ASSOCIATION FOR EUROPEAN LIFE SCIENCE UNIVERSITIES

Navigating Complexity: ICA Leading the Circular Bioeconomy Transformation

Porgramme at BOKU University, Vienna & Local Programme Friday afternoon

Download the Rectors and Deans Froum Progarmme flyer

Day 1. Thursday, 16 October

Day 2. Friday, 17 October

Navigating Complexity: ICA Leading the Circular Bioeconomy Transformation

to be held on 16 and 17 October 2025

at BOKU University, Vienna, Austria

Click here to see the detailed Programme
Download the Rectors and Deans Froum 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:

1. Bridge the Science – Policy Divide – Enhance understanding of how life science universities can effectively contribute to the circular bioeconomy policymaking and implementation.
2. Enhance Policy Coherence – Explore mechanisms for aligning academic research with national, European bioeconomy strategies.
3. Showcase Best Practices – Highlight successful initiatives and collaborative models where universities have driven impactful change in the circular bioeconomy.
4. Foster Networking & Collaboration – Encourage partnerships among academia, policymakers, and industry to accelerate knowledge transfer and innovation.
5. Promote Actionable Solutions – Identify key takeaways and next steps for leveraging academic expertise in real-world circular bioeconomy challenges.

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:

• Gain deeper insights into the evolving circular bioeconomy policy landscape and life science universities’ role in shaping it.
• Learn from real-world examples of how life science universities have successfully influenced policy and implemented bioeconomy solutions.
• Identify challenges and opportunities for strengthening the science-policy interface.
• Foster new collaborations and networks to enhance knowledge transfer and impact.
• Develop a set ofrecommendations and action pointsto enhance, support and promote the proactive role of life science universities in driving the bioeconomy transition.

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

How to reach Zagreb and the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb

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:

• 10 minute walk (950 m)
• By tram (2 stops, 4 minutes): No. 6 (direction Črnomerec) and get off at the second stop: Trg J. Jelačića (the main square)

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).

Call for Contributions – short interventions as Case Studies during the Forum Programme

We are calling for Case Study contributions in Sessions 3 and 4 of the face to face Forum programme on the Friday sessions on 25 October, see programme.

You are invited to prepare a 10 minute presentation involving NO MORE than three powerpoint slides. Please submit a brief statement of your intervention to Simon Heath at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by September 30.  A selection of 5 Case Studies for each session will be selected from those submitted before the deadline.

Session 3 Case Study presentations are invited of "The Research priorities of my university/faculty in addressing the strategic challenges related to the future of agriculture"

Session 4 Case Study presentations are invited of "Educational appriaches at my university/faculty delivering graduates that have the knowledge, skills and attitudes for addressing the strategic challenges related to the future of agriculture"

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.

Ricard Ramon

Since 2016, Ricard Ramon is the Deputy Head of Unit in charge of strategy and policy perspectives within the Directorate General of Agriculture and Rural Development in the European Commission. He has had an active role in the design and negotiation of the last two reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Recently, he was a member of the support team that assisted the Chair of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU agriculture (2024). He is currently involved on the analysis and policy discussion to ensure the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the farming and food sector in the EU, including the CAP for the period post-2027.

In his previous assignments in the European Commission he participated in the negotiation, approval and management of the national and regional Rural Development Programmes as well as in the implementation of the previous CAP reform (Health Check) and the reform of the wine sector.

Before joining the European Commission, he was a policy advisor at regional level and taught European policies at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and the École supérieure de commerce de Dijon-Bourgogne (ESC Dijon-Bourgogne). He graduated on Political Science and public policies at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (BSc and MPhil) and the London School of Economics (MSc).

Krijn J. Poppe

Krijn J. Poppe is a senior economist and chief policy advisor. Before his retirement at Wageningen University and Research, he managed a department of Wageningen Economic Research and various research programs for the European Union covering the food industry, information technoglogy and several studies to innovate the Farm Accountancy Data Network. For several years, he co-led the European Union’s Standing Committee on Agricultural Research’s Strategic Working Group on Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems.

