Excel4Pro’s Summer School on “Bioprocessing Approaches for Plant-Based Protein Systems”
The Excel4Pro Summer School on “Bioprocessing Approaches for Plant-Based Protein Systems” is a five-day intensive training program designed to combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on training in bioprocess development.
Organized under the Horizon Europe-funded Excel4Pro project, the program aims to strengthen professional competencies, foster research-oriented thinking, and enhance employability in the field of industrial and applied biotechnology for early-stage researchers.
Hosted by the Institute of Biotechnology at Gebze Technical University, with contributions from Sartorius, the summer school integrates structured theoretical instruction with intensive laboratory-based training. Participants will gain practical experience in fermentation processes, bioreactor operation, process monitoring, and data-driven bioprocess analysis, preparing them for both academic research and industry-oriented careers.
The program is specifically designed for highly motivated PhD students and early-stage researchers seeking to develop practical expertise in fermentation technology and bioprocess engineering. Due to laboratory infrastructure and equipment capacity limitations, participation in the hands-on training sessions is restricted to a limited number of trainees.
Program Structure
The Excel4Pro Summer School follows a modular structure, combining hybrid theoretical lectures with hands-on laboratory training.
DAY 1-2: HYBRID THEORETICAL LECTURE SERIES
As part of the Excel4Pro Summer School, the first two days of the program are offered as a Hybrid Theoretical Lecture Series, allowing a broader audience to benefit from the theoretical components of the training. While registered summer school participants will attend these sessions on-site as part of the full program, external participants are welcome to join the lectures online, free of charge
The Hybrid Theoretical Lecture Series covers key topics in fermentation technology and bioprocessing approaches, including:
- Fermentation-based modification of plant protein ingredients
- Microorganisms and substrates used in bioprocesses
- Bioreactor design and operational strategies
- Process optimization, control and monitoring techniques
Please note that participation in the Hybrid Theoretical Lecture Series does not include access to the hands-on laboratory training sessions, which are reserved exclusively for selected summer school participants.
DAY 3-5: HANDS-ON LABORATORY TRAININGS (ON-SITE)
The practical component focuses on developing essential laboratory skills through guided, hands-on laboratory activities. Participants will work directly with bioreactor system and engage in:
- Upstream processing
- Bioreactor operation and monitoring
- Downstream processing
Throughout the training, interactive elements such as case studies, troubleshooting exercises, and group discussions are integrated to reinforce learning and encourage critical thinking.
The program concludes with data analysis, interpretation of experimental results, and group presentations, enabling participants to translate practical observations into meaningful scientific conclusions.
What you will learn
By the end of the program, participants will be able to:
- Understand microbial growth dynamics and metabolism within fermentation systems
- Select appropriate microorganisms and substrates for targeted fermentation applications
- Evaluate bioreactor design and key operational parameters affecting process performance
- Apply basic analytical techniques to monitor fermentation processes
- Interpret experimental data and identify potential issues in bioprocesses
- Perform essential laboratory procedures including media preparation, sterilization, and inoculation