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On April 11th, 2025, the first DESIRED workshop on “Innovations in CO₂ Reduction Technologies” took place, hosted at the Centre of New Technologies (CeNT) by the DESIRED partners Warsaw University (UW). The hybrid event brought together international and local experts to explore transformative approaches in carbon capture, conversion, and sustainable energy technologies.

The workshop featured a rich tapestry of research and industry insights, all converging on the theme of reducing atmospheric CO₂ through innovative technologies. Presentations explored diverse strategies—from catalytic CO₂ recycling and solar-driven artificial photosynthesis, to advanced photocatalyst materials and biohybrid enzymatic systems. Speakers highlighted breakthroughs in materials engineering, such as the functionalization of TiO₂ nanotubes, the use of Group IVb nitrides and oxides, and the development of copper-based electrocatalysts tailored for CO₂ reduction reactions. The integration of machine learning into materials discovery, along with terahertz spectroscopy for ultrafast charge dynamics analysis, demonstrated how digital tools are accelerating experimental science. Industry experts from ORLEN S.A. emphasized the role of open innovation ecosystems and strategic decarbonization investments, bridging the gap between scientific discovery and commercial implementation. Altogether, the workshop showcased a multidisciplinary approach to carbon neutrality, blending chemistry, materials science, biotechnology, and AI.

The workshop opened with a keynote by the DESIRED Technical Manager, Prof. Michele Aresta (IC2R), who emphasized the strategic importance of CO₂ utilization in shaping a circular carbon economy—especially as global industries continue to rely on carbon-based fuels and materials.

Other featured presentations included:

• Prof. J.C. Colmenares (Polish Academy of Sciences) highlighted the power of photoredox catalysis using modified carbon materials to improve process selectivity and carbon footprint.
• Prof. Jarosław Judek (Warsaw University of Technology) presented on using Group IVb metal oxides and nitrides as scalable photocatalysts for solar-driven applications.
• Dr. Piotr Barczuk and Dr. Marcin Walter (ORLEN S.A.) showcased their innovation pipeline, from incubation to venture capital, and outlined ORLEN’s 2035 decarbonization strategy.
• Prof. Joanna Kargul (CeNT UW) shared cutting-edge developments in biohybrid systems for solar-driven enzymatic CO₂ reduction to fuels and chemicals.
• Prof. Hung Son Nguyen (University of Warsaw) discussed the role of machine learning in accelerating materials discovery and development.
• Prof. Marcin Pisarek (Polish Academy of Sciences) provided insights into nanostructured TiO₂ for photoelectrochemical systems.
• Dr. Krzysztof Bienkowski (University of Warsaw) introduced terahertz spectroscopy as a diagnostic tool for understanding catalytic mechanisms.
• Dr. Linh Trinh (CeNT UW) explored the design of multifunctional copper-based catalysts tailored for electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction.

The presentations sparked insightful discussions around the integration of advanced materials, AI, and scalable technologies in achieving carbon neutrality. The event also featured networking sessions that fostered interdisciplinary collaboration and future research opportunities. This event marked the first workshop of the DESIRED Training, Education & Capacity Building programme.

For the workshop agenda and book of abstracts click here.