There is a growing demand for scientific, technological and industrial developments, which can support the transition from oil based chemical refinery towards biorefinery processes. The Training Program of this IDP – BacTory – comprises a multi-disciplinary platform providing scientific and industrially relevant skills necessary for establishment of next-generation biorefinery activities in Europe. The program is designed to integrate state-of-the-art research in relevant areas associated with future biochemical production scenarios with corresponding industrial activities and production plans. The objective is to train some of the most talented European young scientists (ESR) to become future leading scientists, technologists and entrepreneurs, who can take on leadership in the required scientific and technological development of next-generation industrial biorefinery applications. The scientific program comprises specific research activities in three relevant and essential areas: 1) Discovery of novel biosynthesis pathways for important chemicals, 2) genetic and metabolic engineering for designing microbial cell factories, and 3) development of novel production systems based on complex microbial population structure and surface associated communities. The individual ESR projects will be defined in close collaboration with industrial partners to ensure the industrial relevance of the research activities. The Training Program will further comprise participation in course activities aiming at expanding the scientific know-how and skills of the ESRs as well as their awareness of business options, e.g. through a unique novel program for interdisciplinary training of scientists and business people in the commercialization of biotechnology. BacTory is placed in a unique strategic research center – the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Sustainability (DTU Biosustain) – which has as a major goal to carry out world leading research directed towards industrial applications