ASSOCIATION FOR EUROPEAN LIFE SCIENCE UNIVERSITIES

The ICA Board Education Committees have held three workshops in April 2023 focusing on Student and industry engagement in curricular and extracurricular activities.

See the programmes and download the presentations

ICA Network for Innovation in Life Sciences Higher Education (ICA-Edu)

Read the Report of the Colloquium here

The Colloquium explored the opportunities and challenges of mainstreaming blended learning in Life Sciences Higher Education: through institutional, student and lecturer perspectives. Blended-learning practices and experiences may vary widely in design and execution. Improvements in both university curricula and learning technologies, together with the impacts of the COVID pandemic, means that it is a learning mode that continues to gain momentum and usage.

ICA Community of Practice for Bioeconomy Education (ICA CoP Bio-Edu)

Read the Report of the Colloquium here

The Colloquium addressed Interdisciplinary Education for the Bioeconomy: embedding the mindset of the bioeconomy in the curricula of Bachelor degree programmes. Students follow many different Bachelor degree programmes which provide opportunities for careers in the different fields of the bioeconomy. The Colloquium will address how an interdisciplinarity mindset of the sustainable circular Bioeconomy can be embedded throughout the curricula of these Bachelor degree programmes.

ICA held three Colloquia focusing on innovation in higher education in the life sciences at Ghent University, Belgium from 18 to 20 May 2022. 

For the two Colloquia held concurrently on the 19 & 20 May - See the keynote presentations listed in the programme of each of the two Colloquia

19 - 20 May ICA Network for Innovation in Life Sciences Higher Education (ICA-Edu)

held a Colloquium Exploring the opportunities and challenges of mainstreaming blended learning in Life Sciences Higher Education: through institutional, student and lecturer perspectives. Blended-learning practices and experiences may vary widely in design and execution. Improvements in both university curricula and learning technologies, together with the impacts of the COVID pandemic, means that it is a learning mode that continues to gain momentum and usage.

&

19 - 20 May ICA Community of Practice for Bioeconomy Education (ICA CoP Bio-Edu)

hedl a Colloquium to address Interdisciplinary Education for the Bioeconomy: embedding the mindset of the bioeconomy in the curricula of Bachelor degree programmes.  Students follow many different Bachelor degree programmes which provide opportunities for careers in the different fields of the bioeconomy.  The Colloquium will address how an interdisciplinarity mindset of the sustainable circular Bioeconomy can be embedded throughout the curricula of these Bachelor degree programmes.

18 May Special Interest Group (SIG) for Sustainable Entrepreneurial Education (ICA-Edu SIG)

held a Colloquium focusing on Putting Assessment of Sustainable Entrepreneurship Education in the Spotlight. The ICA Board has established a Special Interest Group (SIG) for Sustainable Entrepreneurship Education within the ICA-Edu Board Committee. The establishment of this SIG is the result of the continuing interest resulting from the two previous ICA-Edu Colloquia focusing on this topic and the INTRINSIC project. This workshop will continue to develop this important area.

Microcredentials: the glue that binds the corporate world with life long learning delivered by universities

Padmasheela Kiiskilä, Researcher, Tampere University, FI

The idea of life long learning, although not a new concept, is seen recently from a fresh perspective. It is seen as a necessary quality to encourage in learners of all ages to have a chance of meeting employment needs of the future. Micro-credentials are seen as one of the tools that has the potential to deliver the needed skills as certified little bundles of knowledge. These can be delivered as part of a study program for existing students or as a path to acquire new knowledge and skills for those who are already in workforce or looking for a new career. ECIU is one of the leading alliances in Europe offering a variety of micro-credentials, including those addressing real-world challenges that require creative solutions. By adhering to standards like the European Digital Credentials, they ensure portability across different educational and employment settings, while frameworks such as ESCO provide a comprehensive mapping of skills, making them relevant and easily recognized in the job market.

