8th Workshop
PPB in Wastewater Treatment; Challenges, Opportunities and
Potential for Resource Recovery
1 & 2th July 2025
Middle East Technical University (METU) – ANKARA
KEY DATES
- Due date for Abstract Submission: 15th April 2025.
- Final date to apply for funding: 15th April 2025.
- Notification of selected abstracts and funding results (if applicable, in the form of reimbursement): 9th May 2025
- Early bird registration : 31st May 2025.
Presentation
This is a call for participating at the 8th Workshops in the frame of WGs 2 of the COST action (CA21146) – PURPLEGAIN.
- 8th Workshop (WG2), 1 & 2 July 2025, Ankara-Turkey – “PPB in Wastewater Treatment; Challenges, Opportunities and Potential for Resource Recovery”
Organizing committee 8th Workshop: Tuba Hande Erguder and Harun Koku (local organizers), Dr. Gabriel Capson Tojo (Working Group 2 Leader), Dr. Luis Diaz Allegue (Working Group 2 co-Leader), Dr. Raul Muñoz Torre (Grant Awarding Coordinator), Dr. Daniel Puyol (Chair), Dr. Joana Fradinho (Vice Chair), Dr. Ioanna Vasiliadou (Training Schools Coordinator).
Venue: Culture and Convention Center of the Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara, Turkey.
COST Action
COST Action CA21146
COST Action CA21146 is a four-year networking action that aims at creating a European network to share information, facilitating technology and knowledge transfer between the academic and industrial sectors, related to Purple Photosynthetic Bacteria (PPB) applications for resource recovery from organic waste sources. Resource recovery includes wastewater or organic waste, open or closed environments, in single or chain processes.
The network associates fundamental-focused and applied research groups, improving lab-scale technology optimization through mechanistic modelling. It benefits the technology transfer from applied-research groups to industry, considerably improving process design. PURPLEGAIN also aims to create a database for techno- economic, social and environmental impacts studies, which facilitates the marketability of both the PPB-based technologies and the products to extract. Some focused products are polyhydroxyalkanoates, single-cell proteins, biomass for energy, biomass as fertilizer, biohydrogen, carotenoids, terpenoids, organic acids, coenzyme Q10, and 5- aminolevulinic acid.
COST
COST is an intergovernmental framework for European Cooperation in Science and Technology established to initiate networking and coordination of nationally funded research activities on a European level. It facilitates bringing good scientists together under light strategic guidance based on networks, called COST Actions, centred around research projects in fields that are of interest to COST countries and cooperating countries.
8th Workshop – PPB in Wastewater Treatment; Challenges, Opportunities and Potential for Resource Recovery
Call for participating
This is a call for participating in the 8th Workshop
8th Workshop (WG2), 1 & 2 July 2025, Ankara-Turkey – “PPB in Wastewater Treatment; Challenges, Opportunities and Potential for Resource Recovery”
Organizing committee 8th Workshop: Tuba Hande Erguder and Harun Koku (local organizers), Dr. Gabriel Capson Tojo (Working Group 2 Leader), Dr. Luis Diaz Allegue (Working Group 2 co-Leader), Dr. Raul Muñoz Torre (Grant Awarding Coordinator), Dr. Daniel Puyol (Chair), Dr. Joana Fradinho (Vice Chair), Dr. Ioanna Vasiliadou (Training Schools Coordinator).
Key dates
- Due date for Abstract Submission: 15th April 2025
- Final date to apply for funding: 15th April 2025
- Communication, confirmation and funding (if applicable in the form of
reimbursement): 9th May 2025. - Early bird registration: 31st May 2025.
We invite participations as well as abstract contributions (for oral presentations) to this interdisciplinary workshop from all academic disciplines (PhD student, young researchers, post-doctoral and senior researchers, professors) and other stakeholders.
Abstracts should be maximum 350 words (see Abstract Template).
Contributors and attendees may apply for financial support (see financial support section).
