Written by: Dafni Delioglani, FOCUS STC

BBioNets was recently invited to participate in the AQUAGRI-KNOW interview series, an initiative that engages with experts, practitioners, and community leaders to enhance collaboration and encourage knowledge-sharing in sustainable water management across Europe.

Representing FOCUS STC, Ephy Kouzi, the BBioNets’ Liaison Leader and Coordinator of the Standing Liaison Round Table (SLRT), gave an in-depth interview focused on the mission and impact of the SLRT community.

A Unified Approach to Shared Challenges

Speaking on the SLRT—a platform established within BBioNets to bring together multiple EU-funded projects— Ephy introduced the community as a dynamic European network of researchers, practitioners, farmers, and policymakers working together to drive innovation and sustainable resource management across the bioeconomy.

During the discussion, she emphasised that while technology is important, the human element is the catalyst. She highlighted three core functions of the SLRT ecosystem:

• Aligning EU Initiatives: connecting representatives from diverse projects to create a unified strategy for the researchers and farmers they support.
• Breaking Down Silos: ensuring that valuable insights do not remain isolated within single projects but are shared across the European network.
• Turning Research into Reality: leveraging this cross-project collaboration to ensure scientific results are translated into practical solutions for the field.

Amplifying Impact Beyond Individual Projects

A central theme of the interview was the SLRT’s mission to amplify the impact of individual initiatives. By acting as a bridge, the SLRT ensures that the work done within the participating projects doesn’t exist in a vacuum but contributes to a broader, long-term strategy.

By combining different viewpoints and expertise, the SLRT fosters “cross-fertilisation”—a process where ideas from one project spark breakthroughs in another. This unified approach is essential for supporting the transition toward more sustainable agri-food systems and driving innovation across the bioeconomy.