In this keynote, I will explore how the ECIU alliance is pioneering the development and issuance of micro-credentials, highlighting their role as connectors between lifelong learning and the evolving demands of the corporate world. I will discuss how these micro-credentials are designed to be portable and skill-oriented, utilizing standards such as the European Digital Credentials framework and ESCO. Furthermore, I will delve into the challenges and opportunities universities encounter when implementing micro-credentials and explore their potential in enhancing connections between academic learning and industry needs

The challenge and benefits for research universities in delivering life long learning

Jukka Tikkanen, Head of School, School of Forest Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, FI

Educators in the field of bioeconomy are navigating two parallel and significant transitions: the shift from a fossil-based economy to a bioeconomy, and the transformation from traditional degree-based education to continuous, lifelong learning. Research-oriented universities, with their deeply rooted academic cultures, often face challenges in adapting to the new roles and practices these transitions demand. This presentation explores both of these "renaissances" from the perspective of such institutions. To illustrate key findings, we will examine two case studies: the bioeconomy-specialized program and the Open Badge Program in Forest Sciences at the University of Eastern Finland, as well as the Bioeconomy Academy initiative of the European Bioeconomy University (EBU). These examples provide concrete insights into how universities are responding to the evolving educational and economic landscape.

The challenge and benefits for applied science universities in delivering life long learning

Han van Osch, Avans University of Applied Science, Breda, NL

Avans University of Applied Sciences is preparing itself for the future. In the future, lifelong learning will be an important aspect of the role that universities will play to help the workforce in staying updated with all the work related changes that will be the consequence of the ongoing transitions. What is the strategy of Avans to take up this role? What will be the way to have focus in the programme? How will the university organize the activities that come up with this new role? How can Avans cooperate with its partners? As the quarter master for this programme, Han van Osch will give some insights in this process and the expected outcomes.

Success Story for Lifelong Learning in Nature Sciences: A Publisher’s Perspective

Merlet Behncke-Braunbeck, Director Distance Learning, Springer Nature, Springer, Heidelberg, DE

In a world defined by continuous change and technological innovation, the necessity for lifelong learning remains undeniable. Springer Campus, with over 25 years of experience in lifelong learning (LLL), has established itself as a pioneer and a successful model for the cooperation between universities and a academic publisher as external service company. This presentation highlights the success story of Springer Campus and illustrates how established concepts of distance learning and certificate courses can be transferred to the field of bioeconomy and LLL.

Why is lifelong learning essential? In today's job market, professionals often encounter career dead-ends, particularly in highly specialized fields of natural sciences. The highly specific demands of scientific jobs require tailored learning solutions.

Our programs address this gap with customized courses, empowering professionals to advance their careers and supporting corporates to achieve the challenges of their employers.

Comprehensive Programs. Springer Campus has developed various formats of lifelong learning, including blended learning, virtual and classroom-based sessions, and MOOCs. These formats are flexible, cost-effective, and tailored to the needs of learners. Our distance learning offerings include Bachelor's and Master's degree programs in biology, chemistry, and biotechnology (with a focus on Technical Laboratory Assistants TAs in Germany), along with specialized certificate courses, most of them derivatives of the respective degree program.

These programs are designed to meet the needs of working professionals, offering flexibility and accessibility without compromising on quality. The majority of our learners are sponsored by their employers, highlighting the value recognized by the industry in investing in their workforce's continuous development.

By collaborating with universities, we combine academic rigor with scientific content from Springer Nature and practical application, ensuring a seamless educational experience that is both flexible and effective. Our strong partnerships with leading universities enhance the quality and reach of our programs, making them a benchmark in the industry.

Potential for Adaptation to Bioeconomy and LLL. A central point of this presentation will be the potential adaptation of distance learning to the topics of bioeconomy and LLL. We will discuss the similarities and differences and identify the additional elements needed to develop customized educational offerings in this emerging field. The key lies in our ability to customize programs and leverage our established methodologies to create impactful learning experiences.

This presentation offers a perspective on how distance learning and LLL can be successfully implemented and extended to new areas like bioeconomy.

BioBec Education Centres

George Sakellaris – Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic & BioEast

BioBec was a CBE-funded project focusing on Bioeconomy Education and aiming to build bridges between the bio-based industry and the education system by interlinking universities, innovation labs, and R&D centres with industrial actors and regions.

In order to achieve this, the project proposed a holistic framework merging the traditional idea of an education center, with that of a knowledge hub.

The project established the framework for the development of  multi-level Bio-Based Education Centres (BBECs) to act as knowledge hubs involving academic institutions, students, innovation entities and policy makers in a number of European regions. At the same time, the project was flexible enough to answer the actual and future needs of the industry and surrounding ecosystem at local, regional and national levels.

