Author: Selenia Marinelli

“What is the Circular Bioeconomy?” book is out!

“What is the Circular Bioeconomy?” book is out!

Posted on by Selenia Marinelli

What is the Circular Bioeconomy?

Explore the innovative world of the circular bioeconomy and its role in shaping a sustainable future. The English version of the book, authored by Mario Bonaccorso is now available, published by the Irish Bioeconomy Foundation.

Discover how renewable resources are shaping a sustainable future in Mario Bonaccorso’s “What is the Circular Bioeconomy?” Through interviews with global leaders, explore the transformative power of the bioeconomy in achieving climate neutrality and driving innovative solutions to today’s environmental challenges.

What you will find in the book:
What is the Circular Bioeconomy? The bioeconomy is the part of the economy which uses renewable resources from agriculture, forestry and the marine to produce food, feed, materials and energy, while reducing waste, in support of achieving a sustainable and climate neutral society.

This English edition book from Mario Bonaccorso brings together a series of interviews on the bioeconomy with the main protagonists all over the world. From Italy to Ireland, from Canada to France, there is a growing international effort in which the bioeconomy will provide solutions in a world full of challenges.

The circular bioeconomy can contribute to a better future where governments are called upon to implement effective policies to address the major global challenges and the bioeconomy has carved out a leading role in sustainable development strategies.

The Author
Mario Bonaccorso is a renowned expert in the field of bioeconomy. With years of experience interviewing leading figures worldwide, he brings unique insights into how the circular bioeconomy is shaping our future. His work bridges the gap between policy, industry, and sustainability, making complex concepts accessible to all readers.

The Irish Bioeconomy Foundation
IBF mission is to promote the conversion of Ireland’s natural land & sea resources to high value products for the development of a sustainable bioeconomy that is globally competitive and creates local development.

From date
2024-11-05
To date
2024-11-05
Join the GenB Youth Debates!

Join the GenB Youth Debates!

Posted on by Selenia Marinelli

Youth Voices Driving the Future of Bioeconomy: GenB Project’s Debate Series Empowers Young Leaders!

The bioeconomy is growing increasingly vital for a sustainable future, unlocking innovative solutions from scientists, policymakers, businesses, and communities working together. With the bioeconomy offering cleaner, sustainable lifestyles, today’s youth are essential to drive this progress. However, young people are often left out of decision-making processes that will impact their futures.

The GenB project is working to change this by launching a new series of debates aimed at amplifying youth voices in bioeconomy policies. These discussions are designed to create a collaborative space where young people can express their ideas, propose solutions, and envision a future led by their generation’s dedication to sustainability.

Join us and make your voice heard! Register now! 

More information here.

Debate #1: Bioeconomy education and training to develop the skills of the future

4 November 2024
14.00 – 16:00 CET

GenB Youth Debate #1 dives into how bioeconomy education can shape your future, with new skills and career paths that help build a sustainable world. Learn how we can teach the next generation to live in balance with nature and explore exciting, innovative careers using bio-based resources.

 

Debate #2: Communicating the sustainability vision with the bioeconomy

11 November 2024
14.00 – 16:00 CET

GenB Youth Debate #2 aims to discover how young influencers are using social media, events, and podcasts to advocate for the bioeconomy and inspire change and explore how arts and culture are sparking youth passion for a more sustainable world, using bio-based materials to create, express, and connect.

 

Debate #3: The youth leading the sustainable transition through bioeconomy
18 November 2024
14.00 – 16:00 CET
GenB Youth Debate #3 wants to explore how young voices can drive meaningful change, from shaping policies to promoting equality and sustainability. Imagine a world where your ideas and experiences lead to better policies for all.
From date
2024-11-04
To date
2024-11-18
BIObec Capacity Building and 2nd International IRWG Workshop

BIObec Capacity Building and 2nd International IRWG Workshop

Posted on by Selenia Marinelli

The BIObec project (https://biobec.eu/) is ready to deliver its outcomes to stakeholders interested in bioeconomy education!

This European project, funded by the Bio-Based Industry Joint Undertaking, aims to develop a holistic framework for the implementation of multi-level Bio-based Education Centres (BBECs), focused on promote bioeconomy education to bridge the gap between the bio-based industry and the education system.

The consortium would like to invite interested stakeholders to the capacity building and 2nd international IRWG international workshop, which will take place on January 22nd, 2024 online, from 10.00 to 12.15 CET.

For more information on the agenda and to confirm your participation, please register here (until January 18th, 2024).

The online workshop has two main objectives: the transfer of the BIObec methodology for the implementation and replication of regional BBECs in other regions or countries, as well as educational contents and exploitable assets ready to be implemented by the educational community.

The workshop is aimed at stakeholders interested in promoting bioeconomy education in their regions through a learning activity to provide actionable recommendations and guidelines.

