The conference of EuChemS Member Austrian Chemical Society (GÖCH), namely, the 20th Austrian Chemistry Days was held in Graz on 23-25 September. Amongst a number of exciting programmes, including a plenary by Nobel-Prize winner Ben Feringa, a roundtable discussion titled “Circular Bio economy; Sustainable Usability of the Biomass” took place. EuChemS Secretary General Nineta Hrastelj was invited to participate in this roundtable, to provide insights on the topic from a policy perspective.
Nineta Hrastelj engaged with a number of prestigious speakers from industry and chemistry backgrounds. During the discussion, she emphasised that understanding the policy landscape is essential for researchers intending to contribute successfully to policy. In addition, she highlighted the issues innovation faces due to over-regulation and an excessive administrative burden.