Living Lab Biobased Brazil offers a number of internships and biobased graduation internship projects. New is the addition of topics on Smart Energy and Biobased Construction.These projects take place at partner institutions, such as universities and companies. Deadline for application for the period September  2023 – January 2024 is April 1. Click here for more information.

Every two weeks we update anyone who is interested on specific themes from the materials and energy transition. During the Lunch & Learn lectures, every Thursday afternoon from 12:15 to 1:00 pm (CET), you follow presentations by experts or join a broad discussion on a topic. All Lunch & Learn lectures will be English spoken. Find here more information! If you also would like to share an interesting topic, please contact: info@coebbe.nl

On 7-10 November 2022, the 10th Biobased Battle was organized by Living Lab Biobased Brazil. Our virtual learning experience happened with students from Avans University of Applied Sciences, who participated in the location in Breda, and students from the Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto and the Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, who were working online from Brazil.

Prof. Saulo Ferreira (UFLA) asked them to find a solution for using residual streams from the coffee industry, such as parts of the husk and wastewater. The biobased battle works according to a pressure cook concept. On the first day, each group of 4 students had to research as many solutions as possible. On the second day, a choice was made based on multi-criteria analysis (MCA) for the best solution based on financial, technical, and environmental aspects. On the last day, the groups pitched their idea to a jury that consisted of Bruno Bastos (Avans), Boutros Sarrouh (UFSJ), Julia Mendes (UFOP), Liliane Catone Soares (UFOP), and myself (Avans). The jury assessed the pitches on several criteria, such as feasibility, innovation, social and environmental impacts, and market potential. 

In the 3rd place, the group presented an idea to recycle the husk to produce eco bags as a replacer for regular supermarket bags (of paper or plastic). In the 2nd place, the group presented an idea to recover compounds in the husk to form a biofilm for protecting fruits and vegetables. Apart from tackling husk waste, this could avoid food waste and decrease the use of plastic for packaging. And in 1st place, the group of Elisa, Letícia, Marina, and Oscar was declared the unanimous winner. They opted for a solution to repurpose the husk as a material for wooden boards (MDP). With this solution, the group presented the possibilities of using less wood for MDP production, apart from decreasing the costs of those panels and increasing the thermal and acoustic insulation.

Congratulations to all the students!

My name is Maria, I'm a Pharmacy student from the Federal University of Ouro Preto, in Minas Gerais - Brazil. Right now, I'm doing an internship in the Netherlands, through Zuyd University of Applied Sciences.

I chose an internship in the Netherlands because the opportunities offered here are amazing. The laboratory facilities, extremely good professors, and great technology to accomplish good results called my attention. On top of that, the Netherlands seemed very charming with all the bikes, canals, and windmills. 

My project here focuses its research on finding ways to reduce the use of fossil fuels and substitute them for sunlight, which is extremely interesting and relevant to the problems with climate change we face nowadays. My work is mostly in the lab, doing experiments. I have been here for 4 months, and the knowledge I got from this internship is incredible! 

Since the Visa process is done through the University, I didn't have many problems. Zuyd has a good website providing all the necessary information, and whenever I had a question they would answer me very quickly. Besides the documentation, I bought thermal clothes and a good winter jacket. 

Life here is very amusing, I would tell to the upcoming students: be ready to fall in love! Also, renting a bike is good, because if you have any troubles with it, the company will fix it. The first weeks can be a little overwhelming with the new language, culture, and weather, but in one or two months everything settles down, so don't freak out!

Olá! My name is Ruben Oliemans, and I am currently studying Environmental Science (ESSET) at Avans University of Applied Sciences in Breda. Here I will tell something about my abroad experience in Brazil, where I did an internship via the Living Labs exchange program.

Reason for an internship at the Living Labs Brazil

Basically, I started looking for internships abroad and wanted to go to a completely different country to experience another culture and live abroad. I’ve been to South America on holidays before and enjoyed my time there. This triggered me to look for an internship position in the region of South America. Along the way, I got to know more about Brazil, and after a while, I was pretty interested in Brazil and the Brazilian lifestyle. As well as wanting to experience the life of Samba and Caipirinha’s, which worked out very well. I decided to go to Belo Horizonte based on what I read about the city on the internet and other students’ experiences. In the end, I am very glad about my choice. I was able to experience life in a big city, as well as the warmth of Minas Gerais and its people.