The BBECs concept was designed according to the framework of different EU regions and was characterized by:

1. Collaboration.
2. Multi-level networking of actors, centres and education.
3. Flexibility and modularity to answer European complexity.
4. Strengthening of the connection between the Industry and Education
5. Digitisation.
6. Innovative educational formats.

The outcomes of this initiative as well as obstacles weaknesses but also opportunities raised will be discussed.

Merlet Behncke-Braunbeck

Merlet Behncke-Braunbeck is the Director Distance Learning at Springer-Verlag (part of Springer Nature), Heidelberg. 

With over 30 years of experience in the scientific publishing industry, I have honed my skills as an acquisition editor specializing in the natural sciences. My passion has always been collaborating with academic authors to create didactic textbooks and learning materials that go beyond simply presenting facts. I strive to develop resources that convey key concepts, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter and encouraging further exploration. Ideally, these materials not only educate but also make learning enjoyable and spark curiosity.

I am particularly fascinated by innovative forms of learning. I believe that modern publishing encompasses much more than traditional journals and books, extending to various forms of lifelong learning. In my role as Director of Distance Education at Springer Nature, I am dedicated to developing cutting-edge learning formats tailored for professionals and students. By engaging in open discussions with lecturers and universities, we can create programs that are precisely aligned with the needs of specific target groups.

Additionally, I oversee a Springer Nature owned online learning platform, which offers MOOCs and professional training courses. My goal is to continue advancing educational methods and platforms to meet the evolving demands of learners worldwide.

C.R. (Nelo) Emerencia

After a career in the chemicals industry, Nelo Emerencia established himself as an independent consultant in the chemical, biochemical and education fields. From April 2015 through May 2022, he fulfilled the responsibilities of Director Programming for the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) in Brussels. Since 1 June 2022 he is Director Human Capital & Stakeholder Relations for BIC.

Nelo studied Chemical Engineering at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. During his career, Nelo was seconded to PlasticsEurope in Brussels as Communications and Public Affairs Director. And later to the Dutch Chemical Industry Association in The Hague as Education & Innovation Manager, and Secretary of the Dutch Chemistry Board. In this last function, he led the bio-based economy activities for the chemical industry in the Netherlands.

 Sheela Kiiskilä

Sheela Kiiskilä is a researcher at Tampere University focusing on issuance of Micro-credentials (MCs) specifically by Higher Education Institutions and alliances. As part of European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU), she works with 13 partners of the alliance and led two EU commission early adopter programs on MCs. As a task leader, her latest work includes working with EDC and ECIU on central issuance of micro-credentials by alliances. Her research work includes bringing in different skill frameworks such as ESCO into Micro-credentials to showcase skills and competences learners can acquire through them. She also leads the work in developing a competence passport for a learner that helps them to visualize their skills and competences, understand skill gaps from the current job market, and fill the gap through micro-credentials.

Sheela Kiiskilä has authored multiple publications in micro-credentials, including “Features of Micro-Credential platforms in Higher Education”, and “Are Micro‑Credentials Valuable for Students? Perspective on Verifiable Digital Credentials”. Her earlier career includes extensive industry experience in Silicon Valley in both technical and managerial positions, as well as being an entrepreneur.

Han van Osch

As a human movement scientist I started my career at one of the founding organisations of Avans University of Applied Sciences at the Department of Health Care in 1990. After multiple positions (like lecturer, policy advisor, project manager and vice dean) in different surroundings I am at this moment working at the Centre of Expertise for the Technological Innovation in Energy & Material Transition (formerly Centre of Expertise Biobased Economy).

I am portfolio manager education at the Centre of Expertise and in line with that position I am responsible for (the educational part of) the Dutch Biobased Knowledge Network and chair of ICA CoP Bio-Edu. We are, for example, creating online educational material, involving students in many projects and we have intensive cooperations with Finnish and Brazilian universities.

The other part of my job is to be the quarter master for lifelong learning for the whole university. In this role, I am responsible to create a policy for the university in the field of lifelong learning. This policy should be aligned with the partners: knowledge institutes in the region and companies.

