Arnold Driessen partner in EIC Pathfinder project

Professor Arnold Driessen of t he Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB) is a partner in a research consortium that has been awarded a European Innovation Council (EIC) Pathfinder grant within the Horizon Europe programme. The project called LoopOfFun will receive more than four million euros, of which EUR 780,000 will go to Driessen. The University of Freiburg is coordinator. EIC Pathfinder grants are intended to support research teams in investigating or developing an emerging breakthrough technology.

In an interdisciplinary approach, LoopOfFun will develop a conceptual and technological framework for the development of fungal-based living materials. This framework is based on four pillars: the development of genetically encoded sensors and actuators; the identification of filamentous fungi with naturally evolved superior properties; the development of the 4D Explorer, an automated, robotized platform for the development of engineered living materials and a holistic approach for designing the final products. The developed framework as well as its underlying routines can also be applied for the design and optimization of engineered living materials made of other organisms.

Making fungi genetically accessible

Driessen will focus on making the filamentous fungi genetically accessible. He will do this via CRISPR/Cas gene editing and modification of the 'material properties' of the fungi. The material properties will then be investigated in collaboration with the other four partners.

EIC Pathfinder / Horizon Europe

With the Pathfinder programme, the European Innovation Council supports the exploration of bold ideas for radically new technologies. The grants are for advanced research, with a focus on scientific collaborations that support technological breakthroughs. EIC Pathfinder is the first instrument within the Horizon Europe programme of the European Union.