Biomass process valorization is increasing, and using hydrogen or oxygen is vital to ensure the success of these processes. Nevertheless, biorefinery, and more generally processes valorizing biomass, are not inherently safer than the petro-based equivalent. COGNAC will train the next generation of process safety researchers in theoretical sciences (DFT), engineering sciences (CFD, process analysis), experimental analysis (calorimeter), social perception and multicriteria process analysis. COGNAC’s PhD student will make excellent science in the 20’s and be leader in the field of safety in 30’s. With the increased biomass processes, our project is in the right time. The initial events provoking a chemical accident are fire, leakage, explosion, or thermal runaway. Studies from Dakkoune et al. highlighted that around 25% of the accidents in chemical plants are caused by thermal runaway. Therefore, this event is still considered the main threat in the chemical industry. Thermal runaway can be defined as a rapid, uncontrolled rise in temperature during a chemical reaction; and occurs in non-isothermal mode. The possible consequences of thermal runaway are the reactor's destruction (overpressure) and/or projection of fragments. From several studies, operator errors are the main cause of thermal runaway. As Prof. Kletz pointed out, saying that thermal runaway is due to human error is like saying that falls are due to gravity; it is true but not helpful. Research must focus on predicting, detecting and mitigating a thermal runaway situation. The mitigation of a runaway depends strongly on the accuracy and precision of the detection system and on the knowledge of the chemical system (e.g. sizing the relief vent). There are two fundamental conditions for an efficient detection system: it must identify real thermal runaway (not a false alarm) and detect this situation as earlier as possible. The use of biomass materials as raw materials in chemical industry is increasing. There are several motivations for this shift: increase the independence towards fossil-raw material countries, use of renewable raw materials, favour CO2 neutrality, etc. Are these processes technologically safer, less toxic, environmental friendly and cost-competitive? These questions could be solved without human and social science experts, but what is citizen perception towards these processes? requires Human and Social Sciences expert experts. From a technological risk aspect, researchers from COGNAC consortium shows that biomass valorization processes present some risk of thermal runaway, dust explosion, etc. COGNAC proposes to work at the cutting edge of our knowledge in the field of thermal runway and dust explosion prediction-detection-and-mitigation in biomass processes. COGNAC will particularly study the hydrogenation and oxidation of 5-alkoxymethylfurfural and levulinate, that are issued from the valorization of cellulose and hemicellulose, respectively.