The 15th International Green and Sustainable Biotechnology Conference Successfully Concluded at Yuan Ze University

In response to the global challenges of depleting natural resources and environmental sustainability, the 15th International Green and Sustainable Biotechnology Conference was successfully held from March 21 to 22, 2025, at Yuan Ze University.

This year’s conference, themed "Biotechnology and Sustainable Development," attracted over 180 participants, including experts, scholars, industry professionals, and students from Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and other regions. The conference provided a platform for discussions on the future development of next-generation biotechnologies and bioengineering, and for sharing the latest research outcomes and applications in environmental sustainability, carbon reduction technologies, and green biotechnology.

The opening ceremony was jointly hosted by Yuan Ze University Vice President Professor Xu Ze-Zhi, Dean of the College of Medical and Health Sciences Professor Chen Yun, and Dean of the College of Engineering Professor Sun Yi-Ming. During the conference, experts from various fields presented engaging keynote speeches and panel discussions, showcasing the immense potential of biotechnology in environmental protection, resource recycling, carbon reduction, and green economic development.

In his keynote speech, Professor Zhang Jia-Xiu, Vice President of Tunghai University, explored the opportunities and challenges of microalgae biotechnology in carbon sequestration and the circular economy. He emphasized the significant potential of microalgae technology in energy production, health supplements, medical products, and especially in the reduction and reuse of carbon dioxide, air pollution control, and wastewater treatment. He also highlighted that the development of biodiesel and biojet fuel will be key to Taiwan's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2025.

International experts also presented a variety of topics. Professor Kenji Mishima from Fukuoka University in Japan introduced the application of supercritical CO2 extraction technology in the food and pharmaceutical industries and discussed the future development and challenges of this technology. Dr. Huang Hui-Xuan from Zerkos Biotechnology in Malaysia elaborated on the nutritional value and environmental advantages of mealworm protein in pet food. Professor Cai Bo-Wei from National Taiwan Ocean University shared innovations in herbal medicine extraction technology and its potential applications in modern medicine. Dr. Yang Zhong-Sheng from the Metal Industries Research & Development Centre introduced carbon capture technology and emphasized its crucial role in addressing climate change.

The conference also provided a platform for students to showcase their research. Students from various universities presented their findings in gene editing, environmental protection, green chemicals, medical innovations, and other fields through oral presentations, poster competitions, and 3-minute research talks, demonstrating their academic capabilities and innovative thinking in biotechnology. These presentations not only facilitated interdisciplinary knowledge exchange but also encouraged students to consider the future development and applications of biotechnology.

This conference attracted participation from scholars and industry experts both domestically and internationally. In addition to deepening academic exchanges, it also laid the foundation for promoting cross-national and interdisciplinary collaboration. Participants noted that the conference not only highlighted the potential applications of biotechnology in sustainable development but also provided a rich platform for creative brainstorming and collaboration opportunities.

The event fully demonstrated Taiwan’s innovation and strength in the field of biotechnology and injected new ideas into the global green sustainability movement. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to promote the application of biotechnology in sustainable development and hopes to engage in more international collaborations to collectively face the challenges of zero-carbon technologies and a green future.