For the internship place itself, I started looking both at the Living Labs program and at other companies in Brazil. After looking at the subjects of the available professors, and assignments from previous students, I thought I could find a nice internship place via the Living Labs. I contacted one of the professors, and we started meeting online and discussing a possible assignment. My professor gave me a direction for an assignment, but also gave me a lot of freedom in defining my own assignment. I discussed with my professor the possibility of doing fieldwork, and we found an assignment where we could do some fieldwork trips, which made me very enthusiastic. In general, I became enthusiastic about the idea of going to Brazil for six months and doing this internship. That’s when I started arranging everything to go.

Internship subject

My internship is at the Centro de Sensoriamento Remoto (CSR), which is a cartography department of the UFMG. Here they work a lot with GIS and Environmental Modelling of the Brazilian landscape (cover & use). My professor wanted to be more involved in the growing biofuel industry and the possible Land Use Change that is correlated with it. When I came to Brazil we started narrowing the assignment down to biodiesel specifically, and how native (oil-containing) species can play a role in the growing biodiesel demand while still preserving native vegetation. After fieldwork trips, interviews, and a lot of literature reviews, we have been focussing on the potential of using the species macaúba (type of palm) as a feedstock for biodiesel (or other higher valued products) production. I noticed that especially for my type of assignment, a lot can change from how you initially thought how the internship would go. It’s hard to make an estimation in advance about what’s possible and not. And after starting the research and doing fieldwork trips you get new insights as well.

Many assignments given on the list of possible internship subjects are more lab-based, where you can assist a professor in their research in a lab assignment. But there are more than enough opportunities to do an internship outside of the lab. I do most of my internship at my office, with two fieldwork trips that lasted about a week each. These trips were amazing experiences as you’ll get to experience the country life in Minas Gerais and see beautiful nature.

Preparations before the trip

I started my preparations for the internship in May, and the plan was to go to Brazil at the beginning of August. I was very glad that I started a few months in advance, as there are some processes you have to go through which can take quite some time. The biggest challenge and time-consuming process were preparing the documents for the visa request. The consulate has a list of required documents which you’ll need to request at the corresponding organization and get legalized at court as well. In general, if you start on time and make sure to meet the requirements you should be able to get everything arranged on time. The UFMG has a buddies program, where incoming international students are connected to one or more Brazilian students whom they can contact for small useful tips and help. For me, this was very helpful, as I was able to stay at one of my buddy’s place for the first few days in Belo Horizonte. In general, if you plan on going to Brazil for an exchange, some preparation is needed, but if you stay on it you’ll get everything arranged. It shouldn’t be too much of a worry as you’ll be able to have an amazing time in Brazil after everything is ready!

Tips for students going to Brazil

So should you make the decision to go to Brazil (good choice;), then starting on time with preparations is my main advice. Also getting the internship place at your preferred professor or subject is a step you want to get done in advance. As time progresses, more professors start to make arrangements with students, so there will be fewer places and choices available. So the earlier you are, the bigger the chance your preferred professor/topic is still available. After you have chosen one or more topics you can meet your professor online and then you can really get an idea of what is expected of the assignment and can discuss more in-depth about the internship.

Regarding visas, I think the most time-consuming step was getting the acceptance letter from the UFMG. The consulate made new requirements for the letter, therefore the UFMG had to adapt their letter specifically for the student, which took time because of the required approval from directories. Hopefully, this step will go more smooth in the future. I can also recommend trying and get in contact with either the UFMG or the consulate whenever there is a delay or problem with a document and explaining what you need from them. The administration office has many applications and sometimes getting them to do a certain action needs some reminders.

Regarding all other visa documents, there is a list given out by the consulate, my advice is to look up for every document what the procedure is at the related organization. And be sure to read the consulate’s instructions carefully, when they indicate a certain document needs to be legalized (you can do this quite easily at a court), your visa request will not be approved if you do not have this legalization/stamp.

Around the university, you will be able to get around with English, as a lot of professors and students can speak English. For many other places, and to make life easier in Brazil, I think it’s useful to learn at least some Portuguese. So I would recommend taking a beginner course in Portuguese before you arrive, or following a Portuguese course in Brazil. Note that if you start learning beforehand, try to find a course/teacher that teaches Brazilian Portuguese instead of European Portuguese, so it’s more useful. There are plenty of platforms where people offer themselves as a language teacher, here you could find someone who focuses on Brazilian Portuguese. I find speaking at least some Portuguese very useful as you’ll be able to understand and speak at least something and are able to communicate at least to some degree.

