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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”

📅 4–6 November 2026
📍 Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), Hämeenlinna, Finland

The workshop will explore how education can accelerate the transition towards a sustainable and inclusive bioeconomy, with a focus on future skills, the role of universities in innovation ecosystems, and stronger collaboration across education, research, industry, policy and society.

Further information, including the programme and registration details, will be announced soon.

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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.

Nomination deadline 15 September 2026

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

ICA-CoP Bio-Edu 2025 Learning Communities for the transformation to the bioeconomy

Webinar No 2 European perspective: what do we gain from the Finnish Agriculture Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS)?

was held online on Tuesday 7 October from 13.00 - 14.00 CET

AKIS brings together farmers, industry, advisory sector, research and education. We will discuss the role of Finnish AKIS, as a national learning community, in order to support farmers in Finland.

Read more and Register !!

Generative AI for Sustainable Entrepreneurship

was held on Wednesday 17 September, 13:00-14:00 CET

For entrepreneurs, especially those focused on sustainability, Generative AI offers powerful tools to design smarter solutions, streamline processes, and accelerate impact while keeping environmental and social responsibility at the core.

This year’s webinar we’ll explore how generative AI can support sustainable business models with the aim to spark ideas, highlight real-world applications, and consider both the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into sustainable ventures.

Read More and see the presentations

ICA-CoP Bio-Edu 2025 Learning Communities for the transformation to the bioeconomy: innovation by dialogue between partners

Webinar No1: Two Case Studies of Learning Communities at a Local Level (a region within one country)
Was held on Monday 19 May from 13.00 to 14.00 CET

Presenters:
Christian Klar, Head of Coordination Centre BioökonomieREVIER, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
Raymond Sparreboom, Academy for Technology and Innovation, Avans University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands

Click on Read more below to see the presenters abstracts, short bios and their presentations.

The call is launched to recognise individuals who have achieved excellence in furthering the values and mission of ICA.

Read more to see the full details of the call and and download your nomination form

Application Deadline 12 May 2025