Marina Tišma is a Professor of Biotechnology at the University of Osijek, Faculty of Food Technology, Croatia. She excels in bridging academia and industry, with ground-breaking research in fungal biotechnology that supports the transition from a petroleum-based to a sustainable and circular bioeconomy. Her research focuses on the utilization of lignocellulosic residual biomass, primarily from the food industry and agriculture, for the production of high-value compounds, protein-enriched feed, biofertilizers, and biofuels.
With substantial industrial experience, Marina has led and collaborated on various R&D projects, particularly those funded by European Union Structural Funds. Her current projects include the “Valorisation of residues from the vegetable oil industry based on a biorefinery approach – VALREO,” and Horizon Europe’s “Bioeconomy excellence alliance for stimulating innovative and inclusive green transition – BEAMING.”
As an expert for the European Commission, Marina evaluates Horizon Europe proposals, helping shape the future of bioeconomy. She is also an initiator and leader of Postgraduate Specialist Study Programme in Sustainable and Circular Bioeconomy at the University of Osijek. Additionally, she is Vice President of the Croatian Society of Biotechnology and was honoured with the 2024 President’s International Fellowship Initiative (PIFI) by the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
