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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.
Porgramme at BOKU University, Peter-Jordan-Straße 82, Vienna & Local Programme Friday afternoon
Download the Rectors and Deans Froum Progarmme flyer
Day 1. Thursday, 16 October
12:00 |
Welcome Lunch – Arrival, registration, and networking |
13:00 |
Opening Session Welcome remarks by host university and organising partners Introduction to the theme: "Navigating Complexity: The Role of Life Science Universities" |
13:30 |
Setting the Scene: Concepts and Policies Keynote “Defining the Circular Bioeconomy in a Complex World” Keynote “Science-based pathways to policy impact” |
14:15 |
EU Update on the Bioeconomy Strategy Presentation from the European Commission on latest policy developments and strategic priorities Keynote “Bioeconomy for a Sustainable Europe: Strategy Insights from the Commission“ Keynote “The new EU Life Science Strategy and its implications for Bioeconomy” |
15:00 |
Coffee break |
15:30 |
Beyond Europe: Global Perspectives Keynote “Spotlight on G20 initiatives: Case study from South Africa” Keynote “Uniting Global Bioeconomy Agendas: Insights from the World Bioeconomy Association” |
16:00 |
Panel discussion: “How can universities align with and influence EU bioeconomy goals?” Moderator: Marina PINTAR, Dean Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia |
17:00 |
Wrap-Up of Day 1 Summary of key insights and preview of Day 2 |
17:15 |
End of the Forum Day 1 / Transfer to Hotels (if required) |
18:30 |
Bus from Hotels to Dinner (if required) |
19:00 |
Gala Dinner & ICA Excellence Award Ceremony at The Rathaus Vienna
The Gala Dinner and ICA Excellence Award Ceremony will be kindly hosted by the Mayor of the City of Vienna, Dr Michael Ludwig, at the Vienna City Hall (Rathaus), located at Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, 1010 Vienna. The venue can be easily reached by public transportation or taxi. Further logistical information will be shared with participants closer to the event. |
Day 2. Friday, 17 October
08:30 |
Registration & Networking Arrival and informal discussions |
09:00 |
Welcome to Day 2 |
09:15 |
Spotlight Session: University Best Practices
|
10:30 |
Coffee Break |
11:00 |
Interactive and action-driven breakout session Navigating Complexity: How can ICA further support the transformation of the Cirular Bioeconomy |
12:15 |
Closing Remarks |
12:30 |
End of Forum Networking lunch |
BOKU University Local Progarmme - Exploring Innovation at BOKU Campus Tulln, Friday 17 afternoon |
|
13:30 |
Bus departing from BOKU University main campus This visit offers a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge research and innovation hubs driving advancements in The programme in Tulln:
The excursion concludes at 16:30, with convenient public transport connections available from Tulln to the airport (~1 hour). |
Click here to see the detailed Programme
Download the Rectors and Deans Forum Progarmme flyer
A: The goal of the ICA’s Rectors and Deans Forum
This annual ICA Forum, for Rectors, Presidents, Deans, and senior academic and management staff in life science Universities in Europe, aims to provide these university decision makers from ICA’s member universities with the opportunity to meet, to discuss current issues in the bioeconomy and life sciences, and to exchange views on these issues with relevant stakeholders in industry, government and NGOs.
B: Forum Background & Rationale
As the bioeconomy continues to gain prominence as a key driver of sustainable development, life science universities have a critical role to play in shaping and implementing policies that foster innovation, sustainability, and resilience. These institutions are at the forefront of knowledge generation, technological advancements, and capacity-building necessary to transition toward a circular and sustainable bioeconomy. However, translating scientific insights into effective policies and practical applications requires strong collaboration between academia, policymakers, and industry and public society resulting in socially engaged life sciences using interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches.
This forum provides a dedicated platform to explore the evolving Science–Policy Interface and to showcase best practices in knowledge mobilization by ICA universities. By bringing together experts, policymakers, and academic leaders and echoing voices of the society, the event aims to foster dialogue, share experiences, and identify actionable pathways for universities to actively contribute to bioeconomy strategies at the regional, European, and global levels.
