–PRESS RELEASE–
The Bioindustry 4.0 project (https://www.bioindustry4.eu/) is pleased to announce that Špela Petrič (https://www.spelapetric.org) has been selected as the Artist-in-Residence further to an open call launched last year. Through her artistic inspiration the concept of AI-driven biomanufacturing processes will be explored in an original interdisciplinary process.
Using art to explore automation in biomanufacturing
Petrič, a Slovenian hybrid media artist with a background in natural sciences, has been recently exploring the automation of care in agriculture and medicine. Through her residency at Wageningen University’s Biomanufacturing & Digital Twins Lab (Bioprocess Engineering Chair Group), she will investigate the evolving relationships between bioproduction, AI-driven digital twins, and automation using artistic methods.
“I’m excited to bring my experience working in various other fields that use AI and advanced automation to this project,” says Petrič. “Especially the opportunity to develop this project in deeper conversation with other artists and scientists,” she adds.
“Špela Petrič brings an artistic perspective on biomanufacturing and automation that will enrich our understanding of how advanced computational methods can revolutionise biotech-based industry,” says Michael O’Donohue, Coordinator of Bioindustry 4.0. ” Her artistic practice will undoubtedly provide us with a different standpoint of our research endeavours.”
Collaboration with deCYPher: expanding the dialogue
Bioindustry 4.0 is one of two Horizon Europe projects working to engage artists in scientific research. deCYPher (https://www.decypher.bio/) has selected a group of artists for 3 residencies to explore the role of AI in synthetic biology. Both initiatives share a common goal: fostering creative, complex and interdisciplinary work that tackles ongoing digitalization trends and current developments in biotechnologies.
“This collaboration demonstrates the growing importance of artistic engagement in cutting-edge scientific fields,” said Markus Schmidt, CEO of Austrian science communication company Biofaction (https://www.biofaction.com/) which is a partner in both projects. “By placing artists at the heart of these projects, we create space for unexpected insights and deeper ethical reflections.”
Opportunities to engage with artists’ work
Thanks to the support of the Bioart Society (https://bioartsociety.fi/) the artistic research and work from the residencies will be showcased both at a public workshop in 2026 and at a final exhibition thereafter. Both these events will offer participating scientists, other artists, and members of the public with a unique opportunity to engage in conversations about the future of biotechnology in Europe.
For more information, visit bioindustry4.eu
Media Contact:
Markus Schmidt, CEO Biofaction
Art residence coordination for Bioindustry 4.0
Email: schmidt@biofaction.com
Click here for the press release in PDF format.
