We’re excited to share the BRT Annual Newsletter, highlighting key achievements, global collaborations, and groundbreaking research from the past year.

In 2024, BRT expanded its reach across four continents, driving progress in anaerobic digestion, waste-to-energy solutions, and the circular bioeconomy. With nearly 1,000 biogas plants built worldwide, we continue to advance sustainable energy solutions. Our participation in Horizon Europe projects has strengthened our leadership in sustainable development.

This year’s MCYR Conference gathered young researchers from over 20 countries, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. Research visits, internships, and international collaborations enriched our activities and output, introducing fresh perspectives and strengthening global networks.

In this issue, we proudly showcase and recognise the success of our PhD graduates, whose contributions are making a lasting impact across academia, industry, and policy sectors. Their work reflects BRT’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and its real-world applications.

As we look ahead, we invite students, researchers, partners, and supporters to stay engaged with BRT’s mission. Read the full newsletter to explore our latest developments, insights, and future ambitions!

The AQUA-NEXUS project aims to revolutionize food production in peri-urban Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR), by establishing a circular, resource-efficient food system. Through small-scale aquaculture, insect farming, vermicomposting, and small livestock integration, the project seeks to enhance food security, improve local livelihoods, and promote sustainability. This established Living Lab will foster collaboration, training, and gender empowerment, creating a scalable model for sustainable agriculture that can be replicated across Africa.

The Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences (FTZ) at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU) is at the forefront of promoting sustainable agricultural practices in developing regions. As part of a larger commitment to fostering ecological balance and food security, FTZ has partnered with the non-profit organisation SIRIRI to carry out an in-depth professional assessment of Carmel Farm in the Central African Republic. The farm, once an unproductive oil palm plantation, is being reimagined as a model for sustainable agroforestry. This transformation aims not only to rehabilitate the land but also to create a dynamic space for scientific research, student education, and community empowerment. BRT Project Manager and PhD student Ing. Jan Staš was the author of the assessment which proposed solutions for transforming Carmel Farm.

To broaden and develop our teams’ collaborative skills while offering visiting students the chance to expand their scientific networks and gain cultural experiences, BRT encourages students to join our team for internship opportunities. These internships aim to facilitate idea exchange, foster professional growth, and create opportunities for collaboration. Meet the new intern joining our team from Cameroon, Esther Folepe Azemo! 

The state exam is a key milestone in the PhD journey, testing both subject knowledge and the ability to synthesize and apply research concepts. In this blog series, BRT PhD students provide an inside look at the exam process — from preparation methods to the structure of the exam itself — offering insights into this essential academic requirement. Read PhD student Antoine Bercy’s  first account below!

The state exam is a key milestone in the PhD journey, testing both subject knowledge and the ability to synthesize and apply research concepts. In this blog series, BRT PhD students provide an inside look at the exam process — from preparation methods to the structure of the exam itself — offering insights into this essential academic requirement. Read PhD student Hidayatul Fitri’s first account below!