Luewton Agostinho, Ronaldo Novaes Ferreira, Water Technology group NHL Stenden.

The WatMin project combined a technical approach with a social science background to assess the implementation of new technologies in the pulp and paper industry. This industry is a major consumer of fresh water and energy resources, resulting in a large environmental footprint. Studies show that reducing environmental impacts by increasing water and energy efficiency in the pulp production process is essential for companies in the sector to remain competitive and sustainable.

Another aggravating aspect analyzed was a mining disaster that occurred in 2015, which resulted in an urgent need to reduce water use. This disaster severely affected the quality of the Rio Doce, the plant's main freshwater resource.

The WatMin project aimed to answer two main research questions:

The first concerns the technical, economic, and environmental benefits, risks, and impacts of implementing UF systems in three different scenarios.

The second research question concerns the favorability of governance conditions in the pulp and paper industry towards the implementation of new technology.

The project was unique as it was a collaboration between Dutch and Brazilian companies and universities using a HBO format and it covered a very important topic linked to the big River Doce basin disaster. However, it also brought some challenges, mainly because it was conducted, in its good part, during the COVID19 crisis.

I graduated in Chemical Engineering (Master, 2000) and Material Science (Ph.D., 2003) at Sichuan University in China. As a senior researcher at Avans University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, my passion falls in the process of valorization of solid residual streams (biomass, waste plastics) via pyrolysis technology. That is, convert a variety of solid residual streams (biomass, waste plastics) into fuels, chemicals, and materials through pyrolysis technology; Conceptual process design and optimize pyrolysis technologies for different input streams and products (liquid, gas, carbon); Upgrade and apply of pyrolysis products. 

I am very satisfied with the Brazilian students involved in my projects because they are intelligent, ambitious, independent, and have solid theoretical knowledge.

I successfully completed my projects with nine students: We tested and obtained product yield data on a laboratory-scale auger reactor with a capacity of 300 g/h (Gustavo Menezes, João Pedro Góis Camilo ); we simulated the pyrolysis behavior of biomass (Nathan Barros de Souza); we also used an enzymatic method to upgrade the pyrolysis liquid and reduce the carboxylic acid content (Gustavo Menezes, Guilherme Alves Faria Chagas, Júlia Rodrigues, and Mithyzi Leal); Valuable compounds were extracted from biomass waste and the extraction process was simulated using Aspen Plus (Bárbara Santiago, Marina Alves Marinho). Gabriel Abreu is now working on a conceptual process design for the pyrolysis of waste plastics using Aspen Plus.

One of the strengths of our project is the close cooperation between applied universities, academic universities, and Dutch companies. The interns enjoy the academic freedom to solve the research questions in the project according to their own ideas. This is probably why many of them continue their studies after completing their internships. I am delighted that our "old" interns, Júlia and Gustavo, are now doing their master's degrees in Europe, and they will still be returning to our research group for a master's internship project. Mithyzi even became my colleague last year.

I had a fantastic experience with Living Lab Brazil. Both chemical technology and chemistry students are welcome to join my projects. My ambition is to extend the cooperation, beyond the exchange of the students, with universities and companies from Brazil.

“Brazilian scientists are trying to combat deforestation and illegal mining, but the government is not on their side. Under Bolsonaro, the trend of cutting budgets has continued and the anti-science sentiment is spreading. How are Judith Verstegen’s fellow researchers in Brazil holding up?” Read more, Article from Stijn Schreven, February 26, 2022, Resource WUR from within, Wageningen University

One of the focus points of the Living Lab for 2022 is to organize 3 webinars with specialized subjects for professors and students to stimulate knowledge exchange and matching of Brazilian and Dutch professors with a similar research focus. If you have an idea for a topic for one of the webinars or if you would like to help us organize a webinar, please send an e-mail to the living lab team via mgp.verwei@avans.nl.

My name is Rayssa and I am a chemical engineering student from the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil. I am currently in my 5th year and I'll be graduating by the middle of 2022. Doing an exchange program abroad had always been my dream. When I first knew about the Living Lab program, I decided to apply immediately!

