Background

Vertical and hydroponic farming reduces land use but depends on water recirculation. Over time, pesticides, endocrine disruptors, and other micropollutants accumulate in water and can enter the food chain. Existing treatment technologies are inadequate for continuous, low-energy operation.

The project

• Develop a two-sided Janus anode combining solar-active photocatalysts and electrocatalysts.
• Integrate hydrogen peroxide-producing cathodes for enhanced pollutant degradation.
• Optimize flow dynamics for real-time adaptive performance under varying light.
• Test bench-scale prototypes in Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Sweden.

The science

• Material science for layered catalysts.
• Electrochemical engineering for dynamic optimization.
• Toxicity and chemical analyses to ensure food safety.

The team

• Prof. Ir. Dr. Wey Yang Teoh (Coordinator), University of Malaya (UM), Malaysia
• Prof. Atsushi Urakawa, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
• Assoc. Prof. Leo Yeung, Örebro University, Sweden
• Assoc. Prof. Steffen Keiter, Örebro University, Sweden

Contact

Prof. Ir. Dr. Wey Yang Teoh                     Email: wy.teoh@um.edu.my 

Background

Soybean is one of the world’s most cultivated crops. Its processing generates large amounts of okara, an underutilized byproduct. Improper disposal creates waste and environmental burdens. Okara contains proteins, fibers, and bioactive compounds, making it a promising resource for food, health, and energy applications.

The project

• Identify processing variables to improve okara quality and extraction yield.
• Extract functional bio-based compounds and develop food prototypes.
• Investigate anaerobic digestion for energy and fertilizer recovery.
• Evaluate sustainability of valorization pathways.

The science

The project applies green technologies and cross-disciplinary methods:

• Biorefinery approaches for protein, peptide, nanocellulose, and oil extraction.
• Prototype development for food, feed, and cosmeceuticals.
• Life cycle assessment of valorization chains.

The team

• Dr. Aunchalee Aussanasuwannakul (Coordinator), Kasetsart University, Thailand
• Dr. Andriati Ningrum, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siti Sakimin, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
• Professor Dr. Christoph Hugi, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Switzerland

Contact

Dr. Aunchalee Aussanasuwannakul                 Email: aunchalee.a@ku.th 

Background

Rice is the staple food for more than half of the world’s population and particularly vital in Southeast Asia. However, climate change poses severe threats to rice yields, including drought, salinity, and flooding. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides have improved productivity but caused long-term environmental degradation and reduced soil health.

Harnessing the plant microbiome offers a promising, eco-friendly pathway to enhance nutrient uptake, improve stress tolerance, and reduce dependence on agrochemicals.

The project

Micro-GRICE pursues the following objectives:

• Characterize rice microbiomes under normal and stress conditions in multiple Southeast Asian sites.
• Identify beneficial microbial taxa associated with higher yields and resilience.
• Develop microbial inoculants and formulations for rice cultivation.
• Field test microbiome-based solutions under diverse agroecological conditions.
• Build capacity in microbiome research across Southeast Asia through joint training and knowledge exchange.

The science

The project integrates microbiology, genomics, and agronomy:

• High-throughput sequencing to map microbial communities in rice roots and soils.
• Bioinformatics pipelines to identify functional microbial groups.
• Greenhouse and field trials to validate beneficial microbes and test bioinoculants.
• Systems approaches to link microbiome functions with rice growth, stress tolerance, and yield.

Expected outcomes include new microbiome-based technologies for rice farming, reduction in chemical input use, and improved climate resilience in rice systems.

The team

The Micro-GRICE partners are:

• Assist. Prof. Dr. Simon Guerrero Cruz (Coordinator), Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand
• Dr. Adrian Ho Kah Wye, Leibniz University Hannover, Germany
• Dr. Victor J. Carrion Bravo, Leiden University, The Netherlands

Contact: 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Simon Guerrero Cruz               Email: simongc@ait.ac.th 

Background

One of the most pressing consequences of climate change is sea level rise, which, in combination with low-lying urbanized areas and land subsidence, creates severe risks for coastal resilience. The Netherlands, Singapore, and Indonesia (the “three sisters”) are highly exposed to this toxic combination and require robust long-term monitoring and adaptation strategies.

Geodesy provides key data on elevation, land subsidence, and sea levels, critical for policymaking and climate adaptation. Long-term, precise, and reliable measurements are required, but current infrastructures often operate in isolation. New technologies such as satellite radar interferometry (InSAR) must be integrated with existing systems (levelling campaigns, GNSS, tide gauges, gravity stations, airborne laser scanning) for effective monitoring.

