funding, by investing in human capital and infrastructure” 1.1.1.2. measure “Post-doctoral Research Aid”. Project application selection round No.3.

Project period: 01.05.2020 – 30.04.2023 (36 months)

Total budget: 133 805.88 EUR (113 734.99 EUR from EU as ERDF funding; 6690.31 EUR – from the University of Latvia)

Project leader: Senior researcher Dr.sc.ing. Elīna Dāce, elina.dace@lu.lv

​

Objective: 

To develop a decision support tool for an integrated food waste valorization system where the availability of feedstock, its bioconversion efficiency, and the related environmental and techno-economic effects are considered.

​

Summary:

Food waste is among the most generated biogenic waste around the globe. Annually 1/3 of the global food produced is wasted, and waste occurs at all stages of the food supply chain causing negative environmental, economic and social effects. Food waste can efficiently be used as feedstock in waste biorefinery that can result in a number of value-added products. Food waste can play an important role in developing sustainable circular bioeconomy. Yet, there is a lack of tools for assessment of food waste valorization systems. In the project a decision support tool will be developed for an integrated food waste valorization system where the availability of feedstock, its bioconversion efficiency, and the related environmental and techno-economic effects are considered. The novelty of the project is the selected hybrid modelling methodology that provides the possibility to test and assess a variety of food waste valorization scenarios before their implementation.

As a result of the project, the postdoctoral researcher will significantly improve her scientific, managerial and communication skills, which will help her achieve the status of an independent, mature researcher.

The project will promote the development and implementation of the smart specialization strategy area “Knowledge-intensive bioeconomy” through more efficient use of resources (eco-innovative products, new technologies), innovation capacity building (innovative decision support tool), knowledge base and human resources development (knowledge-intensive bioeconomy), innovation systems (eco-innovative products) and overcoming social, environmental, climate and energy challenges. The results of the project will be used by several target groups.

​

​