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The winner of the EUCYS 2025 bioeconomy prize, Latvian student Evita Mārtinsone, travelled to Brussels from 23 to 26 March 2026 to present her research and engage with key European stakeholders in the circular bio-based sector. Her visit was organised by CBE JU, which sponsors the prize as part of its commitment to supporting emerging talent in Europe’s bioeconomy.
During her visit, Evita met with the CBE JU Programme Office, where she presented her research and exchanged with project officers on its scientific approach and potential applications. She also joined the CBE JU Stakeholder Forum 2026, where she showcased her work at the exhibition and participated in dedicated sessions, including exhibition tours attended by high-level representatives.
CBE JU Executive Director Nicoló Giacomuzzi-Moore welcomed Evita to Brussels and highlighted the importance of connecting young researchers with Europe’s innovation ecosystem:
Supporting young talent is essential to ensure the long-term development of Europe’s bioeconomy. Engaging directly with policymakers, industry and researchers allows them to gain a clearer understanding of how their work can contribute to real-world impact.
Nicoló Giacomuzzi-Moore
Developing green and affordable UV protection
Evita’s award-winning research focuses on developing sustainable and accessible ultraviolet (UV) protection solutions using plant-based oils. Addressing growing concerns around conventional sunscreens – including their environmental impact, potential health risks and high testing costs – her project explores natural alternatives that are both effective and affordable.
Her research investigated plant oils such as rapeseed, linseed, pumpkin seed, hemp seed and sesame oil as potential bio-based UV filters. Using both conventional spectrophotometric analysis and a novel, self-developed method based on yeast growth under UVA exposure, she demonstrated that these oils are capable of absorbing ultraviolet radiation.
The results highlight promising pathways for more sustainable sunscreen development, while her innovative testing method offers a cost-effective preliminary screening tool for industry. This could help reduce production costs, optimise resource use and support the development of environmentally friendly and consumer-accessible sun protection products.
Reflecting on her visit, Evita noted:
Presenting my work in Brussels and speaking with people from different backgrounds gave me a much broader perspective on its potential. It was especially valuable to understand how research can contribute to policy goals and be translated into practical solutions.
A programme connecting science, policy and industry
Evita’s visit offered a comprehensive overview of how research and innovation interact with European policymaking and industry.
At the European Commission, she met with representatives from DG Environment, including Deputy Head of Unit Agata Kotkowska, and contributed to a video interview on the role of research in supporting environmental priorities. She later met representatives from DG Research and Innovation, including James Morrison, Chair of the CBE JU Governing Board, DG Agriculture and Rural Development and DG Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, gaining further insight into how EU policies and funding programmes support the development of bio-based solutions.
Her programme also included meetings with key decision-makers, such as Members of the European Parliament Inese Vaidere and Roberts Zīle. These exchanges provided valuable perspectives on how scientific research contributes to European policy priorities and strategic decision-making.
At the Permanent Representation of Latvia to the European Union, Evita met Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium Aiga Liepiņa. Discussions focused on the role of young researchers in strengthening Europe’s bioeconomy and the importance of linking national and EU-level innovation efforts.
Showcasing research at the CBE JU Stakeholder Forum
A key highlight of the visit was Evita’s participation in the CBE JU Stakeholder Forum 2026, where she presented her project at the exhibition alongside CBE JU-funded innovations. This provided a valuable opportunity to engage directly with policymakers, industry representatives and researchers, and to position her work within the broader European bioeconomy landscape.
From innovation to market and society
Evita’s programme also included meetings with industry and sector representatives, providing further insight into the pathway from research to real-world application. At the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC), discussions focused on the role of industry collaboration and innovation ecosystems in scaling up bio-based solutions.
She also met with Dr Mark Smith, Director General of NATRUE, to explore perspectives related to sustainability and market uptake in relevant sectors.
Understanding the European institutional landscape
In addition to meetings and presentations, Evita gained a deeper understanding of the European Union’s institutions and their role in shaping policy and society.
The programme also offered informal networking opportunities, including exchanges with CBE JU staff and stakeholders, further strengthening her understanding of the European research and innovation ecosystem.
By the end of her visit, Evita had gained first-hand experience of how collaboration between science, policy and industry supports the development of sustainable, bio-based solutions across Europe.
What is EUCYS?
The European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS) is an annual event organised by the European Commission to promote scientific excellence among young people across Europe. It provides a platform for students to present their projects at European level and compete with their peers.
Since 2016, CBE JU has supported EUCYS by sponsoring the bioeconomy prize, which recognises projects that use biological resources in innovative, sustainable and circular ways. The prize includes a visit to Brussels, where winners meet EU institutions, industry representatives and key bioeconomy stakeholders.
The 2026 edition of EUCYS will take place from 22 to 27 September in Kiel, Germany.
