12:00

Welcome Lunch – Arrival, registration, and networking

13:00

Opening Session

Welcome remarks by host university and organising partners
Maria KNUTSON-WEDEL, Rector, Vice Chancellor, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
Eva SCHULEV-STEINDL, Rector, BOKU University 

Introduction to the theme: "Navigating Complexity: The Role of Life Science Universities"
Maria KNUTSON-WEDEL, Rector, Vice Chancellor, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden

13:30

Setting the Scene: Concepts and Policies

Keynote “Defining the Circular Bioeconomy in a Complex World”
Martin GREIMEL, Head of the Centre for Bioeconomy, BOKU University, Vienna, Austria 

Keynote “Science-based pathways to policy impact”
Luka JUVANČIČ, Head of Bioeconomy research centre, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia 

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“
Jessika ROSWELL, European Commissioner for the environment, water resilience and circular economy (TBC)

Keynote “The new EU Life Science Strategy and its implications for Bioeconomy”
Peter WEHRHEIM, Head of Unit  "Food Systems and Bioeconomy" DG Research & Innovation, European Commission, Belgium

15:00

Coffee break

15:30

Beyond Europe: Global Perspectives

Keynote “Spotlight on G20 initiatives: Case study from South Africa”
Ben DURHAM, Chief director: Bio-Innovation at the National Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, South Africa (Online presentation)

 Keynote “Uniting Global Bioeconomy Agendas: Insights from the World Bioeconomy Association”
Jukka KANTOLA, Chair, 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
Panel:
Theresa KLARA LOCH, President, International Forestry Students’ Association – IFSA
Tapio MÄÄTTÄ, Chair of the EBU Presidency and Rector of University of Eastern Finland
Geert MAESMANS, Cargill Vice President, R&D FOOD EMEA
Mona-Anitta RIIHIMÄKI, Chair of ICA CoP on Bioeconomy education & Häme University of Applied Sciences, Finland
Elena ZEPHAROVICH, Scientific Officer, EC Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy

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

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.

08:30

Registration & Networking 

Arrival and informal discussions

09:00 

Welcome to Day 2
Recap of Day 1 insights
Introduction to the focus: From ideas to implementation – universities as drivers of change 

09:15 

Spotlight Session: University Best Practices
Short interventions (5–7 min each) from selected Life Science Universities highlighting successful actions, including:

• Integrating circular bioeconomy into curricula
• Regional bioeconomy hubs and living labs
• Start-ups and spin-offs supporting bio-based solutions
• Cross-sector partnerships with industry and policy-makers

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
- Summary of key takeaways
- Next steps and farewell

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 
wood material technology,
food and feed quality, &
digital transformation.

The programme in Tulln:

1. Presentation of Technopol Tulln by Angelika Weiler https://www.ecoplus.at/en/contacts/angelika-weiler
2. Walking through facilities of the competence centre Wood material technology (Wood K+) https://www.wood-kplus.at/en/research-areas/wood-materials-technologies/research-interests
3. Visiting the Competence Centre for feed and food quality, safety and innovation (FFOQSI) https://www.ffoqsi.at/index.php/en-us/
4. Finishing with a visit to House of Digitalisation https://virtuelleshaus.at/en

The excursion concludes at 16:30, with convenient public transport connections available from Tulln to the airport (~1 hour).