ICA Rectors & Deans Forum 2011
An innovative event for European Rectors & Deans from Life Sciences Universities
Thursday 3 November to Friday 4 November 2011
at the University of Gent, Belgium
See the Programme and Presentations
The ICA Board hosted this Forum to discuss
Life Science Universities and Faculties: Meeting Challenges and Expectations
Agricultural and Life Science Universities/Faculties are increasingly facing competition from other disciplines in their leading position with respect to new developments and innovative applications of biomass, globalisation of agriculture and transition of the rural economy. Therefore, the challenge for Universities/Faculties of Agricultural and Life Sciences in defining their future mission is to evaluate their unique offer in responding to the needs faced by the sectors they serve in terms of education and research.
This high level forum of rectors and deans will contribute to this debate by reflecting on how institutions may strengthen their position at the cross road of engineering, natural and social sciences and use it for responding to the needs of local, regional and worldwide society.
The Forum debated these issues in roundtable discussions starting with keynote presentations from the Commission and industry speakers, and responses from panel members on a number of challenges faced by the agriculture and life sciences in the future – looking 10 - 20 years ahead.
OUTCOME POST CONFERENCE: GREEN PAPER
- the future role of Universities/Faculties of Life Sciences in the development of the rural economy, and the food and non food chains, and
- the role of ICA in supporting the ICA member institutions