Scientific Scope

The conference covered a wide range of topics related to the application of anaerobic digestion:

• Reuse of effluent and digestate
• Biogas upgrading and management
• Microbiology of anaerobic digestion
• Resource recovery and novel process configurations
• Modelling, instrumentation, and control
• Environmental management and life-cycle assessment
• Pre- and post-treatments
• Low-tech solutions for development

The scientific scope of the conference embraces the full spectrum of anaerobic digestion research and application. From fundamental microbial ecology to large-scale process engineering, the program is designed to connect laboratory insights with real-world implementation. Special attention is given to emerging challenges such as climate change adaptation and the role of biogas in a decarbonized energy landscape, ensuring that both established and novel perspectives are represented throughout the technical sessions.

Advances in modelling, instrumentation, and control have transformed how anaerobic digestion systems are monitored and optimized. Modern sensor technologies, combined with sophisticated automation frameworks, allow operators to respond to process fluctuations in real time. The conference highlights how these tools improve stability, maximize biogas yield, and reduce operational risk. Presentations in this track bridge the gap between computational research and practical plant management, offering attendees a clear view of what is achievable with current technology.

Resource recovery and the circular economy are central themes woven throughout the congress agenda. Beyond energy generation, anaerobic digestion offers pathways for nutrient capture, water reuse, and the production of valuable bioproducts from waste streams. Discussions explore novel process configurations that integrate pre-treatment, digestion, and post-treatment steps into cohesive systems. The goal is to move beyond waste treatment toward true resource valorization, aligning technical innovation with environmental and economic sustainability goals.

Microbial ecology remains a cornerstone of anaerobic digestion science, underpinning every aspect of process performance. Understanding the complex communities of bacteria and archaea that drive methanogenesis allows researchers to design more resilient and efficient systems. The conference features dedicated sessions on molecular techniques, community dynamics under varying operational conditions, and the influence of feedstock composition on microbial structure. These insights inform everything from inoculum selection to troubleshooting process upsets at full scale.

The congress places significant emphasis on practical knowledge transfer through specialized workshops and technical visits. These sessions provide hands-on exposure to operational facilities, laboratory techniques, and emerging analytical methods. By moving beyond the lecture hall, participants gain tangible insights that can be applied directly to their own projects. The workshop program is carefully curated to complement the oral and poster presentations, creating a balanced learning experience that serves both early-career researchers and seasoned practitioners.

Low-tech and appropriate solutions for development contexts receive dedicated attention within the scientific program. Anaerobic digestion technologies that are simple to construct, operate, and maintain can deliver transformative benefits in regions with limited infrastructure. Presentations in this area address design principles, community engagement strategies, and case studies that demonstrate how biogas systems contribute to sanitation, energy access, and rural livelihoods without requiring advanced industrial supply chains.

The peer review process for submitted papers follows a rigorous timeline to ensure the highest quality of presented work. Authors receive structured feedback from the scientific committee, and accepted contributions are organized into coherent thematic sessions spanning oral and poster formats. Clear submission guidelines help researchers prepare manuscripts that meet international standards. This careful curation results in a final program that reflects the breadth and depth of contemporary anaerobic digestion research across all represented disciplines.