The project

Three Sisters will:

• Review the existing geodetic infrastructure in the Netherlands, Singapore, and Indonesia.
• Develop metrics to assess adequacy for monitoring climate-related processes.
• Propose and design optimal integration of eight different geodetic techniques, focusing on disentangling land elevation, sea level, and subsidence signals.
• Develop algorithms and methods to estimate temporal changes in sea level and land motion.
• Establish a prototype monitoring service for situational awareness, supporting long-term climate adaptation policies.

The science

The project combines geodesy, remote sensing, earth observation, and climate science. Key advances include:

• Integration of heterogeneous geodetic benchmarks into a unified monitoring framework.
• Application of InSAR for high-resolution land subsidence monitoring.
• Linking tide gauge data with geodetic reference frames to harmonise land–sea measurements.
• Development of long-term datasets critical for climate adaptation, coastal planning, and disaster resilience.

The team

• Prof. Dr. Ramon Hanssen (CoordinatorI, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), The Netherlands
• Dr. Heri Andreas, Bandung Institute of Technology, Indonesia
• Dr. Sang-Ho Yun, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Contact:

Prof. Dr. Ramon Hanssen                       E-Mail: r.f.hanssen@tudelft.nl 

Background

The protein transition from animal to plant-based proteins is essential for sustainable food systems. Pulses (legumes) are a key protein source, but progress is limited by insufficient knowledge of how molecular structures relate to functional properties such as gelling, emulsifying, and foaming.

Existing plant-based products often lack optimal texture, taste, or processing stability, slowing consumer acceptance. A systematic, science-based understanding of pulse protein structure–function relationships is needed to accelerate innovation.

The project

PULSEPRO will:

• Identify generic physicochemical properties of a variety of pulses (legumes).
• Examine how extraction and modification processes affect techno-functionality.
• Determine optimal combinations of processing methods from a sustainability and functionality perspective.
• Establish links between protein molecular structure and functionality using a multidisciplinary, multiscale approach.
• Provide knowledge that accelerates targeted, efficient design of plant-based products with improved nutritional, sensory, and sustainability attributes.

The science

The project integrates food physics, chemistry, and biopolymer science. Key contributions include:

• Advanced characterization of pulse proteins and their functional properties.
• Linking extraction and modification processes to protein techno-functionality.
• Development of structure–function models applicable across multiple legumes.
• Providing a foundation for faster design of new plant-based foods adapted to consumer and sustainability needs.

The team

• Dr. Leonard Sagis (Coordinator), Wageningen University & Research (WUR), The Netherlands
• Dr. Chaiwut Gamonpilas, MTEC (NSTDA), Thailand
• Prof. Dr. Stephan Drusch, TU Berlin, Germany

Contact:

Dr. Leonard Sagis                       E-Mail: leonard.sagis@wur.nl 

Background

Global population is projected to reach 9.9 billion by 2050, placing enormous pressure on land and water resources. Current agricultural practices face rapid land degradation, water scarcity, and the need for higher efficiency.

Nanomaterials are already used in agriculture as nano-fertilizers, pesticides, and growth regulators. Their type, size, and surface properties influence plant growth. Yet, the use of quantum dots (QDs) in agriculture remains largely unexplored. QD-based fertilizers could significantly boost yields while reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and water use.

A multifunctional, low-cost, biodegradable hydrogel enriched with QDs offers both slow nutrient release and water retention, aligning nutrient supply with crop life cycles, minimizing overdosing, and lowering environmental risks.

The project

Agri-QDed will:

• Develop biopolymer-based hydrogels entrapping nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and Si-doped carbon QDs.
• Enhance crop growth and yield by improving soil fertility and irrigation efficiency.
• Produce slow-release fertilizers matching crop life cycles, reducing risks of overdosing.
• Test QD-enhanced hydrogels in both laboratory and field conditions.
• Achieve a technology readiness level (TRL) of 4, with pathways for scaling towards market application.

The science

The project combines nanotechnology, polymer chemistry, biotechnology, and agriculture. Core scientific contributions include:

• Synthesis of low-cost, biodegradable QD-integrated hydrogels.
• Evaluation of nutrient release and water retention performance.
• Plant growth and yield testing under controlled and field conditions.
• Environmental impact analysis of QD-fertilizer application.
• Knowledge transfer across Europe and Southeast Asia for global agricultural sustainability.