The key objectives of the forum are to:
C: Forum Structure & Thematic Focus
Day 1 of the forum sets the stage by exploring how life science universities can actively contribute to shaping bioeconomy policies and strategies at regional, European, and international levels. Through insights from key policy updates, global perspectives, and expert discussions, we will examine how knowledge generated within universities can inform decision-making, support policy coherence, and accelerate the transition toward a sustainable, circular bioeconomy.
Day 2 focus on interactive sharing of practices from ICA universities. Since it's a half-day session, it would be great to keep it dynamic, with space for multiple short interventions and discussions.
D: Expected Outcomes
By the end of the forum, participants will:
This forum serves as a springboard for stronger engagement between academia, policymakers, and industry, ensuring that research and innovation from life science universities contribute effectively to a sustainable and circular bioeconomy.
E: Programme Organising Committee
Chair – Marina Pintar, Dean Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Secretary - Rasa Pakeltiene, ICA Secretary General
Martin Greimel, Head of the Centre for Bioeconomy, BOKU University, Vienna, Austria
Damiano Cilio, Centre for Bioeconomy, BOKU University, Vienna, Austria
Michal Loztak, Senior Vice Rector, Czech University of LIfe Sciences Prague, Czech Republic
Simon Heath, ICA Deputy Secretary General
Click here to see the detailed Programme
Download the Rectors and Deans Froum Progarmme flyer
The Faculty of Agriculture is located in Maksimir, Zagreb, see the location
The events will be held at this address:
VI pavilion, ground floor
Faculty of Agriculture
University of Zagreb
Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Outline details to connect to the centre of Zagreb and the Faculty of Agriculture are shown below. More detailed instructions will be sent in the joining instructions one week before the start of the ICA Forum.
By Plane
International Franjo Tuđman Airport is located 12 km from Zagreb city centre.
Bus service from the Airport to the Main Bus station is available at the Airport. You can find more information on the Pleso transport website.
From the Main Bus station to the Hotel Dubrovnik: By tram (5 stops, 12 minutes): No. 6 (direction Črnomerec) and get off at the stop: Trg J. Jelačića (the main square)
From the Main Bus station, you can come to the Faculty of Agriculture by tram (8 stops, 20 minutes): No. 7 (direction Dubrava) and get off on the stop: Ravnice. Follow the Walking trail of Paula and Većeslav Pavlek all the way to the VI pavilion (10 minute walk, 750m).
By Train
Zagreb Main railway station (Glavni kolodvor Zagreb) is located in the city centre and all of the trains from Europe are coming to this station.
You can check the train options form your location via the Trainline website.
From the Main Railway station to the Hotel Dubrovnik:
From the Main Railway station to the Faculty of Agriculture:
By tram (12 stops, 25 minutes): No. 4 (direction Dubec) and get off on the stop: Ravnice. Follow the Walking trail of Paula and Većeslav Pavlek all the way to the VI pavilion (10 minute walk, 750 m).
By Bus
Zagreb Main bus station (Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb) is located in Držićeva street, near the Main Railway station. All of the international bus lines are coming to this station.
You can check the bus options on the official station website: https://www.akz.hr/en
We would recommend to use FlixBus, so you can use the FlixBus website as well.
From the Main bus station to the Hotel Dubrovnik
By tram (5 stops, 12 minutes): No. 6 (direction Črnomerec) and get off at the stop: Trg bana J. Jelačića (the main square).
From the Main Bus station to the Faculty of Agriculture
By tram (8 stops, 20 minutes): No. 7 (direction Dubrava) and get of on the stop: Ravnice. Follow the Walking trail of Paula and Većeslav Pavlek all the way to the VI pavilion (10 minute walk, 750m).
