ASSOCIATION FOR EUROPEAN LIFE SCIENCE UNIVERSITIES
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.
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 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 30 June 2026
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
By 31 January join the 2025 Biodiversity Challenge for ICA members organised by Wageningen University and Research (WUR). The idea of the Biodiversity Challenge is to organise simultaneous monitoring of biodiversity (a BioBlitz) at all ICA member campuses between 30 April and 27 June.
ASSOCIATION FOR EUROPEAN LIFE SCIENCE UNIVERSITIES – ICA
COMMITTED TO TAKE THE STRATEGIC DIALOGUE ON THE FUTURE OF EU AGRICULTURE FURTHER
ICA member institutions are at the forefront of developing sustainable agricultural practices, addressing global food security challenges, and driving technological innovation in the life sciences. Given the multidisciplinary expertise of our members, we are well-positioned to provide a comprehensive and valuable perspective to the dialogue now and in the future.
Read the full submission to the Chair of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture
As a pre-Forum event there will be three Webinars focusing on the One Health Triad Challenges. The Webinars focus on the science relating to the One Health Triad.
See Pre-Forum One Health Webinar Programme and the Presentations The webinars were held on 9, 10 and 11 October