The Dutch government appointed him as a member of the Netherland’s Council for the Environment and Infrastructure. He previously served as secretary-general of the European Association of Agricultural Economists, of which he is a fellow. Until last year he was involved in managing its journals the European Review of Agricultural Economics, Q Open and EuroChoices. Poppe has served as chief science officer of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture. He was a board member of SKAL, the Dutch Inspection Organization for Organic Farming. He holds an M.Sc. in business economics from Erasmus University Rotterdam.

 
Paul Webb

Since 2021 Paul Webb is the Head of the “Green Europe” Department at the European Research Executive Agency. This Department is the European Commission service responsible for the implementation of Cluster 6 of the Horizon Europe Research Framework programme (Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment), as well as the Research Fund for Coal and Steel and the Agricultural Promotion programme. These programmes and funds support the major changes needed in a transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient circular and sustainable economy. 

Previously he worked in different positions within the European Commission, including in the Directorates General for Research and Innovation, for Budget, and for Agriculture and Rural Development.

 Joost Dessein

Joost Dessein is Associate Professor at the department of Agricultural Economics (Ghent University, Belgium), and an affiliated member of the Centre for Sustainable Development (Ghent University). He holds an Msc in Agricultural Engineering and a Msc and PhD in Social and Cultural Anthropology. From 2019 till 2023, Joost has been President of the European Society for Rural Sociology. With colleagues of the research group INSPIRA ( Institutional, Socio-economic and Political Issues in Rural-urban Areas) he focuses on the governance of local food systems, and related themes such as social and environmental justice and food democracy. He also studies the political and epistemological context of agro-ecology and the role of different knowledge systems in the transitions of the food system. His research has a strong though not exclusive focus on the Global South.

Sebastian Goerg

Professor Sebastian Goerg is a behavioral and experimental economist. He investigates how incentives, information, and (legal) institutions influence actual human behavior. Together with co-authors from the social and natural sciences, he pursues an interdisciplinary research agenda.

Sebastian Goerg studied economics at the University of Bonn, where he also obtained his PhD under the supervision of Nobel Laureate Professor Reinhard Selten. From 2009 to 2012, he worked at the Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods. After research stays at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the University of Michigan, he joined Florida State University as an Assistant Professor in 2012 and was granted tenure there in 2018. In 2018, Professor Goerg joined the Technical University of Munich as an Associate Professor. He heads the Professorship of Economics at TUM Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability. At the campus, he is the academic program director for the study programs focusing on the Bioeconomy.

Book your hotel

When booking your hotel please consider the location in relation to the central square - Trg bana J. Jelačića.  The bus pick up point to go to the Faculty of Agriculture will be at a point close to the central square.

The Faculty of Agriculture has reserved rooms at the Hotel Dubrovnik
This hotel is proposed as the main hotel for the ICA events in Zagreb.  The hotel is located just off the central square in Zagreb - Trg bana J. Jelačića

The following rooms have been reserved until 13 September

* Standard single room - €101 room/night - breakfast included
* Standard double room/single use - €123 room/night - breakfast included (if the room was used by two people, the price would be €135 room/night)
* Deluxe double room/single use - €135 room/night - breakfast included (if two people would use the room, the price would be €147 room/night)

PLUS taxes per night per person 1,59 €

Please complete the Dubrovnik Hotel reservation form - download here

There are also two other recommended hotels:

1. Hotel Capital Amadria Park at the central square (Trg bana J. Jelačića) in Zagreb

For ICA events, the following rooms and prices apply:
* Superior room with the view of the city, double room/single use - €140 (if two people would use the room, the price would be €156 room/night) + taxes per night per person 1,59 €

5 Superior rooms have been reserved until 25 September

When booking via website, choose Zagreb Hotel Capital and use the Promo CODE: ICA24.

2. Canopy by Hilton closer to the Zagreb Main railway station, 5-10 minute walk from the central square (Trg bana J. Jelačića, the main square)

Reservations via event link (with the 10% discount on all regular room prices until 02 October): https://eventsathilton.com/show/662f9c57d8cdf3492fe8ed09

Other recommended hotels:

1. Hotel Sheraton

2. Esplanade Zagreb

3. Garden hotel

PLEASE CONTACT

Dr Rasa Pakeltiene
ICA Secretary General
Association for European Life Science Universities (ICA)

Tel: +370 672 00184
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Register online for the ICA Rectors and Deans Forum 2025

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 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 is 450 €.  For a second registration from the same institution the fee is 425€

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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.