We are calling for Short Interventions in the Spotlight Session: Universty Best Practices on Day 2 of the Forum - Friday 17 October,
Your proposal should highlight successful actions, including:
Please prepare a 5-7 minute presentation involving NO MORE than three powerpoint slides. Please submit a brief statement of your intervention to Rasa Pakeltiene at
Searching for Common Solutions: the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture and Next Steps
Ricard Ramon, Deputy Head of Unit, Policy Perspectives, DG Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission, BE
In the last years, agri-food policies have been designed and discussed in growingly polarised context. The geopolitical and economic uncertainties have increased since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, forcing EU institutions to reformulate the policy strategies and address some debates in a new manner. While the European Green Deal, aiming at the climate neutrality by 2050, continues to be the growth strategy that the EU has shaped for the next decade, new policy avenues are emerging in order to advance towards sustainable and resilient food systems. Building in a new governance method to cope with the existing polarisation, the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture established the basis for a new consensus across the actors of the agri-food chain with the view to support and guide the future policy action of the European Commission. In his intervention, Mr. Ramon will present the context in which this Dialogue emerged, its characteristics and its final outcome, with a focus on the Recommendations addressed to the EU institutions. He will also outline the next steps established by the European Commission to advance on the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the agri-food within the boundaries of the planet, as well as the first ideas on the Common Agricultural Policy for the period post-2027.
Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture -Reflection on the policy implications from economic perspectives
Krijn Poppe, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, NL
For a reflection on the outcome of the Strategic Dialogue it is important to have a common understanding of the economics in the agri-food sector. This presentation discusses the insights from agricultural economics on the four questions that guided the Dialogue. Based on that, reflections on the outcome raise some points for further discussion.
Markets do not automatically renumerate all the producers. That is not so much the result of unbalanced power in the food chain but due to the slow adjustment processes in agriculture. As labour moves out of agriculture very slowly, the sector is characterised by a large number of farmers that face low incomes. That asks for a social policy in which the current CAP is not very successful: 80% of the direct payments is allocated via the land to the larger, more efficient farms and influences land values. The current mode of operation also leads to a production system that is not within the planetary boundaries. The Dialogue proposes to address this issue with a benchmark system that aligns private and public schemes for improvement. Innovation, technical and social, can play a bigger role. From an economic point of view innovation targets expensive inputs, like labour. Shifting the innovation from ever lower food prices to more sustainable production therefor asks for bringing sustainability aspects into the economic system, e.g. by putting a price on emissions. This asks for certain measures (like the carbon border adjustment mechanism) at the border of the EU, to prevent an unfair competition with imports.
How the EU research Framework Programme supports EU Agricultural and Environmental policy and the Strategic Dialogue
Paul Webb, Head of the “Green Europe” Department, European Research Executive Agency, Brussels, BE
In the last few months there have been many developments that may impact on research and researchers in Europe – a new Commission (including a request to prepare “a new multi-disciplinary Strategy for European Life Sciences”), Draghi and Letta reports on competitiveness and the single market and the Strategic Dialogue on Agriculture. The current strategies (Farm2Fork, bioeconomy, biodiversity etc) continue unchanged for now. Discussion on the shape, size and ambition of the future Research Framework Programme continues at all levels. There is considerable pressure for radical change, and many voices of caution. Are we likely to see an evolution or a revolution?
And what about the developments already introduced in Horizon Europe, which is, let us not forget, only just over halfway through its cycle? The Multi-actor approach, creation of a better evidence base, better support to innovation and deployment of solutions, co-creation between different services, etc. What was the European Commission seeking in Horizon Europe, and has it succeeded in its aims? How has the JRC been involved in the research structure in the Commission? Finally, how have research institutions been able to adapt to these new challenges? This presentation will address these questions from the point of view of the research funding agency.
