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.
The ICA Rectors and Deans Forum 2026 will take place on 15–16 October 2026 at the Biodiversity Research Centrein Cluj-Napoca, Romania, hosted by the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca (USAMV Cluj-Napoca).
The registration is still open via this form.
Validation of 'Policy Recommendations on Nature-Based Solutions for Education'
As part of the Horizon Europe eNaBlS project, the Association for European Life Science Universities (ICA), serving as the project's Liaison Partner, is organising the International Policy Workshop "Policy Recommendations on Nature-Based Solutions for Education", which will take place on 23 September 2026 at the Permanent Representation of Lithuania to the European Union in Brussels.
The full agenda and speakers can be found here: Download International Policy Workshop_23 September 2026_Final
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The ICA Community of Practice for Bioeconomy Education (ICA CoP Bio-Edu) is pleased to announce its upcoming workshop“Education as Catalysts of Bioeconomy Transformation”, which will take place on 4–6 November 2026 at Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) in Hämeenlinna, Finland.
| DAY 1 – ICA Rectors and Deans Forum “Food Systems Resilience and Global Food Security” |
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| Time | Programme | Speakers / Information |
| 11:00–12:00 | Registration & Networking Lunch | |
| 12:00–12:30 | Extraordinary General Assembly (Hybrid) | |
| 12:30–12:45 | Welcome and Opening Strategic framing: Food systems resilience and food security have become central geopolitical, environmental and societal priorities, requiring stronger collaboration between universities, governments, industry and society. |
Maria K. Wedel ICA President, Vice Chancellor, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden Cornel Cătoi Rector, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Romania Local policy stakeholders |
| 12:45–13:15 | Opening Keynote “The Future of Food Security in an Era of Permanent Disruption” Climate change impacts; geopolitical instability; strategic autonomy; food supply vulnerabilities; resilience of agricultural systems; and the role of science and universities. |
Rosalinda Scalia Unit Bioeconomy & Food Systems (B2), DG Research & Innovation, European Commission |
| 13:15–14:15 | Session I – Major Threats to Food Systems Resilience Objective: Create a shared strategic understanding of the risks affecting global and European food systems, including climate volatility and extreme weather, biodiversity loss, fertilizer and energy dependency, supply chain disruptions, digital transformation gaps, war and geopolitical instability, and changing consumer preferences. Format: Expert panel |
John Ingram *other panelists will be confirmed soon |
| 14:15–14:35 | Coffee Break | |
| 14:35–15:45 |
Session II – How Universities Contribute to Food Systems Resilience SUP-RIM: Research network of life science universities for the development of the Polish dairy sector Building Value Where the Chain Is Thinnest: A University-Anchored Agri-Food Innovation Ecosystem |
Mieke Uyttendaele Ghent University, Belgium Anna Bzducha-Wróbel Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Poland Zoltán Kovács Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences *other speakers will be confirmed soon
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| 15:45–17:00 | Session III – Research, Innovation and Policy for Food Security Themes: Translating science into policy; innovation uptake in agriculture; collaboration with governments and industry; public trust in science; EU research priorities; and international cooperation. Format: Policy roundtable |
Mugurel Ionel Jitea (Moderator)
Agnes van den Pol-van Dasselaar Federation Secretary of the European Grassland Federation (EGF)
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| 17:00 | Day 1 Conclusions & Closing Reflection | |
| 19:30 | Gala Dinner | |
| DAY 2 – Special Rectors' Forum “What It Means to Be a Life Science University in a Polarised World” This becomes a complementary leadership-focused continuation of the food systems discussions. |
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| Time | Programme | Speakers / Information |
| 08:00–08:30 | Registration | |
| 08:30–09:10 | Opening Conversation – “Leadership, Trust and Responsibility in Times of Division” | |
| 09:10–10:15 | Breakout Sessions Theme I – “Protecting Academic Values in Polarised Societies” Academic freedom; institutional autonomy; political pressures; freedom of speech; and societal trust in universities. Theme II – “Leading Universities Through Uncertainty and Crisis” Crisis leadership; institutional resilience; communication and public engagement; balancing strategic and civic missions; wellbeing and leadership pressures; and advocating for the life sciences. Theme III – “Can Universities Help Rebuild Social Cohesion?” Are universities still trusted institutions? What role should rectors play in public debate? Can universities become spaces for dialogue and democratic resilience? |
Eva Schulev-Steindl (Theme I Moderator) |
| 10:15–10:45 | Coffee Break | |
| 10:45–11:30 | Call to Action – “The Future Role of University Leadership” Final reflection: What kind of rector leadership will future societies require? |
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| 11:30 | Closing | |
| 12:00–13:30 | Networking Lunch | |
| 13:30 | Social Programme Suggested by the host |
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Save the date!
The ICA Board is pleased to announce that the ICA Extraordinary General Assembly will take place on 15 October 2026, immediately before the ICA Rectors and Deans Forum 2026, at the Biodiversity Research Centre in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
The ICA Board is pleased to invite nominations for new Board members to represent different ICA constituencies. Serving on the ICA Board offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the strategic development of the Association, shaping the future of Europe's life science universities.
Application Period Closed
ICA is pleased to announce the launch of the call for nominations for ICA Excellence Awards 2026 to recognise individuals who have achieved excellence in furthering the values and mission of ICA.
The ICA Rectors and Deans Forum 2025 has officially published its Communiqué, highlighting key priorities and commitments for advancing the circular bioeconomy in higher education.
Under the theme “Navigating Complexity: ICA Leading the Circular Bioeconomy Transformation” the document reflects the collective vision of European agricultural and life science universities in addressing sustainability challenges through education, research, and innovation.
Download Communique of the ICA Rectors and Deans Forum 2025_Feb2026
The ICA Community of Practice for Bioeconomy Education (ICA CoP Bio-Edu) has released the Executive Summary of its 2025 workshop “Learning Communities for the Transformation Towards a Bioeconomy”, held on 20–21 November 2025 at the Irish College Leuven, Belgium.
The report emphasises that successful Learning Communities depend on shared goals, trust, transparent communication and long-term engagement among actors from across the quadruple helix.
The workshop forms part of ICA CoP Bio-Edu’s ongoing efforts to strengthen bioeconomy education, stakeholder collaboration and knowledge exchange across Europe.
The Executive Summary is now available and provides valuable insights for educators, researchers, policymakers, industry representatives and all stakeholders involved in advancing the sustainable bioeconomy transition.