Program Day 1
The proposed program for the 8th is as follows:
PPB in Wastewater Treatment; Challenges, Opportunities and Potential for Resource Recovery
8:30 – 9:00 | Registration
8:45 – 9:00 | Introduction to the Workshop
9:00 – 14:00 | First session | Hall D
Key-note speaker
9:00 – 10:00 | Dr. İnci Eroğlu
Invited speaker
10:00 – 10:30 | Dr. Ioanna Vasiliadou
10:30 – 11:00 | Coffe break
11:00 – 12:40 | Presentations from selected speakers
12:40 – 14:00 | Lunch
14:00 – 17:30 | Second session | Hall D
Invited speaker
14:00 – 14:30 | Dr. Gökhan Kars
14:30 – 15:30 | Presentations from selected speakers
16:00 – 16:30 | Activity | Hall C
15:30 – 16:00 | Coffe break
DINNER | TBD
Program Day 2
The proposed program for the 8th is as follows:
PPB in Wastewater Treatment; Challenges, Opportunities and Potential for Resource Recovery
9:00 – 13:30 | First session | Hall D
Key-note speaker
9:00 – 10:00 | Dr. Willy Verstraete
Invited speaker
10:00 – 10:30 | Dr. Maria Reis
10:30 – 11:00 | Coffe break
11:00 – 12:00 | Presentations from selected speakers
12:00 – 13:30 | Lunch
13:30 – 17:00 | Second session
13:30 – 15:00 | Activity | Hall C
15:00 – 15:30 | Coffe break
15:30 – 17:00 | WG2 meeting – Round table| Hall D
Venue
The 8th Workshops in the frame of WGs 2 of the COST action (CA21146) – PURPLEGAIN will take place in Ankara, Turkey, at the University of Valladolid.
The 8th Workshop, schedule on 1 & 2th July, will be held at the Culture and Convention Center on the campus of the Middle East Technical University.
Middle East Technical University
Kültür ve Kongre Merkezi, ODTÜ,
06800 Çankaya/Ankara, Türkiye
Accommodation and Transportation information
Room rates
The hotels accept all major credit cards.
The room rates typically include buffet breakfast, service, and VAT. The reservations will be made by hotels on a first-in-first-served basis.
Please note that:
• Accommodation is not arranged by the Organizers.
• Additional accommodation within the university campus is being arranged and will be announced later.
| Accommodation | Appellation | Room rates in EUR/room/night | Location & Booking |
| Radisson Blue Hotel, Ankara, Çankaya | Single room | EUR | |
| The Green Park Hotel Ankara | Single room Double use room | EUR 135 EUR 140 | |
| Metropolitan Hotels Ankara | Single room with breakfast Double use room with breakfast | EUR 130 EUR 150 | |
| Meyra Palace | Single room with breakfast Double use room with breakfast | EUR 105 EUR 130 | |
| Dafne Hotel | Double use room with breakfast | EUR 82 | |
| Downtown Ankara Hotel | Single room with breakfast Double use room with breakfast | EUR 120 EUR 140 |
More information
Get to Turkey
Choose the airport to get to Turkey
Istanbul International Airport – International airport located on the European side of Istanbul. There are flights from all over the world. Connecting flights to Ankara available
Access to Istanbul city center available via,
- HAVAIST airport shuttles (€2.50 – €7.00)
- IETT municipal buses (€1.00)
- Metro Line M11 (€0.50 – €1.00)
- Taxi (€0.75+€0.50/km)
More information about moving around the Istanbul International Airport
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport – International airport located on the Asian side of Istanbul. There are flights from all over the world. Connecting flights to Ankara available.
Access to Istanbul city center available via,
- HAVABUS airport shuttles (€4.00 – €6.00)
- IETT municipal buses (€1.00)
- Metro Line M4 (€1.00)
- Taxi (€0.75+€0.50/km)
More information about moving around the Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport
Ankara Esenboga International Airport – International airport located in Ankara. There are direct or indirect (typically via İstanbul) flights from all major cities in Europe.
Access to Ankara city center available via,
- HAVAS airport shuttles (€5.00)
- EGO municipal buses (€2.00)
- Taxi (€0.75+€0.50/km)
More information about moving around the Ankara Esenboga International Airport
Get to Ankara
BY TRAIN
How to get to Ankara by train if you travel.
