Introducing CERTH: Experts in bioinformatics and process monitoring
The Centre for Research and Technology-Hellas (CERTH) is one of the largest and most prominent research organizations in Greece and a key player in the European research and innovation landscape. Established in 2000 and operating under the supervision of the General Secretariat for Research and Technology (GSRT) of the Greek Ministry of Development & Investments, CERTH is a non-profit, private law entity that transforms scientific excellence into real-world impact.
CERTH is structured around five leading institutes, each focusing on a vital societal and industrial domain:
- Chemical Process & Energy Resources Institute (CPERI)
- Information Technologies Institute (ITI)
- Hellenic Institute of Transport (HIT)
- Institute of Applied Biosciences (INAB)
- Bio-Economy and Agri-Technology Institute (iBO)
With more than 1,100 researchers, engineers, and support staff spread across six regions and seven cities, CERTH works on major areas such as climate change, sustainable energy, circular economy, AI and robotics, smart cities, and advanced healthcare. Their mission is to turn cutting-edge research into technological applications that support economic growth and societal wellbeing both in Greece and internationally.
CERTH’s Role in FLEXIZYME
In the FLEXIZYME project, CERTH plays a dual role combining expertise in bioinformatics and process monitoring.
CERTH contributes by providing metagenomic data, which is used to identify promising enzyme candidates—specifically Carboxylic Acid Reductases (CARs) and Transaminases (TAs)—through advanced bioinformatics analysis. These enzymes are essential to FLEXIZYME’s biotechnological process for converting fat- and protein-rich byproducts into bio-based fatty amines.
In addition, CERTH leads the task focused on process control and reactor monitoring. Using thermal imaging, CERTH monitors the spatial temperature distribution of reactor sidewalls to detect potential anomalies in the structural integrity of the vessel. This approach is complemented by advanced image processing and machine learning techniques, which may be used to fine-tune process yields via external thermal analysis.
Through this combination of data-driven discovery and smart monitoring, CERTH supports FLEXIZYME in developing an efficient, scalable, and safe production process.
Learn more about CERTH’s expertise by checking out their website: https://www.certh.gr/