📅Date: 31 March 2026
📍 Location: Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax (CBS), Tunisia
📦 NGS-4-ECOPROD Work Package: WP4 – Dissemination, Exploitation, Communication, and Data Management

As part of its dissemination and institutional impact assessment activities, the NGS-4-ECOPROD project was featured during the CBS Open Day, organized on 31 March 2026 at the Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax.

The event brought together a broad audience representing the entire CBS community, including academic staff, researchers, engineers, technicians, administrative personnel, postdoctoral researchers, and PhD students. The objective was to present the achievements and long-term impact of the NGS-4-ECOPROD project on the Centre’s scientific, technological, and organizational capacities.

During the event, Prof. Slim Tounsi, Project Coordinator and Director General of CBS, delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting the project’s main objectives, activities, and achievements over its implementation period. Particular emphasis was placed on the project’s contribution to strengthening Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) capacities, upgrading research infrastructure, improving technical expertise, enhancing international collaboration, and fostering innovation in eco-biotechnology.

The presentation also showcased the scientific progress achieved through the development of innovative bio-based products, including biopesticides, extremozymes, bioplastics, and other high-value biotechnological applications. Furthermore, the audience was informed about the numerous training activities, staff exchanges, scientific publications, networking initiatives, and international partnerships established through the project.

To assess the perceived impact of the project within the institution, an evaluation questionnaire was distributed to all participants. The survey aimed to collect feedback on the added value of NGS-4-ECOPROD in several key areas, including:

• Research and innovation capacity enhancement;
• Access to advanced scientific equipment and technologies;
• Development of human resources and technical skills;
• International visibility and networking opportunities;
• Institutional modernization and competitiveness;
• Future sustainability and exploitation of project outcomes.

The feedback collected during the Open Day provided valuable insights into the project’s institutional impact and demonstrated a high level of appreciation among CBS staff for the opportunities created through NGS-4-ECOPROD. Participants highlighted the project’s role in transforming CBS into a stronger and more internationally connected research institution, capable of addressing emerging challenges in biotechnology and sustainable development.

This event represented an important WP4 dissemination and exploitation activity, ensuring that project achievements were shared internally and that stakeholder feedback could contribute to maximizing the long-term sustainability and impact of the NGS-4-ECOPROD legacy.