The team

• Prof. Dr. Levent Trabzon (Coordinator), Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Turkey
• Assoc. Prof. Siti Khodijah Chaerun, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia
• Dr. Teo Yin Yin, University of Malaya (UM), Malaysia

Contact:

Prof. Dr. Levent Trabzon                         E-Mail: levent.trabzon@itu.edu.tr 

Background

Southeast Asia’s coastal zones are home to millions of people, many living below the poverty line and heavily reliant on mangroves for fisheries, aquaculture, and timber. Mangroves are highly productive ecosystems that protect coasts from tsunamis and hurricanes, mitigate climate change, and support livelihoods. Yet, annual losses from deforestation, overexploitation, and climate change (sea level rise, altered rainfall) remain immense.

Despite international attention such as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030) current restoration often relies on ineffective monoculture plantations that fail to restore full ecological functions. There is an urgent need for an evidence-based restoration framework that addresses coastal dynamics, biodiversity, socio-economic factors, and long-term sustainability.

The project

RESCuE-2 will:

• Monitor and optimise mangrove restoration design using remote sensing, field surveys, and modelling.
• Develop multi-scale spatio-temporal information to guide effective restoration and biodiversity conservation.
• Connect local restoration actions with national and regional policy frameworks.
• Test innovative restoration strategies that go beyond monoculture plantations.
• Strengthen collaborations among European and Southeast Asian scientists, policymakers, and communities.
• Build research capacity, especially for early-career scientists in ASEAN and Europe.

The science

The project combines ecology, forestry, geography, data science, and social sciences.

• Remote sensing and GIS to map mangrove cover and monitor restoration outcomes.
• Agent-based and stochastic modelling of mangrove forest dynamics (e.g. BETTINA and MANGA models).
• Socio-ecological analysis of community-based restoration strategies.
• Comparative evaluation of restoration methods to determine ecological effectiveness and cost-efficiency.
• Policy-relevant outputs for adaptation and resilience under climate change.

The team

The RESCuE-2 partners are:

• Prof. Dr. Uta Berger (Coordinator), Technical University Dresden (TUD), Germany
• Dr. Ronny Peters, Dr. Martin Zwanzig, Dr. Robert Schlicht, TUD, Germany
• Prof. Farid Dahdouh-Guebas, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium
• Prof. Claude Garcia, Berner Fachhochschule, Switzerland
• Dr. Hélène Dessard, Dr. Valéry Gond, CIRAD, France
• Dr. Johann Oszwald, Prof. Samuel Corgne, Université Rennes 2, France
• Stefano Cannicci, University of Florence, Italy
• Independent researchers: Dario Simonetti, Italy, Andreas Langner, Germany
• Kim Soben, Royal University of Agriculture, Cambodia
• Meas Rithy, Ministry of Environment, Cambodia
• Assoc. Prof. Satyanarayana Behara, Ph.D. Jarina Mohd Jani, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia
• Prof. Patiya Kemacheevakul, Uday Pimple, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand
• Kumrom Leadprathom, Royal Forest Department, Thailand
• Sukan Punkul, Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Thailand
• Poonsri Wanthongchai, Tamanai Pravinvongvuthi, Suchart Yamprasai, Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, Thailand
• Tetsu Ito, XASN Co. Ltd, Japan

Contact: 

Prof. Dr. Uta Berger                    E-Mail: uta.berger@tu-dresden.de 

Background

Methanol production from CO₂ offers dual benefits: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and producing a valuable industrial chemical. Cu–ZnO and MoP catalysts have shown high CO₂ conversion and methanol selectivity, while other metal oxides (Au, Zr, Ti, La, In, Ga, etc.) are also promising.

A major challenge lies in overcoming thermodynamic limitations: equilibrium constraints require high pressure, optimal temperature, and continuous removal of products (methanol, water). Membrane technologies, especially hydrophilic zeolites (e.g. LTA, SOD, ZSM-5), provide selective water permeation and shift the reaction equilibrium forward. The project focuses on developing defect-free zeolite membranes and catalyst–membrane integration for continuous operation.

The project

CH3OH in CMR will:

• Develop advanced catalyst systems (MoP, Cu–ZnO–ZrO₂ doped with metals).
• Design and fabricate NaA zeolite membranes with tailored Si/Al ratios for water selectivity and stability.
• Integrate membranes with catalysts in a three-layer catalytic membrane reactor (catalyst, zeolite, α-Al₂O₃ support).
• Demonstrate compatibility between CO₂ conversion rates and water permeation performance.
• Collaborate with industrial partner PTT to apply the technology for CO₂ management in large-scale gas plants.
• Facilitate technology transfer among research partners in Thailand, Malaysia, and Germany.

