Become an ESNI Topic Lead
As a Topic Lead, you will become the heartbeat and primary focal point for your Topic.
We are seeking one expert for each of the following pillars:
- Technology: Focusing on innovative nutrient recovery, processing, and transformation technologies (e.g., stripping, precipitation, pyrolysis, membrane filtration,…).
- Agronomy: Focusing on soil-crop nutrition modelling, field performance of bio-based fertilisers, organic matter dynamics, agricultural safety and effects on soil health.
- Sustainability: Focusing on Life Cycle Assessments (LCA), environmental impact quantification, carbon footprinting, and circular economy methodologies.
- Policy & Path to market: Focusing on the EU Fertilising Products Regulation, Nitrates Directive, waste legislation, etc, shaping new paths to market for recycled nutrients and providing positions or input on relevant policy consultations
What we expect from the Topic Lead
As a Topic Lead, you are not expected to manage administrative tasks, but rather to inspire and guide the community through your scientific or industrial authority. Your role includes:
- You are considered the point of contact for technical or policy questions sent in by the community. You can also establish a core group for your topic.
- Share your contributions on the ESNI platform (e.g., a short reflection on a new paper, a regulatory update, or an engaging industry question to spark discussion). Provide input on interesting key topics for the ESNI Conference.
- Host or co-host one or several thematic webinars or Q&A sessions, supported entirely by the ESNI team, diving deeper into a hot topic.
- Attend two alignment meetings per year with the other ESNI Topic Leads to discuss community trends and future joint initiatives.
What’s in it for you?
This prestigious voluntary role offers new opportunities to advance your professional profile at the European level:
- Showcase your proficiency in your thematic area, with a clear visibility towards European Commission and JRC.
- Get first-hand exposure to consortium partners forming proposals for Horizon Europe, CBE, LIFE, and Interreg bids. You will be on the direct radar of key policy makers and project coordinators.
- Help define the future R&D priorities in the domain of nutrient recycling towards the European Commission.
- Receive free registration and a speaking slot or session-chair role as a VIP at the next ESNI Conference.
- Use ESNI’s communication channels to promote your own research group’s publications, project results, or industrial milestones.
ESNI supports you in your role
The ESNI team is fully committed to handling all administrative and promotional work so that you can focus entirely on the science and networking. The ESNI team will screen and filter all incoming “Ask the Expert” questions. If a question is out of scope, we handle the polite rejection/redirection. The ESNI communication team drafts and publishes promotional posts showcasing your work, publications, and insights across the Biorefine Cluster newsletter (2000 subscribers) and social media channels.
Who are we looking for?
You are a passionate professional based in Europe (academic, industry specialist, researcher, or policy advisor) with relevant experience in nutrient recycling, recovery, or circular economy within one of the four specified pillars. You have a strong network and a track record of publications, industry projects, or policy advocacy. As an ambassador of the circular economy, you have a collaborative mindset to work with cross-disciplinary experts.
Interested? Here’s how to apply.
To apply, simply please send an e-mail to Erik Meers at Ghent University (erik.meers@ugent.be) and Laia Llenas Argelaguet at BETA Technological Centre (laia.llenas@uvic.cat). Include your (short) biography and/or link to your LinkedIn profile?