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 Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU) through BRT, in partnership with ADRA Cambodia and ADRA Czech Republic, is proud to announce the launch of the V-BIOCHAR project — Vermicompost & Biochar Integration for Climate-Smart Farming. This innovative initiative officially kicked off in early 2025 and will run for 12 months, targeting small-scale farmers in Cambodia’s Pursat province together with representatives of UNDP and Czech Embassy in Cambodia.

Last week, the BIO-CAPITAL project consortium convened in Prague, marking a pivotal moment in the project’s journey. Hosted by the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU), the meeting served as a crucial bridge between foundational research and the next phase of integration! BRT Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hynek Roubik is serving as project coordinator and lead of WP1 whose objective is to coordinate and manage the implementation and progress of the project.

BRT Senior Researcher Associate Professor Dr. Yelizaveta Chernysh, had the opportunity to explore advanced analytical methods at the Environmental Problems Research and Application Center of Mugla Sitki Koçman University during her training visit in March 2025.

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.