The science

The project integrates catalysis, membrane technology, chemical engineering, and materials science. Key scientific advances include:

• Catalyst optimisation for high selectivity in CO₂ hydrogenation.
• Design of defect-free zeolite membranes for selective water removal.
• Integration of reaction and separation into a single catalytic membrane reactor.
• Operando testing to optimise process conditions (pressure, temperature, selectivity).
• Contributions to CO₂ utilisation technologies aligned with the Paris Agreement and IPCC climate goals.

This approach represents a breakthrough for green methanol production and sustainable CO₂ valorisation.

The team

The CH3OH in CMR partners are:

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Unalome Wetwatana Hartley (Coordinator), King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Thailand
• Dr. Sebastian Wohlrab, LIKAT, Germany
• Prof. Dr. Mohamed Kheireddine Aroua, Sunway University, Malaysia
• Nuchanart Siringuan, PTT Public Company Limited, Thailand
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nur Awanis Hashim, Universiti Malaya (UM), Malaysia

Contact:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Unalome Wetwatana Hartley              E-Mail: unalome.w.cpe@tggs-bangkok.org 

Background

Jakarta faces severe land subsidence (up to 25 cm per year in some areas) driven by excessive groundwater extraction, rapid urbanization, and climate-induced sea-level rise. Combined with extreme rainfall, this threatens millions of residents with recurrent flooding, infrastructure damage, and long-term loss of habitable land.

Conventional technical measures such as sea walls have proven insufficient or socially inequitable, often displacing vulnerable communities. Sustainable solutions must integrate engineering with governance, local participation, and socio-economic resilience.

The project

Jakarta SOS pursues the following objectives:

• Analyze hydrogeological and geotechnical dynamics of land subsidence in Jakarta.
• Assess governance structures to identify barriers and opportunities for integrated water management.
• Co-develop adaptation strategies with local stakeholders, focusing on equity, feasibility, and resilience.
• Design policy recommendations combining engineering, nature-based, and social solutions.
• Build a transferable framework applicable to other Southeast Asian delta megacities.

The science

The consortium combines hydrology, engineering, and social sciences:

• Geoscientific analysis of groundwater depletion, soil mechanics, and coastal processes.
• Scenario modeling of subsidence and flooding under different climate and policy conditions.
• Participatory methods with Jakarta communities to integrate local knowledge and needs.
• Policy and governance research to connect technical findings with actionable recommendations.

Expected outcomes include new decision-support tools, policy briefs, and stakeholder-tested adaptation pathways for Jakarta.

The team

The Jakarta SOS partners are:

• Prof. Murat Arsel (Coordinator), Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands
• Dr. Suraya Afiff, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
• Prof. Fikret Adaman, Bogaziçi University, Turkey

Contact:

Prof. Murat Arsel            

Background

In Indonesia and Cambodia, malnutrition remains a pressing issue, especially among pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children. Stunting prevalence is a top priority for both countries. Freshwater fish is a valuable local resource but is highly perishable, leading to seasonal scarcity and post-harvest losses.

Transforming fresh fish into dried fish powder and RUFF products dramatically increases shelf life and improves organoleptic properties. This creates opportunities to supply nutritious food year-round, increase dietary diversity, and provide affordable and acceptable nutrition for vulnerable groups.

The project

SEA-RUFF pursues the following objectives:

• Capacity building between small-scale fisheries (SSF), SMEs, and academic partners.
• Fish processing at SME level to create high-quality fish powder.
• Formulation and production of RUFF tailored for reproductive-age women and other groups in Cambodia and Indonesia.
• Distribution and accessibility systems for vulnerable populations.
• Creation of a Southeast Asian network linking academia, policymakers, and the food industry for sustainable fish food systems.

The science

The project builds on expertise from nutrition, food processing, and public health:

• Transformation of fresh fish into nutrient-rich powders with proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals.
• Development of standardized RUFF formulations meeting European requirements.
• Evaluation of impacts on maternal and child health, including stunting prevention.
• Behavioral change communication research to increase acceptance and sustained use.

Expected outcomes include year-round availability of nutritious fish-based foods, strengthened SME processing capacity, and scalable models for other low- and middle-income countries.

The team

The SEA-RUFF partners are:

• Dr. Marinka van der Hoeven (Coordinator), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam), Netherlands
• Damayanti Soekarjo, National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Thailand
• Dr. Wieringa Frank, SEAFAST-IPB, Indonesia
• Dr. Puspo Giriwono, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), France
• Dr. Sokneang In, SAVICA, Cambodia
• Lyndon Paul, Danish Care Foods Co., Ltd, Cambodia

Contact: 

Dr. Marinka van der Hoeven                  Email: m.vander.hoeven@vu.nl