Speakers
Plenary Session
How can microbes help close the loop on waste? In this keynote, Dr Santillan explores how microbial ecology and environmental engineering come together to create sustainable, scalable solutions for the circular bioeconomy. Drawing on pilot-scale technologies developed in Singapore, he shares how food industry wastewater can be transformed into microbial protein for aquaculture feed—reducing waste while supporting food security. Alongside real-world case studies, the talk will examine the microbial community dynamics that underpin these systems, and how disturbance ecology can guide the design of resilient bioprocesses. With a strong focus on applied outcomes, Dr Santillan offers a vision for engineering future-ready microbial solutions that advance both environmental and economic sustainability.
Dr Ezequiel Santillan is an environmental and chemical engineer whose interdisciplinary research advances the Sustainable Development Goals through circular economy innovations. At SCELSE, he leads projects focused on converting food-processing wastewater into high-value products such as microbial protein for aquaculture feed, contributing to Singapore’s national food security strategies. He is a key contributor to an NRF-funded pilot-scale microbial protein production initiative and works closely with partners to scale and implement these technologies.
With expertise in microbial community dynamics, disturbance ecology, and bioremediation, Dr Santillan integrates engineering, molecular biology, and statistical modelling to develop sustainable solutions for wastewater treatment and resource recovery. A Fulbright scholar and experienced educator, he has delivered teaching and training in environmental biotechnology, microbial ecology, and sustainability across Asia and the Americas, and has presented at international conferences worldwide. His commitment to science-led impact extends beyond the lab—he has co-founded several community-led initiatives and held multiple leadership roles in platforms such as TEDxNTU.