21
01
2026
IMT and FRD Codem at IMT–ITA/RWTH Aachen Materials Workshop
IMT and FRD-CODEM took part in the IMT–ITA/RWTH Aachen Materials workshop, contributing to the technical exchange on advanced composite materials. During the event, the partners delivered a presentation entitled “Towards sustainable and high-performance plant fibre-reinforced composites: selection, fractionation and structuration at interfaces”.
The presentation focused on how fibre selection, fractionation strategies, and interface structuration can significantly enhance the performance and sustainability of plant fibre–reinforced composites, supporting the development of next-generation bio-based materials.
16
12
2025
BEST CROP held the second webinar in the BEST CROP talks series
The best crop project held the 2nd BEST CROP talk with the title "How Regulations Shape the Future of Gene-Edited crops".
During this webinar, our 8 speakers and panellist shared their experiences and expertise about NGT, Genome Editing and the implications of regulation on their usage. If you missed it, you could see the full video in the results/webinar session of this website
5
11
2025
BEST-CROP Celebrates the Success of Its First Webinar
The BEST-CROP project successfully launched its webinar series with an engaging first event dedicated to innovative plant biotechnology techniques that help the future of barley crops. The session brought together researchers, stakeholders and experts to discuss how science innovation is crucial to support more sustainable agricultural systems. The positive response from participants (75 attendees) confirms the strong interest in BEST-CROP’s mission to accelerate the development of high-yield, climate-resilient barley varieties for the circular bioeconomy. Stay tuned for upcoming webinars and activities as BEST-CROP continues to build an open, informed and forward-looking community!
27
09
2025
BEST CROP @ science 4 all
UNIPD partner participated in the event Science4all, held at the historical botanical garden in Padua, where BEST CROP researchers showed families and children how it is possible to obtain more energy from the sun, improving cultures for a sustainable bioeconomy.
27
09
2025
BEST CROP participation @ Meet Me Tonight
BEST CROP participated in the Meet Me Tonight – Faccia a Faccia con la Ricerca event, where visitors discovered how the project is reimagining barley as a key resource for the circular bioeconomy. Through interactive demonstrations and infographics, participants learned how every part of the barley plant, from grains to straw, can be transformed into food, bio-based materials, bioplastics, and animal feed, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
This event was a unique opportunity to bring science closer to society, sharing the passion and innovation driving BEST CROP.
25
08
2025
IMT and FRD Codem at EPNOE 2025
IMT and FRD-CODEM participated in the EPNOE Conference 2025 >, the international event dedicated to polysaccharides and bio-based materials. During the conference, our partners presented their work titled “Towards sustainable plant fibres for thermoplastic biocomposites: selection and fractionation as keys”, highlighting the role of fibre selection and fractionation strategies in developing more sustainable biocomposites.
Their contribution showcased how targeted material choices can support the transition toward high-performance, bio-based solutions for advanced applications.
24
06
2025
Field Visit to Balruddery Farm
The team recently conducted a field visit to Balruddery Farm, a key research site operated by the James Hutton Institute near Dundee, Scotland.
Balruddery Farm serves as an essential link between laboratory research and practical agriculture. It provides a controlled yet realistic environment where innovative barley lines developed under BEST-CROP are grown and assessed under field conditions. The visit offered our researchers the opportunity to monitor crop performance, discuss ongoing trials, and plan the next phases of experimentation.
We look forward to sharing more updates as the growing season progresses and results from the field trials become available.
23/24
06
2025
2nd year Meeting
The BEST-CROP consortium successfully wrapped up its second annual project meeting at The James Hutton Institute in Dundee, Scotland. Over two days, partners shared interdisciplinary updates and scientific progress focused on developing innovative barley varieties that are more productive, resilient, and sustainable in the face of environmental challenges.
Special thanks go to our hosts in Dundee for their hospitality, engaging discussions, and the spirited atmosphere that fuelled inspiring ideas.
The consortium now looks forward to gathering for the next annual meeting at Lund University.
4/5
02
2025
Barley Genome Net
Hosted by the James Hutton Institute, following the BEST CROP consortium meeting was held the Barley Genome Net. An international event which provided a platform for in-depth discussions on crop research advancements, field trials, and networking.
Alongside strategic planning sessions, the meeting featured interactive workshops and knowledge exchange opportunities, reinforcing BEST CROP's commitment to innovation in the circular bioeconomy.
3/4
02
2025
BEST-CROP 18-Month consortium meeting in Dundee, Scotland
The BEST-CROP project consortium gathered on the 3rd and 4th of February in Dundee, Scotland, for the 18-month project meeting. The occasion brought together partners to discuss recent progress, challenges, and the next steps in our mission to enhance photosynthesis for more sustainable crops. As we move forward, the insights gained in Dundee will help shape the next phase of our work, ensuring that BEST-CROP continues to make a meaningful impact on sustainable barley agriculture.
31
12
2024
BEST-CROP in Action: 18 months of events and engagement!
In the first 18 months of the BEST-CROP project, our partners have actively participated in numerous events to present our research and engage with key stakeholders. From scientific conferences to industry fairs and policy workshops, we have shared our vision in 16 events for enhancing photosynthesis to develop more sustainable crops for the circular bioeconomy. Through these events, we have reached 3000 participants, including researchers, policymakers, and the general public, fostering valuable discussions and awareness .
10/11
07
2024
2nd Internal Meeting
The second internal meeting of BEST-CROP was held in person at our partner institution, IMT Mines at Alès in France, on July 10th and 11th, 2024. The meeting focused on reviewing the project's first-year progress, highlighting ongoing work packages, addressing challenges, and discussing potential future implementations.
07
02
2024
1st Internal Meeting
The First internal meeting of BES-TCROP was held online on February 7, 2024. The meeting's goal was to explain the project's progress through the first six months, with a focus on the work packages that had already begun, and to discuss the project's future implementation.
27/28
07
2023
Kom
The newly started BEST-CROP project, funded by the European Union, had its official Kick-Off Meeting on July 27th and 28th, 2023, in Milan, hosted by the Università degli Studi di Milano.
BEST-CROP brings together eighteen partners from seven EU countries and the United Kingdom, joining to form an interdisciplinary consortium. The partnership is an alliance of European plant breeding companies, straw processing companies, and academic plant scientists whose goal is to improve barley yield, exploit the variability of barley straw quality and composition, and create new value chains for baley-derived products. The main focus of the event was the presentation of the activities that the consortium will carry out during the project.
