| DAY 1 – ICA Rectors and Deans Forum “Food Systems Resilience and Global Food Security” |
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| Time | Programme | Speakers / Information |
| 11:00–12:00 | Registration & Networking Lunch | |
| 12:00–12:30 | Extraordinary General Assembly (Hybrid) | |
| 12:30–12:45 | Welcome and Opening Strategic framing: Food systems resilience and food security have become central geopolitical, environmental and societal priorities, requiring stronger collaboration between universities, governments, industry and society. |
Maria K. Wedel ICA President, Vice Chancellor, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden Cornel Cătoi Rector, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Romania Local policy stakeholders |
| 12:45–13:15 | Opening Keynote “The Future of Food Security in an Era of Permanent Disruption” Climate change impacts; geopolitical instability; strategic autonomy; food supply vulnerabilities; resilience of agricultural systems; and the role of science and universities. |
Rosalinda Scalia Unit Bioeconomy & Food Systems (B2), DG Research & Innovation, European Commission |
| 13:15–14:15 | Session I – Major Threats to Food Systems Resilience Objective: Create a shared strategic understanding of the risks affecting global and European food systems, including climate volatility and extreme weather, biodiversity loss, fertilizer and energy dependency, supply chain disruptions, digital transformation gaps, war and geopolitical instability, and changing consumer preferences. Format: Expert panel |
John Ingram *other panelists will be confirmed soon |
| 14:15–14:35 | Coffee Break | |
| 14:35–15:45 |
Session II – How Universities Contribute to Food Systems Resilience SUP-RIM: Research network of life science universities for the development of the Polish dairy sector Building Value Where the Chain Is Thinnest: A University-Anchored Agri-Food Innovation Ecosystem |
Mieke Uyttendaele Ghent University, Belgium Anna Bzducha-Wróbel Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Poland Zoltán Kovács Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences *other speakers will be confirmed soon
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| 15:45–17:00 | Session III – Research, Innovation and Policy for Food Security Themes: Translating science into policy; innovation uptake in agriculture; collaboration with governments and industry; public trust in science; EU research priorities; and international cooperation. Format: Policy roundtable |
Mugurel Ionel Jitea (Moderator) |
| 17:00 | Day 1 Conclusions & Closing Reflection | |
| 19:30 | Gala Dinner | |
| DAY 2 – Special Rectors' Forum “What It Means to Be a Life Science University in a Polarised World” This becomes a complementary leadership-focused continuation of the food systems discussions. |
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| Time | Programme | Speakers / Information |
| 08:00–08:30 | Registration | |
| 08:30–09:10 | Opening Conversation – “Leadership, Trust and Responsibility in Times of Division” | |
| 09:10–10:15 | Breakout Sessions Theme I – “Protecting Academic Values in Polarised Societies” Academic freedom; institutional autonomy; political pressures; freedom of speech; and societal trust in universities. Theme II – “Leading Universities Through Uncertainty and Crisis” Crisis leadership; institutional resilience; communication and public engagement; balancing strategic and civic missions; wellbeing and leadership pressures; and advocating for the life sciences. Theme III – “Can Universities Help Rebuild Social Cohesion?” Are universities still trusted institutions? What role should rectors play in public debate? Can universities become spaces for dialogue and democratic resilience? |
Eva Schulev-Steindl (Theme I Moderator) |
| 10:15–10:45 | Coffee Break | |
| 10:45–11:30 | Call to Action – “The Future Role of University Leadership” Final reflection: What kind of rector leadership will future societies require? |
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| 11:30 | Closing | |
| 12:00–13:30 | Networking Lunch | |
| 13:30 | Social Programme Suggested by the host |
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