On research and innovation: how life science universities do and can contribute to sustainable food systems
Joost Dessein, Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, BE
Farmers are taking to the streets across Europe, while the European Commission has responded with a Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture. These developments underscore the severe pressures facing the European agricultural sector, which must rethink its future. Consequently, Life Science Universities may need to realign their research focus. In this context, LSUs are confronted with the question of whether their research should primarily aim to sustain an economically viable agricultural sector within the challenge of planetary boundaries, or should instead address the complex and ‘wicked’ concept of "Sustainable Food Systems." The question, "What kind of research and innovation do we need?" appears to be more political than scientific, as it reflects various perspectives and narratives regarding the future of agriculture in Europe.
Life Science Universities often excel in research and education focused on the biophysical and agronomic aspects of agriculture. However, despite the recent rise of Living Labs, Multi-Actor Approaches, and inter- and transdisciplinary initiatives, they struggle to effectively engage with the sociological and political dimensions of Sustainable Food Systems. This raises the question of how we can make our research and education more future-proof, and whether we are training engineers and graduates for the job market or for society as a whole. Renewed attention to the role of imagination can inspire pathways of innovation. This keynote draws from examples of education and research in various Belgian and European contexts.
Do Life Science University graduates have the skills to cocreate environmental and social policies?
Sebastian Goerg, TUMCS for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Technical University of Munich, Straubing, DE
In a rapidly evolving world, graduates face increasing expectations to contribute to environmental and social policy development, particularly within the context of the bioeconomy. While academic programs are traditionally designed to equip students with discipline-specific skills, the pressing need for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration demands a broader approach. This talk will explore how we can better prepare graduates to transcend disciplinary boundaries, fostering a mindset that encourages co-creation and communication with policymakers and other stakeholders.
I will examine how curricular and extra-curricular activities can be leveraged to build essential competencies in interdisciplinary dialogue, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving. The aim is to cultivate graduates who are not only experts in their field but also effective communicators and able to work on challenges at the intersection of science, industry, and policy.
Ben Durham
Chief director: Bio-Innovation at the National Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, South AfricaBen Durham responsibilities include the implementation of the South African Bio-economy Strategy, the ultimate purpose of which is to ensure strategic socio-economic and environmental benefits from bio-innovation. Ben is on various local and international bodies – including the International Advisory Committee on Global Bioeconomy - and is leading the charge on the Bioeconomy Initiative under South Africa’s presidency of the G20 in 2025.
Martin Greimel
Head of the Centre for Bioeconomy, BOKU University, Vienna, Austria
Martin Greimel is coordinating all relevant activities of BOKU related to bioeconomy. He has chaired the European Bioeconomy University Alliance (EBU) till end 2024. He was a civil servant at the Austrian Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management where he was responsible for international cooperation in the field of forestry research and member of a group that developed the Austrian Bioeconomy RTI Strategy. He was coordinator, deputy coordinator and partner in several ERA-NET and other EU Framework Programme initiatives related to bioeconomy and forestry research. From 2004 till 2006 he was a National Expert at the European Commission in the DG Research; Dir Biotechnology, Agriculture and Food Research. He was Vice Chair of the COST Domain Forest, Products and Services and member of the Forest Technology Platform management group.
Luka Juvančič
Head of Bioeconomy Research Centre, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
Luka Juvančič is an agricultural and resource economist. He is Associate Professor of Economics of Natural Resources at the Biotechnical Faculty, where he is leading the newly established Centre for Circular Bioeconomy. His research record spans widely in terms of roles (researcher, principal investigator, project leader), research topics (impact analysis and evaluation of agricultural and rural development policies, risk management, environmental and ecological economics, bioeconomy) and methodological approaches (macroeconomic models, spatial econometrics, system modelling, environmental accounting methods, economic experiments). Narrowing down to his work related to bioeconomy, research achievements worth highlighting include the coordination and preparation of evidence base on biomass availability, biomass use and economic performance of bioeconomy in Slovenia (project Bridge2Bio) and BIOEAST region (project BIOEASTsUP). He is a frequent contributor (publications, events) on the topics concerning business models, policies and RDI support for bioeconomy, extending these topics to teaching (course leader, supervisor) and professional work (co-chair SCAR WG Bioeconomy, member BIOEAST TWG Education).
