We are preparing a collaborative proposal for EU FutureFoodS Topic 2 aimed at developing an integrated circular system for phytic acid (inositol phosphate) valorisation from agri-food side-streams. The project will combine green extraction, heterogeneous catalysis, and product stream separation to produce high-value bio-based products (e.g., functional food ingredients, biostimulants, and fertilisers).

We are seeking partners with expertise in:

1. Advanced analytical chemistry and characterization (quantification of inositol phosphates, inositol, and related metabolites using HPLC, LC-MS and/or NMR)

2. Fertilizer technology & agronomic validation (Expertise in developing and testing enhanced-efficiency fertilizers (e.g., controlled-release, organo-mineral) and biostimulants)

3. Techno-economic analysis (TEA) and/or lifecycle assessment (LCA) of bio-based value chains.

If you are interested, please feel free to contact me at bailewu@ucc.ie

University College Cork is one of Ireland’s leading research-intensive universities, ranked as the top Irish institution for highly cited researchers. The university has a strong emphasis on research impact, interdisciplinary collaboration and industry engagement, supported by a strategic agenda called UCC Futures.

Our laboratory is fully equipped for the industry-standard measuring for a full suite of water chemistry parameters including nutrients, metals, organic matter and suspended sediment. We also have strong expertise in materials characterization, catalysis and waste valorisation.