Biobased Innovations
To prevent our beautiful planet from turning into a vast barren wasteland, the raw material transition is an absolute necessity. In the Biobased Innovations research group, we are working hard on the further development of key technologies that support this necessary transition.
Installation Christof Francke
Christof's installation as Professor Biobased Innovations took place on Thursday, July 3, 2025. The title of his inaugural lecture is 'Working Towards a Green Horizon: Knowledge for Sustainable Biobased Innovations'. A booklet has been publised based on this lecture.
Themes
We have formulated research lines that can be linked to the effective and circular use of organic residual streams (biomass) to produce food (alternative proteins, fermented food) and/or products (e.g., bioplastics, bio-oil, bio-resins, enzymes).
The research lines address three main themes related to the expertise needed in the ‘wet lab’ and in the ‘dry lab’.
Biotechnology
We are working on the production of biomolecules from organic waste streams. Particular attention is paid to finding sustainable circular fermentative production processes for commercially applicable substances such as oils, polymers, fibers, and resins. In doing so, we utilize microorganisms as well as enzymes.
Biorefinery & Analytical Chemistry
Biorefinery encompasses the collection of technologies required for fractionating organic waste streams (biomass) into various chemical building blocks. In this context, we work with and on the development of sustainable (bio)chemical separation methods. The deployment and development of analytical chemical methodologies form an essential part of this theme.
Data Science
Within this theme, we are working on the application of next-generation sequencing for agriculture, chemistry, food, and health, as well as the development of interfaces, data mining strategies, and models (including AI). Particular attention is paid to the ability to monitor microbial metabolic activity (in the bioreactor as well as in the soil) and to the targeted design of starter cultures and enzymes.
Get to know our research lines
Our team
Christof Francke
'To apply my expertise in biotechnology and my knowledge of meaningful data integration to the further development of key technologies for the practical support of the raw materials transition.'
Events
Lifeport Festival Circulair
Would you like to find out more about what the HAN BioCentre and the Biobased Innovations Research Group can do to help develop biobased materials as we move towards a biobased circular economy? If so, please do drop by our stand at the Productpark during the Lifeport Festival Circulair in Appeltern on Monday June 1.
Webinar - Recycling of (bio)plastics
The diversity of plastic waste streams requires different recycling technologies. In this webinar on May 26, organised by the Biobased Economy Lecturers’ Platform, three speakers will present innovative solutions.
Anniversary HAN BioCentre
HAN BioCentre has celebrated its 20th anniversary with a symposium on Tuesday 27 January 2026. The afternoon was filled with parallel sessions, a panel discussion and keynote speaker Gerrit Hiemstra. At Laan van Scheut 2 in Nijmegen, topics such as data sciences, fermentation, molecular biology, biorefinery and drug discovery were covered.
Installation Professor Biobased Innovations Christof Francke
Christof Francke was installed as a professor on Thursday 3 July 2025. In addition to the official ceremony, a Biobased Innovation Market was held at Laan van Scheut 2 in Nijmegen. Christof has a broad background in the natural and life sciences (chemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, systems biology, genomics, bioinformatics and data science). Since 2013, he has been affiliated with HAN University of Applied Sciences, first as a researcher, then as an associate professor and now as a professor.
HAN BioCentre
HAN BioCentre is the leading Centre of Expertise for Applied Life Sciences and Chemistry. Together with the business community and knowledge institutions, researchers conduct practice-oriented research within the themes of Biobased Innovations and Drug Discovery. We develop new knowledge that contributes to the biobased economy and the pharmaceutical industry. HAN BioCentre makes the results of its research and facilities available to lecturers, professionals, students, and companies. A fertile breeding ground for innovation!
Applied Biosciences and Chemistry
The School of Applied Biosciences and Chemistry offers biomedical and chemical laboratory research for students, industry and government. Its specialisation in Molecular Plant Biology, the Master’s programme in Molecular Life Sciences and the HAN BioCentre are unique features. Education, research and practice come together here.
Contact
Do you have questions about the research group Biobased Innovations?
Please send an email to Christof.francke@han.nl or contact us via info.hanbiocentre@han.nl.
Visiting address
Laan van Scheut 2
6525 EM Nijmegen
You can use the free car park at Laan van Scheut 10.
Cleantech Park - Connectr
Westervoortsedijk 73 (KB - 5 building)
6827 AV Arnhem
Postal address
PO Box 6960
6503 GL Nijmegen