On June 12, 2024, Dr Laetitia Marrot engaged with 20 students and 3 teachers from the Business Academy South West, (BASW), Denmark, during their summer school in New York City, presenting a lecture titled “Challenges Linked to the Use of Biobased Materials in Construction.” This lecture was conducted online as part of the academy's summer school program, which ran from June 8 to June 21, 2024.

Dr Marrot's lecture provided an in-depth look at the use of biobased materials in construction. She detailed the different types of biobased materials suitable for various construction purposes, including structural frames, ceilings, flooring, walls, insulation, and cladding. Special emphasis was placed on plant products used for insulation, relating the properties of plant fibers to their functions within the plant.

Furthermore, Dr Marrot addressed the challenges associated with using plant fibers in construction, highlighting issues such as the variability in properties due to composition, morphology, and structure, their sensitivity to water, and their fire performance. This comprehensive discussion aimed to provide students with a clear understanding of both the potential and the limitations of biobased materials in modern construction.

Through lectures like Dr Marrot’s, students gain valuable insights into the latest advancements and challenges in the industry, equipping them with the knowledge to drive future innovations. Thank you Morten Frank Hansen for giving us the opportunity to actively be a part of your summer school.