ASSOCIATION FOR EUROPEAN LIFE SCIENCE UNIVERSITIES
relating to the circular bioeconomy, the sustainable use of natural resources, the protection of the environment and rural development.
We aim to enhance our members' success in education, research and innovation for a sustainable bioeconomy and society, by engaging with European and global institutions and networks, to share experience, cooperate in new ventures, and benefit from the resulting synergy.
ICA-CoP Bio-Edu 2025 Learning Communities for the transformation to the bioeconomy
Webinar No 2 European perspective: what do we gain from the Finnish Agriculture Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS)?
To be held online on Tuesday 7 October from 13.00 - 14.00 CET
AKIS brings together farmers, industry, advisory sector, research and education. We will discuss the role of Finnish AKIS, as a national learning community, in order to support farmers in Finland.
Read more and Register !!
Life Sciences university education in the future –
incorporating the benefits and challenges of generative AI in delivering the learning outcomes
to be held online on Wednesday 8 October 2025 from 9.30 to 12.30 CET
This workshop explores the evolving landscape of university education in the life sciences, focusing on how generative AI can support or challenge the achievement of learning outcomes.
Read more and Register
Navigating Complexity: ICA Leading the Circular Bioeconomy Transformation
to be held on 16 and 17 October 2025
at BOKU University, Peter-Jordan-Straße 82, Vienna, Austria
This forum provides a dedicated platform to explore the evolving Science–Policy Interface and to showcase best practices in knowledge mobilization by ICA's life science universities
See the Forum Programme and Register
Please hear the Invitation to the Forum
form BOKU Rector Eva Schulev-Steindl
Generative AI for Sustainable Entrepreneurship
to be held on Wednesday 17 September, 13:00-14:00 CET
For entrepreneurs, especially those focused on sustainability, Generative AI offers powerful tools to design smarter solutions, streamline processes, and accelerate impact while keeping environmental and social responsibility at the core.
This year’s webinar we’ll explore how generative AI can support sustainable business models with the aim to spark ideas, highlight real-world applications, and consider both the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into sustainable ventures.
Read More and Register!!
Shaping Europe’s Bioeconomy Strategy: Contributions from European Life Science Universities
The 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 has made a call for evidence and public consultation to take into account the perspectives of stakeholders, especially young people, SMEs (including start-ups), non-governmental organisations, trade unions, and primary producers.
ICA has responded to the call by submitting the attached document on 23 June
🟢 We believe that integrating sustainability, circularity, and resilience into the bioeconomy is key to tackling global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and food system resilience.
🟢 Our Life Science Universities are ready to drive innovation, provide evidence-based knowledge for policymaking, and equip future professionals with the interdisciplinary skills needed for Europe’s green and digital transitions.
Recommendations for Education Pathways Initiatives to Support Transformations to the Bioeconomy
The ICA Community of Practice for Bioeconomy Education in Europe (ICA-CoP Bio-Edu) recognises the statements in the call document of skills shortages as the new green jobs come on stream and expand as the EU transforms towards the Bioeconomy. Consequently ICA-CoP Bio-Edu proposes that in the new Bioeconomy Strategy the following actions should be taken by the European Commission under the guidance of a Bioeconomy Skills Observatory, to address the skills shortages::
- Reinforcing Interdisciplinarity in curricula
- Lifelong Learning – collaboration between industry and universities
- Learning communities driving the transformations to the bioeconomy
Read the full recommendations of the ICA-CoP Bio-Edu submission in the attached submission document
The ICA Community of Practice for Bioeconomy Education in Europe (ICA-CoP Bio-Edu) is a Committee of the Board of ICA. More information about ICA-CoP Bio-Edu can be found here
The Circular Bioeconomy and Sustainable Development
Download the flyer to see the detailed programme and registration details. Deadline for registration 5 May
ICA Rectors and Deans Forum 2025 will be held on 16 and 17 October at BOKU University, Vienna. The theme: Navigating Complexity: ICA Leading the Circular Bioeconomy Transformation. See full details here
READ MORE to see the full list of all ICA, ICA Board Committees, ICA Standing Committees and ICA Partner events to be held in 2025 and 2026 - the list will be updated as events are announced
The ICA General Assembly 2025
was held online on 18 June from 13.00 - 15.00 CEST
Representation at the General Assembly
The General Assembly is open to all staff and students of ICA Member Institutions, and all are warmly invited to attend. The Assembly is considered duly constituted when at least one-third of the Member Institutions are represented.
Registration is closed
Maria Knutson-Wedel, President of ICA, presemted the annual report on activities during 2024 and 2025 on behalf of the ICA Board.