Jukka Kantola
Chair, World Bioeconomy Association
Jukka Kantola is a seasoned executive and internationally recognised advocate for the circular bioeconomy, with 30 years of leadership experience across Europe and Asia. As the Founder of the World Bioeconomy Forum and the Chair of the World Bioeconomy Association, Jukka has worked to elevate the global bioeconomy agenda by engaging stakeholders from industry, policy, finance, and research. Jukka’s work focuses on biomass valorisation, bio-based innovation, and fostering global cooperation in support of sustainable development. He regularly contributes to high-level dialogues (e.g., COP, G20) and co-authored the flagship report Financing a Sustainable Global Bioeconomy (2024), outlining strategies to align capital with bioeconomy goals. Jukka hold an eMBA from Rutgers University and a Master’s degree in Engineering from Aalto University.
Klara Loch
President, International Forestry Students’ Association – IFSA
Theresa Klara Loch is an early-stage researcher and PhD student in forest and environmental policy at the University of Freiburg, Germany. Her research explores social and social-ecological networks in forest governance, taking a relational approach grounded in an interdisciplinary perspective.
She recently completed her term as President of the International Forestry Students' Association (IFSA) for 2024/25 and has been active in youth, climate justice, and gender equity networks for several years. She is also involved in the IUFRO ForGEDI Task Force, advocating for greater equity and diversity in forest-related fields.
Tapio Määttä
Rector of University of Eastern Finland. Chair of the EBU Presidency. Professor of Environmental Law
Geert Marsmans
Cargill Vice President, R&D FOOD EMEA
Geert Cargill is an activist and practitioner in food industry innovation. A business leader with a deep passion for research and science, he enjoys building high-impact teams—bringing together colleagues and stakeholders to transform knowledge into tangible value. Geert represents Cargill at industry associations, research consortia and start-ups. He is board member at the European Specialty Food Ingredients association, at the European Technology Platform Food for Life, an (advisory) board member of several institutes and start-ups in ingredient discovery and technology development. A lifelong learner, Geert holds a PhD in Applied Biological Sciences and an engineering degree in Chemical and Biological Industries. His education also includes studies in business administration and innovation leadership. Prior to joining Cargill, Geert had worked at academia, at an SME, and at stock-quoted multinationals.
Mona-Anitta Riihimäki
Chair of ICA CoP for Bioeconomy Education & Dean at Häme University of Applied Sciences, Finland
Mona-Anitta Riihimäki is Dean of the School of Biotechnology and Natural Resources. Mona is Chair of the Committee for Natural Resources Education, of the Rectors’ Conference of Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences. In October 2024 she started to act as a chair of ICA Community of Practice for Bioeconomy Education (CoP Bio-Edu). Lately she has been involved in national assessment of Bioeconomy Higher Education as a evaluation team member (Finnish Education Evaluation Centre FinEEC). In 2025 she’ll continue the work, when the role of sustainability in all education levels will be in FinEEC’s focus.
Jessika Roswell
European Commissioner for the environment, water resilience and circular economy
Jessika Roswell’s professional background is as a lawyer specialising in criminal & family law. Member of Riksdag (Uppsala County), including Vice‑President of EU Affairs Committee. Second Vice‑President of the Riksdag’s EU Affairs Committee (2019–2022). Sweden’s Minister for EU Affairs & Nordic Cooperation (18 October 2022 – 10 September 2024) under Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience & a Competitive Circular Economy (since 1 December 2024) under Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Derived from ChatGPT
Peter Wehrheim
Head of Unit "Food Systems and Bioeconomy" DG Research & Innovation, European Commission, Belgium
Prior to his present assignment Peter Wehrheim worked for the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan. He is a member of the International Advisory Council to the Global Bioeconomy (IACGB). From 2010 to 2018 he was Head of Unit for Land Use and Climate Finance in Directorate-General for Climate Action. Before 2004, Peter worked at the Universities of Bonn/DE, Maryland/US (with a Heisenberg scholarship of the German Research Foundation) and Kiel/DE. Between 1994 and 2004 he worked as a part-time consultant for the World Bank, Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI / Washington), the German Bank for Reconstruction (KfW) and other development agencies. He received his doctoral degree (and his habilitation) in agricultural economics from the University of Giessen (University of Bonn, Germany) and comes from a vinery in southern Germany.