Aaik Rodenburg

Aaik Rodenburg started his career in the company of his father and continued this after the  father passed away in 1995. The activities were mainly trade and transport of side streams of the food industry in practically french-fry industry towards farmers with caws and pigs

Being not satisfied with the added value I went to Wageningen University Food and Biobased Research and with the aid of subsidies we started an investigation for biodegradable plastics out of those side streams.  This was the start of Rodenburg Biopolymers and we produce now next to the Bioplastic, glue for paper and formaldehyde free pressed wood, drilling starch and raw material for petfood and the search for other applications continues with the aid of various institutes.

I initiated the founding of the Biopolymer Application Center which is now a part of the Avans highschool in Breda as a part of the Center of Expertise Biobased Economy.

George Sakellaris

George Sakellaris is a board member of the Bioeconomy BioEast Hub in Czech Republic. He is Biochemist by training and his domain of expertise is Bioeconomy and the sustainable implementation of this technology for development and growth in a wide spectrum of sectors particularly Regional Development Entrepreneurship and Education. In parallel, he is the vice chair of the European ICA-CoP Bioeconomy Education and active in the BioEast platform on Bioeconomy, being a member of the Advisory Council and head of the Thematic Working Group on Bioeconomy Education. From this position he participated in the initiative of the creation of UniNet, a network on Bioeconomy-focused Universities in the CEE region. He is currently involved in numerous ongoing EC funded projects on Bioeconomy many of them focusing on Bioeconomy Education. In the past he has participated as elected and/or ad-hoc expert in numerous committees and Task Groups of the EC. He has also been a consultant on National level in Greece and in Czech Republic. He has participated in over 30 Research funded consortia and projects as a partner or coordinator. He has also contributed in more than 200 International events worldwide.

Marjolein Schooleman

Experienced innovation manager at the intersection of education and the labour market. Working as the director of the association of vocational colleges in the province of Brabant as well as being the Fund Manager Brabant Leert and liaison of the Dutch consortium of Dutch Talent Funds. Liaison, initiator, accelerator and driving force behind the national system transition at LLO. Past experience as manager, spokesman and head of Public Affairs with the Dutch Association of Universities of Applied Sciences and Avans University of Applied Sciences. Large experience as a Innovation Manager, Strategic Marketing Manager, Corporate Communications Manager at AEGON .  Driver of ecosystem reinforcement and campus development. Lots of political experience. Creative, innovative and result-oriented. International experience in financial services, national experience in profit, semi-profit as well as non-profit and government. Socially very involved and administratively very experienced in the world of charities, politics and energy transition.  Marjolein Schooleman | LinkedIn

Jukka Tikkanen

Research director Jukka Tikkanen has a degree of Doctor of Science (2006) in Agriculture and Forest sciences. He is the head of the School of Forest Sciences at University of Eastern Finland. Jukka has a long career in Forest Management, applied research and education both in vocational and higher education levels. He has led and participated in several domestic and international research and development projects where community involvement to forest related decision making is emphasised, like “Enhancing local program-based innovation and development”, "Towards European Societal Sustainability" and "Engaging Citizens in soil science: the road to Healthier sOils". At the moment many of his projects are dealing with life-long learning. His team has launched in Finland a Micro-Credentials Programme of forest sciences which applies Open Batches to accreditation of learnings. He is an actor in the European Bioeconomy University (EBU) alliance where they have recently started the work to open educational offerings for life-long-learning.

Call for Contributions – short interventions as Case Studies

You are invited to make a proposal for a 10 minute Case Study contribution in

Session 2 Case Study topic:  Institutional Response to AI in teaching and Learning and implementation of Guidelines
and in
Session 3 Case Study topic: Where AI competency has been successfully implemented within course and module design
at the face to face Workshop on 23 to 24 October

see programme   

Please submit your proposal by 30 September to Simon Heath, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  A selection of 2 Case Studies in each session will be selected from those submitted before the deadline. If selected, your 10 minute presentation should involving NO MORE than three powerpoint slides.

Register online for the ICA Workshops and the ICA Rectors and Deans Forum 2024

Please click here and complete the Registration Form for in person or online attendance at the ICA Events to be held at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Croatia in October 2024.  

The deadline for registration is Wednesday 16 October. Registration can be cancelled free of charge before Monday 14 October.

The Registration fee for each of these events includes
All meals between the start of the event as indicated on the programme and ending with lunch on the second day.

