Research projects
As a knowledge network, United Experts Group is always looking to grow its expertise and knowledge. Participation in research projects gives us the opportunity to strengthen our network through international cooperation with various partners, such as universities, governments and companies. This not only promotes knowledge exchange but also provides access to the latest scientific insights and technologies, which are essential for innovation and competitiveness.
Through our participation in projects on societal challenges, we contribute directly to policy development and sustainable solutions. This is how we strengthen our position in the market and increase our impact on both customers and society.
In recent years, we have been active in numerous research projects in agriculture and industry. Within United Experts Group, we fulfil various roles in these projects. Our experts from DLV and Profex bring market knowledge and perspective from various actors to determine the market potential of innovative technologies and facilitate market development, both in Belgium and the rest of Europe.
Current projects
NovIGRain
The NovIGRain project aims to address challenges in grain storage management and pest control. The project is developing a new type of plant protection product, specially designed for larvicide treatment, to be applied using dual-application technology.
United Experts Group is responsible for the impact assessment of the newly developed insecticide and associated application technology through cost-benefit analysis, social life-cycle analysis, new business model feasibility assessment, and the organisation of co-creation workshops. In addition, UEG handles communication tasks within the project and project coordination.
ReJuice
The ReJuice project focuses on the valorisation of the juice fraction of green waste streams derived from agriculture and nature and roadside management. The project explores the properties of this sap as well as new, innovative uses for it. It also establishes sustainable and economically interesting clusters for processing and reusing these sap streams.
United Experts Group plays a central role in organising the co-creation workshops and bringing together the right actors within the clusters. We also map the impact of various value chains, with the aim of optimising and maximising them.
Past projects
FertiCycle
The FertiCycle project aims to develop new bio-based fertilisers by upcycling organic waste. The project aims to train 15 early-stage researchers (ESRs) to create innovative processes to produce bio-based fertilisers, contributing to the circular economy and reducing the environmental impact of traditional fertiliser production.
United Experts Group is involved in mentoring some ESRs during their research projects. This includes advice on topics such as market development and cost-benefit analyses for fertilisers based on organic waste. As a result, UEG analysed the market potential of bio-based fertilisers and established farmers’ willingness to pay for new, innovative fertilisers.
NutriCycle
The NutriCycle project is an initiative aimed at improving nutrient recovery from agricultural byproducts, especially manure and digestate, and promoting their reuse as sustainable fertiliser alternatives. This project aims to contribute to the sustainable development of animal husbandry and biodigestion technologies in Europe, particularly in Flanders.
United Experts Group, in collaboration with IPS Konzalting, has developed a web tool for cost-benefit analysis. This tool aims to evaluate the economic feasibility of bio-based fertilisers resulting from nutrient recovery processes. In addition, UEG works within a consortium of 19 partners from 12 EU countries with various research institutions, universities, farmer organisations and agro-industrial stakeholders. This collaboration aims to analyse existing nutrient management techniques and assess their environmental impact on different European farms.
Maestro
The MAESTRO project is part of the Flemish Protein Strategy 2021-2030, which aims to develop new, sustainable, plant-based proteins. Within MAESTRO, the focus was on establishing sustainable value chains for protein-rich products based on microalgae. The project identified challenges as well as opportunities for the emerging microalgae sector. The consortium comprised a collaboration between growers, processors and buyers of microalgae. United Experts Group took the lead in coordinating the project and played an important role in communication, creating support and setting up the algae chains.
