The Strategic Role of Life Science Universities for Food Systems Resilience and Global Food Security
to be held on 15 and 16 October 2026
at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Forum Focus
A: The goal of the ICA’s Rectors and Deans Forum
The ICA Rectors and Deans Forum 2026 will bring together rectors, presidents, deans, and senior leaders from life science universities across Europe to explore the role of higher education, research, and innovation in strengthening food systems resilience and global food security. The Forum will provide a platform for dialogue and exchange among university leaders, policymakers, international organisations, industry, and civil society on how universities can contribute to sustainable and resilient food system transitions in an increasingly complex and uncertain world.
B: Forum Background & Rationale
Food systems worldwide are facing unprecedented pressures arising from climate change, geopolitical instability, biodiversity loss, energy insecurity, demographic shifts, technological disruption, and changing societal expectations. Recent crises have exposed the fragility of global food supply chains and highlighted the urgent need for resilient, sustainable, and equitable food systems capable of ensuring long-term food security.
At the same time, life science universities are increasingly recognised as strategic actors in addressing these interconnected challenges. Through education, research, innovation, policy engagement, and societal leadership, universities contribute not only to scientific advancement but also to the resilience and transformation of agricultural and food systems.
Against this backdrop, the ICA Rectors and Deans Forum 2026 will bring together university leaders, policymakers, researchers, international organisations, and stakeholders to explore how life science universities can strengthen their role in advancing food systems resilience and global food security.
The Forum will also provide a space for reflection on academic leadership in a rapidly changing and increasingly polarised world, examining the evolving responsibilities of university rectors and institutional leaders.
Objectives:
- Explore the strategic role of life science universities in strengthening food systems resilience and global food security amid climate, geopolitical, and societal challenges.
- Foster dialogue and collaboration between universities, policymakers, industry, and international organisations to support sustainable agricultural and food system transitions.
- Highlight the contribution of education, research, innovation, and science-based policy to resilient, sustainable, and inclusive food systems.
- Reflect on the evolving responsibilities of university leadership in promoting academic values, societal trust, and institutional resilience in an increasingly polarised world.
C: Forum Structure & Thematic Focus
Day 1 of the Forum will focus on food systems resilience and global food security, addressing major challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, geopolitical instability, supply chain vulnerabilities, technological transformation, and changing societal expectations. Discussions will explore how life science universities can contribute through interdisciplinary education, research, innovation, policy engagement, and partnerships that support sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.
Day 2, dedicated to the Special Rectors’ Forum, will examine the evolving role of university leadership in an increasingly uncertain and polarised world. Themes will include academic freedom, institutional autonomy, crisis leadership, public trust in universities and science, civic responsibility, and the role of universities in fostering dialogue, democratic resilience, and social cohesion.
D: Expected Outcomes
The Forum is expected to:
- Strengthen strategic cooperation among life science universities;
- Generate policy and leadership reflections on food systems resilience;
- Promote interdisciplinary and international collaboration;
- Encourage greater university engagement in public policy and societal dialogue;
- Contribute to shaping future institutional strategies in education, research, and innovation;
- Develop a shared vision for the future role of life science universities and their leadership.
E: Programme Organising Committee
Chair – Eva Schulev-Steindl, Rector, BOKU University, Vienna, Austria
Deputy Chair - Michal Lošťák, Rector, Czech University of LIfe Sciences Prague, Czech Republic
Secretary - Rasa Pakeltienė, ICA Secretary General
Elena Mudura, Professor, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca
Mugur Jitea, Professor, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca
Damiano Cilio, Administrative Offirecer, ICA Secretariat
Dana Výlupková, Administrative Offirecer, ICA Secretariat