ICA Meeting of Academic Leaders of European Life Science Universities
to address
The development of traditional agricultural universities to modern life science institutions – managing the change process

Thursday 30 August, 9.00 - 15.30
held at Faculty of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Freiburg, Germany

SCOPING THE DISCUSSION

The traditional institutions of higher education in Agricultural and Related Sciences are undergoing rapid change. We observe the development of institutions which address Life Sciences in a modern, flexible and therefore dynamic concept. We should question the extent of the wider remit of the life science university in addressing the expectations for the multifunctional rural environment, and those of the public from field to plate. We should also address the benefits to be gained from integration of all sectors of higher education; the Universities and Fachhochschulen. The challenge for institutional leaders is to promote this new vision and develop an encouraging and supportive institutional framework to support the change process.

Academic leaders from Copenhagen University , Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague , University College Dublin, and University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna addressed their vision for their institution and discussed the managerial challenges in laying the foundations for achieving that vision. These case studies will provide a stimulus for discussion and the sharing of experience.

PROGRAMME:

9.00 Welcome and Introduction to the issues meeting
Leopold Maerz, President of ICA

9.30 Case Study 1: Strengthening the provision of life sciences through university amalgamation
Per Holten Andersen, Copenhagen University

10.00 Discussion

11.00 Case Study 2: Strengthening the provision of life sciences through internal university reorganisation
Pavel Kovar, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague

11.30 Case Study 3: Strengthening the provision of life sciences through internal university reorganisation
Maurice Boland, University College Dublin

12.00 Discussion Case studies 2 and 3

14.00 Case Study 4:Vertical integration of higher education institutions in the life sciences – co-operation between a University, and Fachhochschulen
Thomas Prohaska, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna

14.30 Discussion

15.30 Close to be followed by the ICA General Assembly

Fachhochschulen, professional universities, and universities of applied life sciences