ASSOCIATION FOR EUROPEAN LIFE SCIENCE UNIVERSITIES

Navigating Complexity: ICA Leading the Circular Bioeconomy Transformation

will be held on 16 and 17 October 2025
at BOKU University, Vienna, Austria

This forum provides a dedicated platform to explore the evolving Science–Policy Interface and to showcase best practices in knowledge mobilization by ICA's life science universities

See the Forum Programme and Register

Please hear the Invitation to the Forum 
form BOKU Rector Eva Schulev-Steindl 

Shaping Europe’s Bioeconomy Strategy: Contributions from European Life Science Universities

The 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 has made a call for evidence and public consultation to take into account the perspectives of stakeholders, especially young people, SMEs (including start-ups), non-governmental organisations, trade unions, and primary producers. 

ICA has responded to the call by submitting the attached document on 23 June
🟢 We believe that integrating sustainability, circularity, and resilience into the bioeconomy is key to tackling global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and food system resilience.
🟢 Our Life Science Universities are ready to drive innovation, provide evidence-based knowledge for policymaking, and equip future professionals with the interdisciplinary skills needed for Europe’s green and digital transitions.

Recommendations for Education Pathways Initiatives to Support Transformations to the Bioeconomy

The ICA Community of Practice for Bioeconomy Education in Europe (ICA-CoP Bio-Edu) recognises the statements in the call document of skills shortages as the new green jobs come on stream and expand as the EU transforms towards the Bioeconomy. Consequently ICA-CoP Bio-Edu proposes that in the new Bioeconomy Strategy the following actions should be taken by the European Commission under the guidance of a Bioeconomy Skills Observatory, to address the skills shortages::

1. Reinforcing Interdisciplinarity in curricula
2. Lifelong Learning – collaboration between industry and universities
3. Learning communities driving the transformations to the bioeconomy

Read the full recommendations of the ICA-CoP Bio-Edu submission in the attached submission document

The ICA Community of Practice for Bioeconomy Education in Europe (ICA-CoP Bio-Edu) is a Committee of the Board of ICA.  More information about ICA-CoP Bio-Edu can be found here

The Circular Bioeconomy and Sustainable Development

Download the flyer to see the detailed programme and registration details.  Deadline for registration 5 May

ICA Rectors and Deans Forum 2025 will be held on 16 and 17 October at BOKU University, Vienna. The theme: Navigating Complexity: ICA Leading the Circular Bioeconomy Transformation.  See full details here

The ICA General Assembly 2025 will be held online on Wednesday 18 June from 13.00 to 15.00.

READ MORE to see the full list of all ICA, ICA Board Committees, ICA Standing Committees and ICA Partner events to be held in 2025 - the list will be updated as events are announced

The ICA General Assembly 2025

was held online on 18 June from 13.00 - 15.00 CEST

Representation at the General Assembly

The General Assembly is open to all staff and students of ICA Member Institutions, and all are warmly invited to attend. The Assembly is considered duly constituted when at least one-third of the Member Institutions are represented.

Registration is closed

Maria Knutson-Wedel, President of ICA, presemted the annual report on activities during 2024 and 2025 on behalf of the ICA Board.

ICA-CoP Bio-Edu Workshop 2024

Download the Workshop Report from the programme page
Engaging with the corporate world to enhance the provision by life science universities and faculties of lifelong learning for professionals in the Bioeconomy

 ICA-Edu Workshop 2024

Downlaod the Workshop Report from the progarmme page
Developing best teaching and learning practices for the professional use of AI in Life Sciences Higher Education

ICA President's Winter Greeting 2025

Dear ICA Members,

As we turn the page to a new year, we have much to reflect upon, celebrate, and look forward to as Europe’s largest united community of life science universities.

In 2024, ICA drove important discussions on sustainability, innovation and the future of life sciences education. We had a special opportunity to clarify and communicate our role as life science universities through EU's high level ”Strategic Dialogue on the Future of European Agriculture and Forestry”.  Looking ahead to ICA's activities in 2025, I am excited by the opportunities for life science universities to address the pressing challenges of our time.

In January 2024 ICA together with 10 other partners initiated the start of this 3 year Horizon Europe funded project.

The project will set the basis of networking and collaboration with a view to promoting transdisciplinary dialogue and further embedding and unfolding NBS concepts and approaches within universities and vocational schools.  See full details on the the website