Arno Biwer: “Luxembourg’s future depends on our ability to make research and policy work together.”

As LIST prepares for its Science & Technology Meet Policy conference on 7 October 2024, Arno Biwer, Group Leader Environmental Policies at the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), shares insights on the significance of the collaboration between science and government in advancing Luxembourg’s national agenda.

What is the Science & Technology Meet Policy conference about?

Arno Biwer: The aim of this conference is to highlight how science and technology are addressing key societal challenges and national policies, especially in areas critical to Luxembourg's future. We’ve been collaborating closely with various public actors to implement projects that align with national objectives, particularly in sustainability, new technologies, and climate resilience. Our goal is to strengthen the relationship between science and policy-making, ensuring that scientific insights are translated into actionable and impactful decisions for the benefit of Luxembourg.

One of the standout projects is the Waste and Deconstruction initiative with the Ministry of the Environment, Climate, and Sustainable Development. Could you share more details?

Arno Biwer: This project is a direct response to Luxembourg’s growing focus on circular economy principles. We are working on optimizing the deconstruction of buildings to ensure that materials are reused or recycled effectively. The idea is to minimize waste and create value from what would traditionally be discarded. Through this trusting collaboration with the Ministry, we aim to develop tools and support policies that incentivize sustainable construction and deconstruction practices.

Another exciting area of focus is applied viticulture research, particularly around PIWI cultivars. What role does LIST play in this?

Arno Biwer: PIWI cultivars are a great example of how innovation in agriculture can address both environmental and economic challenges. These fungus-resistant grapevines are reducing the need for chemical treatments, which is vital as climate change puts traditional viticulture practices under pressure. At LIST, we’ve been collaborating with the Institut Viti-Vinicole (IVV) and local grape growers to test and promote these varieties. Our research not only improves grape production resilience but also helps maintain biodiversity in vineyards.

Climate change is impacting various sectors, including water management. Could you tell us more about the Cyanowatch project and its significance?

Arno Biwer: Cyanowatch is an innovative citizen science initiative that addresses the growing issue of cyanobacteria blooms in Luxembourg’s water bodies. These blooms pose risks to public health and biodiversity, so early detection is critical. By involving the public through the Bloomin' Algae app, we’ve created a community-driven effort to monitor water quality. It’s a fantastic example of how science, policy, and public engagement can come together to tackle environmental challenges.

5G connectivity is another hot topic. How is LIST contributing?

Arno Biwer: The OPTIWAVE project is a concrete example of implementing the Luxembourg’s 5G strategy, addressing concerns around electromagnetic fields (EMF) and network deployment. We’ve developed tools that help telecommunications operators and regulators plan their 5G networks more effectively while meeting EMF regulations. It’s a proactive approach to ensure that Luxembourg can benefit from the latest technology while adhering to safety standards.

Energy sharing is becoming increasingly important. Can you tell us about the WeShareEnergy initiative?

Energy sharing is all about enabling consumers to tap into locally-produced renewable energy, even if they don’t have the means to generate it themselves. We’ve worked with the Institut Luxembourgeois de Régulation to develop a platform that makes it easy for consumers to share surplus electricity. This initiative is key to promoting renewable energy adoption and making the energy transition more inclusive and accessible.

What do you hope to achieve by bringing policymakers and scientists together at the conference?

Arno Biwer: We hope to deepen the connection between policy and research here in Luxembourg. By showcasing our work and facilitating dialogue, we aim to align our applied research with policy needs, fostering more informed decision-making on local and national level, and strengthening our existing and initiating new partnerships. Luxembourg’s future depends on our ability to work together to tackle challenges like climate change, resource management, and digitalization. This conference is a crucial step in that direction.

Join us at the Science & Technology meet Policy conference on 7 October 2024, where you can learn more about these projects and find out how LIST and its partners are driving Luxembourg’s national agenda forward.

Continue the discussion by listening to Tech Advantage, LIST's podcast featuring Arno Biwer.