Via Istanbul International Airport: trains leave from Istanbul Halkali High Speed Railway Station located on European side of Istanbul. Ticket reservations open 60 days before the day of the journey.
The easiest way to move from the airport to the train station is by HAVAIST airport shuttle (line HVIST-6). Boarding point located on Transportation floor -2.
Note: Main line trains take about 9 hours to Ankara, high speed YHT trains take about 5 hours.
Via Sabiha Gokcen International Airport: trains leave from Istanbul Pendik High Speed Railway Station located on Asian side of Istanbul. Ticket reservations open 60 days before the day of the journey.
The easiest way to move from the airport to the train station is by metro (line M4, leave at Pendik station).
Note: Main line trains take about 8 hours to Ankara, high speed YHT trains take about 4 hours.
Note: Trains to Ankara depart much more frequently from this station.
Tickets, timetable and route information can be found in TCDD web page here.
Information about Istanbul public transport network can be found here.
Information about Istanbul metro network can be found here.
BY BUS/COACH
Intercity buses depart at Esenler Coach Terminal (European side) and varies for Asian side.
Many other cities without railway access have conveniently located coach terminals.
More information can be found in coach scanning web pages.
BY CAR
Ankara is connected by highways with Istanbul and many other large cities. All airports and train stations offer global car rental services (AVIS, Budget, Garenta, easyGO, etc.)
From Istanbul: 450 Km (Toll roads O-7 and O-4) Google maps
From Istanbul: 450 Km (D100 and D750) Google maps
Moving around Ankara
“EGO CEP’TE” app, showing public transportation network of Ankara is highly recommended. Available in English.
Tip: To get to Workshop Venue, most convenient public transportation is to get to Kızılay Metro Station, taking the Metro, leaving at ODTU station and taking the campus ring service.
Tip: City bus (line 411 and line 482) towards ODTU direction also has a stop in front of the workshop venue. Not all buses enter the campus during summer period, look for “ODTU” sign in front of the bus.
BY CITY BUS
Buses run between 6:00 and 24:00, with some lines also running between 00:00 and 06:00.
BY METRO
Ankara Metro is running between 6:00 and 24:00. There is a metro station named ODTU at the entrance of Middle East Technical University.
BY TAXI
Most of the major locations (shops, train station, airport, hotels) have their own taxi stands. Additionally, there will almost always be a cab anywhere curbside on the street. If needed, some of the taxi stand phone numbers given below:
- Esenboga Airport Taxi: +90 312 398 08 97 or +90 312 398 08 98
- Ankara Train Station Taxi: +90 312 324 36 38
- VIP Taxi METU: +90 312 219 51 51 or +90 312 285 07 07 (Not really a VIP taxi, just the name of the stand)
ANKARA INTERCITY BUS TERMINAL (AŞTİ) ADDRESS: Beştepe, Mevlana Blv., 06560 Yenimahalle/Ankara, Website, Maps Location
ANKARA TRAIN STATION (GAR) ADDRESS: Eti Mahallesi, Celal Bayar Bulvarı No:78, 06930 Çankaya/Altındağ/Ankara, Website, Maps Location
Financial Support – Application procedure for reimbursement
Documentation for applying
The documentation needed for applying for reimbursement are as follows:
- Applicants must upload a short Curriculum Vitae (in English).
- Applicants must upload a motivation letter (in English).
- Applicants must upload a scanned copy of their passport (if applicants do not have a passport, they can upload their national ID card)
Please, check the General Rules to be reimbursed.
Selection criteria
The selection criteria for participants that will be eligible for reimbursement will comply with the COST Excellence and Inclusiveness Policy, in the implementation of the Action and will encourage attendance by a diverse selection of participants in consideration of:
1. Underrepresented groups, including those with disabilities. Priority will be given to underrepresented groups, including those with disabilities.
2. Gender balance.
3. The level of involvement of Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITCs). Priority will be given to participants form Inclusiveness Target Countries. The current list of ITCs include: Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Croatia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Republic of North Macedonia, Republic of Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine.