Elena Zepharovich
Scientific Officer, EC Joint Research Centre (GRC) Ispra, Italy
Elena Zepharovich is a project officer working within the Land Resources and Supply Chain Assessments Unit on bioeconomy-related projects. She holds a PhD in Geography and Sustainable Development from the University of Bern, where her research addressed deforestation and environmental justice in Argentina’s Chaco region. At JRC, she develops innovative methods to assess land-based biomass sustainability, aligning with EU policies aimed at balancing biomass production, biodiversity preservation, and climate mitigation. She also contributes to policy analysis efforts supporting the European Green Deal and biomass policies.
For reference, when selecting your hotel please note that the ICA Rectors and Deans Froum will be held at BOKU University,
Peter-Jordan-Straße 82/II, 1190 Vienna.
Living Hotel Kaiser Franz Joseph
BOKU is pleased to recommend Living Hotel Kaiser Franz Joseph, with which BOKU has a long-standing partnership. The hotel enjoys an excellent reputation for both comfort and service. It is conveniently located for our event. It is within 25 minutes walking distance of BOKU University, and provides easy access to the Gala Dinner venue via public transport.
55 rooms has been reserved exclusively for participants until Friday, 26 September 2026. After this date the remaining rooms will be released, and availability cannot be guaranteed.
Thanks to BOKU's partnership, delegates benefit from a special discounted rate of around 98€ per night single occupancy including breakfast, depending on the room selected. When booking indicate the following reservation codes
Option A: Enter the corporate code BOKU25 in the "corporate box on the booking form" when booking directly on the hotel website;
OR
Option B: Contact the hotel directly by email and mention the booking code BOKU25 and the name of the event ICA Forum 2025 organised by BOKU University.
In addition to the hotel Living Hotel Kaiser Franz Joseph BOKU is pleased to suggest the following three hotels based on excellent reviews and convenient locations, ensuring easy access to the event venues
Boutiquehotel Stadthalle, although slightly further from the university, this hotel is conveniently located along the metro line, providing easy access to the campus and Gala Dinner venues. It is a green-certified hotel. BOKU University also has already collaborated with this in the past. It is the world’s first city hotel with a Zero Energy Balance.
Hotel Am Parkring is a hotel with which BOKU University has also previously collaborated, offering comfortable rooms in a central location.
Hotel Stefanie, which BOKU University has also collaborated, is officially recognised as the oldest hotel in Vienna. While it is a little more distant from BOKU, its central location makes it an excellent base to explore the city.
Please click here and complete the Registration Form for attendance at the ICA Forum to be held at BOKU University, Vienna, Austria, from 16 to 17 October 2025.
The deadline for registration is Thursday 2 October.
The Registration fee for Forum includes
All meals from lunch on 16 October at the start of the Forum as indicated in the programme and ending with lunch on the second day.
The Registration fee for the 15th ICA Rectors and Deans Forum
The Registration fee for delegates from an ICA Member Institution is 450 €. For a second registration from the same institution the fee is 425€
The Registration fee for delegates NOT from an ICA Members Institution is 500 €. For a second registration from the same institution the fee is 475€
You will be invoiced by the ICA Secretariat for the Registration fee(s).
There is no registration fee for the BOKU University local event in Friday afternoon 17 October.
The deadline for registration is Thursday 2 October.
Please click here and complete the Registration Form
The Registration is managed by the ICA Secretariat
If you have queries please email
If you use an Apple Mac computer, you may experience a problem in completing the Registration Form - this is a known Apple Mac problem. If you experience the problem please contact the ICA Secretariat.