If you book for one of the Workshops and the Rectors and Deans Forum your total registration fee will be reduced by 25 € so that you are not charged twice for the lunch on 24 October.

You will be invoiced by the ICA Secretariat for the Registration fee(s).

The Registration fee for each of the events:

1. ICA-CoP Bio-Edu Workshop on 23 and 24 October 2024: Engaging with the corporate world to enhance the provision by life science universities of lifelong learning for professionals in the Bioeconomy. 
   Registration fee 300 €
   Registration fee includes the reception on Tuesday 22 October at 20.00 at the Hotel Dubrovnik
   
   
2. ICA-Edu Workshop on 23 and 24 October 2024: Developing best teaching and learning practices for the professional use of AI in Life Science Higher Education.  Hybrid event
   Registration fee 275 € for attendace face to face in Zagreb.  It is also offerd as an online event with no registration fee.
   
   
3. 14th ICA Rectors and Deans Forum on 24 and 25 October 2024: The Future of Agriculture and Forestry in Europe: implications for Life Science Universities
   There is no registration fee for the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb event in Friday afternoon 25 October.  The registration fee just covers the programme for the Forum
   The Registration fee for IN PERSON attendnce is 400 €.  For a second registration from the same institution the fee is 375€
   The Registration fee for ONLINE attendance is free - hear the keynote presentations

The deadline for registration is Monday 16 October. Registration can be cancelled free of charge before Monday 14 October.

Please click here and complete the Registration Form for in person or online attendance at the ICA Events to be held in Zagreb

The Registration is managed by the ICA Secretariat

If you have queries please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you use an Apple Mac computer, you may experience a problem in completing the Registration Form - this is a known Apple Mac problem.  If you experience the problem please contact the ICA Secretariat.

Engaging with the corporate world to enhance the provision
by life science universities and faculties
of life long learning for professionals in the Bioeconomy

Read the Report of the Workshop
by
Han van Osch¹ and Ingar Janzik^2
1Avans University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands, 
²Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH and Bioeconomy Science Centre, Germany

Tuesday 22 October

Wednesday 23 October

Thursday 24 October

G         Programme Organising Committee

• Han van Osch – University of Applied Sciences & Avans University of Applied Science, The Netherlands (Chair)
• George Sakellaris – Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic (Vice Chair)
• Constantinos Vorgias - University Athens, Greece
• Ingar Janzik – Forschungszentrum Jülich & Bioeconomy Science Center, Germany
• Pawan Kumar Mishra - Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic
• Mona-Anitta Riihimäki - Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), Finland
• Simon Heath – Association for European Life Science Universities (ICA)

If you come from an EU Member States or third countries associated there is an opportunity for you to apply at your home university for Erasmus+ Staff Training Mobility funding to support you attendance at the ICA Workshops.

Erasmus+ staff training mobility funding supports higher education teaching and administrative staff to take part in professional development activities abroad – these activities may consist of teaching as well as training periods (such as job shadowing, observation periods, training courses).  In this respect the ICA Workshops are considered to be training courses.

Erasmus+ Program provides a contribution to:
• travel costs (180-360 EUR) – based on the travel distance between the city of participant’s home university and Warsaw
• subsistence allowance (60-140 EUR per day) – depending on rate allocated to Poland as a receiving country applicable in participant’s country.

In order to be awarded the Erasmus+ funding please follow the guidelines:

1. Please contact the International Relations Office (IRO) at your home university in order to apply for Erasmus+ funding. Your home university must hold the Erasmus+ Charter for Higher Education (ECHE). Home university’s IRO will provide you the information concerning applicable Erasmus+ funding awarding rules.
2. The Mobility Agreement sets out the training program as well as rights and responsibilities of the trainee during the training period to be followed abroad. It must be approved by the participant, the home and the host institution before the start of the exchange.
3. The person responsible for the Erasmus+ mobility at SGGW is Ms. Jonna Żach – institutional Erasmus+ coordinator. Please send the Mobility Agreement signed by you and your home university’s coordinator to the following email address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
4. After validating at SGGW Mobility Agreement will be send back to your home university.
5. After the end of the Erasmus+ Staff Training Mobility a suitable confirmation of stay will be issued. The confirmation of stay is required to assure that the training period at SGGW will be recognised at the home university.