A central component of the program is the mandatory lecture series Cross-Pollination: Research Lecture Series of the Circular Bioengineering. This lecture series is designed to showcase the diverse and interdisciplinary research within our Cluster of Excellence. Each session provides a detailed insight into the work of a principal investigator, highlighting their unique approach to addressing challenges in the field of Circular Bioengineering. The series covers the entire innovation pipeline, from fundamental research to applied (bio)technology and the impact assessment of the COE program.

The seminar series of the Circular Bioengineering COE includes discussion rounds between PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and key researchers from the four cluster programs. These sessions focus on current and program-specific topics, fostering in-depth exploration of open questions in method development, theoretical frameworks, and practical challenges. By encouraging collaborative learning and critical discussions within each program, as well as across programs, the seminars aim to advance research and deepen knowledge in the respective fields.

Additionally, PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers are encouraged to attend lectures held at participating research institutions on cluster-related topics such as mathematical and computational sciences, biocatalysis and enzyme engineering, analytical and process engineering, systems biology and cellular processes, chemistry and sustainable innovation, biotechnology and synthetic biology, or bionics and carbon management.

Integration into specific doctoral schools ensures that doctoral students have access to tailored training that is directly aligned with the cluster’s research goals and topics.

These schools not only offer a sound scientific education, but also promote interdisciplinary collaboration and exchange between the cluster’s various research programs. Depending on the individual research topic of the doctoral students, the doctoral schools offer a wide range of courses, seminars, and workshops.

Thesis committees for PhD candidates, monitor progress and provide recommendations to optimize training. For each PhD candidate, a thesis committee is established at the beginning of the dissertation. This committee consists of at least three scientists: the supervising key researcher, another COE key researcher from a different institution, and an international, established scientist in the respective field. The Thesis Committee monitors the progress of the doctoral candidates and suggests adjustments to the training program if necessary.

Supervision and support for postdoctoral researchers in their research and training programs are provided by mentoring teams, which consist of two key researchers and an external expert. The establishment of Thesis Committees and Mentoring Teams is organized by the Management Unit in collaboration with the Training Unit. The mentoring programs for postdoctoral researchers offers attractive career development opportunities and are tailored to their specific needs and career stages. Early postdocs (R2) receive support in planning their career paths, while senior postdocs (R3) are prepared for tenure-track positions and competitive grant applications. The program includes individual mentoring, workshops on key qualifications such as project management, science communication, and conflict management, as well as networking opportunities across disciplines and universities.

The COE promotes international mobility by organizing research stays (secondments) in renowned laboratories outside Austria. These stays, lasting between two and six months, provide researchers with the opportunity to learn new methods, establish international contacts, and enhance their scientific skills in different cultural and social environments.