Training School
The 1st ENFiber Training
School - Fiber101
The 1st ENFiber Training School, Fiber101: Basics of Fibers Workshop, took place on 10-11 September 2026 in Ljubljana, Slovenia, bringing together young researchers and experts for two days of lectures, practical sessions, poster presentations and scientific exchange.
Hosted by the National Institute of Chemistry (NIC) and the Pulp and Paper Institute (ICP), Fiber101 was designed to provide participants with a practical foundation in fiber science while introducing methods and applications relevant to ENFiber’s work on sustainable fiber valorization.
The programme covered the chemistry, processing, characterization and application of different fiber-based materials. Sessions addressed topics including polysaccharide chemistry, cellulose and hemicellulose, lignin, dietary fibers, fiber solubilization and separation, hydrogels, viscoelasticity and analytical techniques. Participants also took part in an academic publishing workshop focused on scientific writing and publication.
From Theory to Practice
Practical sessions were an important part of Fiber101. Participants had the opportunity to work with methods and equipment used in fiber research and connect the concepts introduced during the lectures with laboratory applications.
The two-day programme also included mini poster sessions, giving participants an opportunity to present their own research, discuss their work with trainers and fellow researchers, and receive feedback. Poster awards were presented at the closing session, with Alberto Saitta receiving first place, Lara Denić second place and Kamil Urgun third place.
Fiber101 also provided time for participants from different institutions and research backgrounds to meet and exchange ideas. The combination of lectures, practical work and research presentations supported ENFiber’s aim of strengthening skills and cooperation
among researchers working across different areas of fiber science.
Strong Interest in the First Training School
The first Fiber101 call received 168 applications from researchers representing 38 countries. Following the
evaluation process, 23 researchers were initially awarded funded places, while 46 applicants were placed on the waiting list.
The response to the call reflected the strong interest in training and scientific exchange within the ENFiber network and provided a strong starting point for future ENFiber Training Schools.
“
Training School Materials
Presentation materials, the Book of Abstracts, Protocol Book and other resources from Fiber101 are available through the ENFiber website.
ENFiber thanks all trainers, participants, poster presenters and members of the organising team, as well as the National Institute of Chemistry, the Pulp and Paper Institute and the COST Association for supporting the 1st ENFiber Training School.