The Future of Engineering Biology for sustainable metal bioprocessing

The event will bring together leaders and experts from across industry, academia, government, and strategic organisations to explore how engineering biology can support the sustainable extraction of critical and strategic metals from ores, industrial wastes, and wastewaters. As demand continues to grow, innovative biological solutions are emerging with the potential to improve efficiencies, reduce environmental impact, and strengthen resource resilience.

Designed to encourage collaboration and knowledge exchange, the event will provide a platform for researchers, industry representatives, policymakers, and funding and strategic bodies to share insights, discuss challenges, and identify opportunities for future partnership.

Throughout the day, attendees will hear from experts working at the forefront of engineering biology and environmental metal processing, while taking part in discussions that address both current developments and future opportunities for the sector.

The event will support stronger connections across disciplines and sectors, helping to accelerate the translation of research and innovation into practical solutions for sustainable metal bioleaching, biorecovery and bioprocessing.

Info: This session will explore where engineering biology can have the greatest impact on the UK's environmental and industrial challenges. Discussions will focus on environmental remediation and recovery, resource recovery from waste streams and e-waste, and the role of engineering biology in supporting a more circular and sustainable use of critical resources. Speakers will highlight opportunities for real-world deployment and industrial impact.

Info: A showcase of emerging technologies and research outcomes, demonstrating how engineering biology innovations are addressing challenges, creating value and progressing towards real-world impact.

Info: This session will explore how collaboration between academia, industry and government can accelerate the commercialisation of engineering biology. Discussions will focus on building effective partnerships, attracting funding and investment, and leveraging international collaboration to move innovation from research to real-world application. Speakers will share lessons from successful partnerships and discuss the pathways from discovery through demonstration to adoption.

Info: This session will explore the challenges of scaling engineering biology solutions from research and pilot projects to widespread deployment. Discussions will examine how different deployment contexts, from contained industrial processes to large-scale environmental applications, influence infrastructure needs, regulatory requirements, commercial viability and environmental performance. Speakers will also consider the role of Life Cycle Assessment in evaluating real-world impacts and identifying pathways to successful adoption at scale.

Info: This lecture will explore how microbial technologies can recover critical metals from mining and electronic waste streams. It will highlight the potential of bioleaching to support a circular economy by transforming waste into valuable resources, reducing environmental impacts, and helping create more sustainable metal supply chains.

Event venue & nearby stays

Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, United Kingdom

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