4. The level of involvement of Early Career Investigators (ECIs). Priority will be given to PhD students and young post-doctoral researchers, followed by senior post-doctoral researchers and professors.
5. In addition, workshop organizers may also consider other special attributes such as:
i) type, or level of expertise in the field of the Workshop based on the curriculum vitae,
ii) appropriate core knowledge and understanding
iii) willingness to participate based on the motivation letter,
iv) demonstrated interest based on the motivation letter,
v) the positive impact that the participation will have on applicant’s future carrier and
vi) willingness to make a presentation in the Workshop session.
Financial contribution
Financial support through reimbursement does not necessarily cover all expenses. A fixed daily allowance of EUR 100 can be provided for participants traveling from a distance greater than 100 km from the venue (Ankara). In addition, for travel:
- Up to a maximum of EUR 400 in total can be afforded to each successful applicant from ITC country.
- Up to a maximum of EUR 250 in total can be afforded to each successful applicant from non-ITC country.
- Up to a maximum of EUR 100 in total can be afforded to each successful applicant from Turkey (for travel over a distance of 100 km).
Note that locals (from Ankara) cannot claim travel reimbursement. This financial contribution must be understood as financial aid aimed to help applicants to cover the expenses of their participation in the Workshop. This financial aid does not aim to cover 100% of the expenses. When claiming costs in e-COST, please consider that claims higher than the values provided above will be asked for modifications, so please make your claim as accurate as possible to avoid unnecessary delays in the payment.
Please see COST General Annotated Rules to be reimbursed.
Evaluation process and result announcement
Evaluation process
The selection committee, composed of the Action Chair, the Vice Chair, the Grant Awarding coordinator, the Training Schools Coordinator and the WG2 Leaders, and the local organizers will evaluate the applications within an 18-days period (after the abstract submission deadline) and will inform all the applicants for their evaluation results. The successful applicants will then receive an e-mail from the grant holder (Grant Letter Notification), stating the official approval of the reimbursement, the granted budget and a payment request form which has to be completed after the completion of the Workshop.
Criteria of reimbursement
If the amount of reimbursement by all applications within a call does not exceed the available budget, the applications are handled by the selection committee. If there are more applications than funding is available, the following procedure takes place.
- A list of all applications (containing an informative summary) is distributed to all members of the selection committee in form of a table in which every evaluator can mark which applications he or she can evaluate according to their field of expertise.
- To guarantee a fair and objective evaluation, an evaluator should have no affiliation with neither the home nor the host institution of the application in question.
- All applications are evaluated by two members of the selection committee. The Grant Awarding coordinator distributes the proposals to the individual evaluators.
- The criteria given in the table below shall be applied for evaluation. The first criterion (a) is assessed by the Grant Awarding coordinator prior to the evaluation process.
| Criterion | max. points |
| a) Before any further criteria are considered | |
| Application is complete and fulfils all formal requirements | pass/no pass |
| b) Evaluation of the proposal | |
| Applicant from ITC country | 0 or 20 |
| Applicant is ECI (or promotes gender balance) | 0 or 10 |
| Impact on the career of the applicant | 15 |
| Willingness to participate based on the motivation letter | 10 |
| Willingness to make a presentation in the scope of the Workshop | 20 |
| Participation in PurpleGain Activities of WG2 | 20 |
| CV of the applicant | 10 |
| Relevance to the objectives of PurpleGain Action | 20 |
- The evaluators report their evaluations to the Grant Awarding coordinator.
- The Grant Awarding coordinator ranks all evaluations and then reports the final result to the selection committee to be discussed and accepted.
- The applicants are informed about the decision reached.
More information
For further information, you may contact the:
- Tuba Hande Erguder and Harun Koku – Local organizers
- Dr Raul Muñoz Torre – Grant Awarding Coordinator
- Dr Daniel Melchor Puyol Santos – Chair
- Dr. Joana Fradinho – Vice-Chair
- Dr. Ioanna Vasiliadou – Training Schools Coordinator