The idea of doing an internship in the Netherlands sounded like a great opportunity for my personal development. It happens that my experience here is even better than I imagined. Since September of 2021, I've been working at the Centre of expertise in Biobased Economy (CoE BBE), at Avans University of Applied Sciences, on a research project regarding the valorization of sewage by producing bioplastics out of it. In my project, specifically, we are studying the anaerobic digestion of residual streams from food processing to produce volatile fatty acids which are gonna be used as feed for the bacteria that will synthesize PHA, a biodegradable and biobased plastic. 

What I like the most about the internship is the collaborative environment that the Centre of Expertise offers us. The autonomy and the technical support that we have made my experience a unique opportunity to develop hard and soft skills. In addition, it was a great opportunity to get to know new people from all around the world, which made this exchange even more special.

For those who want to experience this amazing opportunity in this beautiful and captivating country, my advice is: to practice your English and don't be afraid of following new paths in your academic period. These experiences can be challenging, but the more challenging the experience, the more we grow with it. Coming to the Netherlands with the Living Lab Brazil was the best decision I've ever made. 

My name is Yannick, a Dutch student doing my BSc in Chemistry at HZ University of Applied Sciences, with a specialization in Life Sciences. Currently, I am doing my graduation internship in Brazil, where I will stay for six months in total. I have been in Ouro Preto for three weeks now and enjoying life to the fullest!

Why did you choose an internship in Brazil?

The reason why I choose an internship in Brazil is that I have always loved to travel. Doing an internship abroad is one of the few opportunities in life where traveling abroad for a long period is possible. I have never been to South America, so when the Living Lab offered this internship, I grabbed it with both hands.

What is the subject of your internship? Can you already tell us something more about it?

I work in the lab of pathophysiology and anatomy at the Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP). This lab mainly focuses on research regarding the effects of specific anesthetics used in clinical practice (Ketamine, Isoflurane, Fentanyl) on organs. On top of that, this lab focuses on the evaluation of Mechanical Ventilation (a tool used in clinical practice during acute or chronic respiratory failure) on the lungs and brains.

Since I’ve only been here for a few weeks, I haven’t started my own research project. The Professor wants me to get familiar with all laboratory techniques used in the lab before starting my own project.

How did preparations go before your trip?

It was very hectic. A lot of documents are needed before you are allowed to enter Brazil. And I mean A LOT. Since I procrastinated a lot, it was a very stressful and chaotic few months before I left, especially since I was also doing my internship at the same time. But I believe if you start on time (unlike me :p), it is very doable.

What tips do you have for students who want to go to Brazil?

The first tip I have, and this is the most important one: please follow a Brazilian Portuguese course before you come here. Hardly anybody here speaks English, except for some students and Professors. I did not follow a course beforehand and had a very difficult time the first week since everything works completely differently here.

Secondly: save enough money for the preparations and start on time gathering the needed documents for the VISA. Literally, every document you need will cost you money to receive. On top of that, most documents need to be legalized, which, of course, also costs money. Once you are in Brazil, it’s all good though, life is very cheap here.

Finally, make sure you bring some good quality shoes. Unlike the Netherlands, this city (Ouro Preto) has a lot of hills. I arrived with just my sneakers, and my feet got beat up the first week. You will get used to it after two weeks though, and the hills allow for insanely beautiful views! It’s like living inside a painting.

The info webinar on student exchange on March the 15^th was attended by 20, mainly Brazilian, students. There were talks about general information about the Living Lab, and examples of previous internships. Also, a former exchange student: Mithyzi Leal, came to talk about her experience as a research intern at Avans UAS. She is now working for the Centre of Expertise Biobased Economy. The given information inspired many questions from the audience. Students were especially interested in the language requirements for Dutch internships.

If you are interested in an internship in Brazil or the Netherlands, look for more information on the website, or contact mgp.verwei@avans.nl

Deadline for application for internships in February ’23 is the 1^st of November.

Last year we organized four successful webinars on different themes (biopolymers, waste water, biofuels and competitive business advantage and sustainability). The average number of participants: 35. Especially the possibility for interaction and the expertise of the guest speakers were appreciated, according to the survey we held afterwards.

For 21-22, the Living Lab wants to organize meet and greets with professors from different disciplines.  More information will follow soon.