Navigating Complexity: ICA Leading the Circular Bioeconomy Transformation
to be held on 16 and 17 October 2025
at BOKU University, Vienna, Austria
Click here to see the detailed Programme
A: The goal of the ICA’s Rectors and Deans Forum
This annual ICA Forum, for Rectors, Presidents, Deans, and senior academic and management staff in life science Universities in Europe, aims to provide these university decision makers from ICA’s member universities with the opportunity to meet, to discuss current issues in the bioeconomy and life sciences, and to exchange views on these issues with relevant stakeholders in industry, government and NGOs.
B: Forum Background & Rationale
As the bioeconomy continues to gain prominence as a key driver of sustainable development, life science universities have a critical role to play in shaping and implementing policies that foster innovation, sustainability, and resilience. These institutions are at the forefront of knowledge generation, technological advancements, and capacity-building necessary to transition toward a circular and sustainable bioeconomy. However, translating scientific insights into effective policies and practical applications requires strong collaboration between academia, policymakers, and industry and public society resulting in socially engaged life sciences using interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches.
This forum provides a dedicated platform to explore the evolving Science–Policy Interface and to showcase best practices in knowledge mobilization by ICA universities. By bringing together experts, policymakers, and academic leaders and echoing voices of the society, the event aims to foster dialogue, share experiences, and identify actionable pathways for universities to actively contribute to bioeconomy strategies at the regional, European, and global levels.
The key objectives of the forum are to:
- Bridge the Science – Policy Divide – Enhance understanding of how life science universities can effectively contribute to the circular bioeconomy policymaking and implementation.
- Enhance Policy Coherence – Explore mechanisms for aligning academic research with national, European bioeconomy strategies.
- Showcase Best Practices – Highlight successful initiatives and collaborative models where universities have driven impactful change in the circular bioeconomy.
- Foster Networking & Collaboration – Encourage partnerships among academia, policymakers, and industry to accelerate knowledge transfer and innovation.
- Promote Actionable Solutions – Identify key takeaways and next steps for leveraging academic expertise in real-world circular bioeconomy challenges.
C: Forum Structure & Thematic Focus
Day 1 of the forum sets the stage by exploring how life science universities can actively contribute to shaping bioeconomy policies and strategies at regional, European, and international levels. Through insights from key policy updates, global perspectives, and expert discussions, we will examine how knowledge generated within universities can inform decision-making, support policy coherence, and accelerate the transition toward a sustainable, circular bioeconomy.
Day 2 focus on interactive sharing of practices from ICA universities. Since it's a half-day session, it would be great to keep it dynamic, with space for multiple short interventions and discussions.
D: Expected Outcomes
By the end of the forum, participants will:
- Gain deeper insights into the evolving circular bioeconomy policy landscape and life science universities’ role in shaping it.
- Learn from real-world examples of how life science universities have successfully influenced policy and implemented bioeconomy solutions.
- Identify challenges and opportunities for strengthening the science-policy interface.
- Foster new collaborations and networks to enhance knowledge transfer and impact.
- Develop a set ofrecommendations and action pointsto enhance, support and promote the proactive role of life science universities in driving the bioeconomy transition.
This forum serves as a springboard for stronger engagement between academia, policymakers, and industry, ensuring that research and innovation from life science universities contribute effectively to a sustainable and circular bioeconomy.
E: Programme Organising Committee
Chair – Marina Pintar, Dean Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Secretary - Rasa Pakeltiene, ICA Secretary General
Martin Greimel, Head of the Centre for Bioeconomy, BOKU University, Vienna, Austria
Damiano Cilio, Centre for Bioeconomy, BOKU University, Vienna, Austria
Michal Loztak, Senior Vice Rector, Czech University of LIfe Sciences Prague, Czech Republic
Simon Heath, ICA Deputy Secretary General
Click here to see the detailed Programme