NGS-4-ECOPROD – NGS-4-ECOPROD

13Nov, 2025

NGS-4-Ecoprod Innovation Bootcamp at CBS

Date : November 11 to 13, 2025 The NGS-4-Ecoprod project, in collaboration with the University of Sfax Technology Transfer Office (USTT) and within the framework of the ELIF program, organized a Bootcamp on Innovation and Sustainable Valorization at the Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax (CBS). This three-day event brought together researchers and project idea holders interested in transforming scientific research into innovative and sustainable solutions. The bootcamp combined technical training with the development of entrepreneurial and soft skills essential for innovation. The program included:

Day 1: Design Thinking workshop and development of a Business Model Canvas to assess project viability.
Day 2: Introduction to the key components of a business plan, including market analysis and financial strategy.
Day 3: Project pitching session, where participants presented their ideas and received feedback from experts.

A key highlight of the event was the participation of the four task leaders of Work Package 1 (WP1) of the NGS-4-Ecoprod project, accompanied by their students, to advance the business development and pitching preparation of their innovation projects:

Task 1.1 – Biopesticides: Dr. Raida Zribi Zghal and Ms. Ines Chouaibi
Task 1.2 – Extremozymes: Dr. Nadia Zarai Jaouadi
Task 1.3 – Bioplastics: Dr. Fatma Karray and Ms. Jihen El Ghazel
Task 1.4 – WP1 Leader: Dr. Najla Kharrat and Ms. Cyrine Abid

The bootcamp also involved several CBS researchers and project leaders, including Dr. Basma Hadj Kacem, Dr. Mariem Ellouze, Prof. Sonia Khoufi, and Eng. Fathi Aloui, fostering collaboration and interdisciplinary exchange. This initiative played an important role in strengthening the entrepreneurial dimension of research projects, helping participants refine their business models, value propositions, and communication strategies. It also contributed to bridging the gap between scientific research and market-oriented innovation, supporting the NGS-4-Ecoprod mission to promote eco-innovation and sustainable bio-based solutions.

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20Juil, 2025

Workshop: « From Raw Reads to Results – Command Line Validation of Fungal Data »

Date :July 22, 23, 24, 29, and 30, 2025

As part of Work Package 3 (WP3) of the NGS-4-ECOPROD project, a technical workshop entitled « From Raw Reads to Results: Command Line Validation of Fungal Data » was held in a hybrid format on July 22, 23, 24, 29, and 30, 2025.

The workshop was led by Julien Fourret, a specialist in bioinformatics and fungal genomics. It aimed to provide participants with hands-on experience in the processing and validation of fungal sequencing data using command-line tools — a crucial step in ensuring the quality and reproducibility of genomic analyses in ecoproduction research.

Objectives of the Workshop

To introduce participants to essential command-line tools and workflows used in fungal data processing
To train researchers on best practices for quality control, data filtering, and validation of sequencing outputs
To foster autonomy in handling next-generation sequencing (NGS) data in the context of environmental and agricultural microbiomes

Workshop Format and Audience

Format: Hybrid (on-site and online participation)
Duration: 5 sessions over two weeks
Target Audience: Researchers, PhD students, and technical staff involved in WP3 and other NGS-related tasks within the NGS-4-ECOPROD project

Content Overview

Participants were guided through:

Raw read inspection and quality control (e.g., with FastQC)
Trimming and filtering steps (e.g., using Trimmomatic or Cutadapt)
Sequence alignment and assembly basics
Introduction to fungal-specific reference databases
Validation metrics and reporting practices

The workshop combined theoretical lectures, live demonstrations, and practical exercises, allowing attendees to follow along with their own data or test datasets.

Impact and Feedback

This workshop significantly contributed to capacity building within the consortium, enabling teams to better handle fungal datasets relevant to sustainable agricultural systems. Participants appreciated the balance between theory and practical implementation, and follow-up sessions are being considered based on the feedback received.

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15Juil, 2025

Event Recap – « NGS for the Future: Connecting Research, Technology, and Society » 🔬🧬💡

4Avr, 2025

Workshop – « Towards a Biotech Cluster in Sfax »

4Mar, 2025

NGS-4-Ecoprod Workshop on Automated Electrophoresis Systems

22Fév, 2025

NGS-4-Ecoprod at the “Improving Microbiota for Better Health” Conference and Workshop

Date : February 21-22, 2025 Under the auspices of Sfax University, the North African Consortium of Human Microbiome (NACHM), in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, co-organized a one-day conference and a virtual workshop entitled “Improving Microbiota for Better Health” on February 21–22, 2025, at the Palais Royal Hotel, Sfax, Tunisia. The event was co-supported by the European Horizon Europe projects NGS-4-Ecoprod and Implantomics. The conference on February 21 featured sessions on human, plant, and animal microbiota, diet and microbiota, dysbiosis, and microbiota modulation. Dr. Fatma Karray, representing NGS-4-Ecoprod, presented on metagenomics in eco-products, highlighting the project’s contribution to sustainable biotechnology. Other NGS-4-Ecoprod participants included Dr. Raida Zribi Zghal, Ms. Cyrine Abid, Ms. Fadoua Jeber, and Ms. Kawther Ouled Bouazizi, who actively engaged in discussions and networking throughout the conference. The virtual workshop on February 22 provided hands-on training in metagenomics, sample preparation, sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis, allowing participants to gain practical experience with advanced techniques and computational tools for microbiota research. NGS-4-Ecoprod’s participation in this event enhanced the project’s visibility, fostered collaboration with international experts, and strengthened the team’s capacity to apply metagenomics in eco-innovative solutions, supporting the project’s mission to promote sustainable biotechnology and bio-based products.