From date
2024-01-22
To date
2024-01-22
Join the Scientific Colloquium on “Bio-based Plastics: Exploring Perspectives, Risks, and Solutions” in Bremerhaven, Germany

Join the Scientific Colloquium on “Bio-based Plastics: Exploring Perspectives, Risks, and Solutions” in Bremerhaven, Germany

Posted on by Selenia Marinelli

Bio-Plastics Europe is organising the Scientific Colloquium on “Bio-based Plastics: Exploring Perspectives, Risks, and Solutions“, which will take place on September 20-21, 2023, at the Alfred Wegner Institute in Bremerhaven, Germany.

Unite with experts, researchers, and industry leaders to delve into the latest advancements, applications, and future prospects of bio-based plastics. Experience captivating presentations, thought-provoking discussions, and interactive sessions designed to foster collaboration, ignite knowledge-sharing, and inspire collective action towards building a sustainable and circular economy. Seize this opportunity to explore the perspectives for bio-based plastics. Secure your spot today to witness this event! Hurry, as spots are limited!

Stay tuned for updates on the agenda, keynote speakers, and presentations. Together, let’s explore the possibilities of biobased plastics and a sustainable economy.

Don’t miss out on this transformative journey. Register now and join!

To avoid food waste, please let us know if you have any dietary requirements that you wish to be considered: https://ftznk.limequery.com/787796?lang=en

Call for Posters and Speakers

Are you a researcher or industry professional with knowledge about bio-based and/or biodegradable plastics? Share your expertise by becoming a speaker at the scientific colloquium!

Simply submit an abstract of your presentation by sending it to caterina.baars@haw-hamburg.de.
The deadline for the submission of abstracts is the 1st of August. Please do not exceed a maximum of 300 words and 6 keywords.

Additionally, if you have noteworthy projects, case studies, or exciting initiatives that you’d like to present in a visual format, we welcome you to bring a poster for display during the colloquium.
Join us as a presenter or poster exhibitor and be part of bio-based plastics developments.

Do not forget by contributing to this event you can also have your work published in the Springer book “Innovative Approaches to Handle Plastic Waste and Foster Bio-based Plastics Production”. If this is of your interest, we will consider the abstract you send and invite you for a full paper submission.

From date
2023-09-20
To date
2023-09-21
Join the Glaukos project and BIO-PLASTICS EUROPE workshop: “Marine-friendly biopolymers: characteristics and challenges”

Join the Glaukos project and BIO-PLASTICS EUROPE workshop: “Marine-friendly biopolymers: characteristics and challenges”

Posted on by Selenia Marinelli

Next 23 June 2023 join the workshop “Marine-friendly biopolymers: characteristics and challenges”, organized by Glaukos project and Bio-Plastics Europe, in collaboration with the European Bioplastics Research Network and the European Bioeconomy Network.

The workshop will take place from 9.00 to 12.00 CEST, online.

Agenda available here.
Register here.

What are the characteristics that marine-friendly biopolymers should have to become a potential solution to prevent and eliminate pollution in the oceans and waters, responding to EU Mission Ocean’s objectives?

In the last years, the EC is funding several projects and initiatives to investigate under which conditions bio-based and biodegradable plastics can contribute to reduce pollution in our ecosystems. Nevertheless, the timescale for biodegradation of unintentional released bioplastics is not short enough in marine environment and doesn’t sufficiently respond to market needs (performance, durability, etc.). In parallel, additional challenges should be considered (e.g. risk assessment, sustainability of bio-based feedstock, programmed biodegradation, standardisation in different environments, ecotoxicity, environmental persistence, entanglement and ghost fishing).

In the search for solutions to these challenges, during this workshop, researchers and stakeholders will be involved in a round table to discuss what are the characteristics and challenges that should be addressed for the definition of marine-friendly biopolymers.

The open discussion will be moderated by Glaukos and Bio-Plastics Europe experts and will be structured along the following topics:

  • Definition of marine friendly biopolymers
  • Programmed biodegradation
  • Ecotoxicity and overall risk assessment
  • Standardisation and labelling of marine-friendly biopolymers
  • EU projects recommendations for future policies on marine-friendly biopolymers
From date
2023-06-23
To date
2023-06-23
BioGov.net Questionnaire: Governance of Bioeconomy Education and Training

BioGov.net Questionnaire: Governance of Bioeconomy Education and Training

Posted on by Selenia Marinelli

The BioGov.net Project aims to establish innovative governance models in the bioeconomy by providing an inclusive training and mentoring framework in specific European regions. With this objective in mind, a questionnaire was created to gather information from key stakeholders.

This questionnaire aims to identify the needs, opportunities, expectations and solutions that stakeholders encounter regarding the governance of education and training in bioeconomy. Guidelines for the training governance framework will be developed using the collected data and the discussions held as part of the Communities of Practice established within the Project.

English, German, Dutch, Italian, Portuguese, Greek, Estonian, Slovenian, and Czech are the supported languages for the questionnaire. Please use the drop-down option to choose the language of your choice from the link.

Check out the questionnaire here!

From date
2023-05-15
1st BlueMissionMed Stakeholder Forum (hybrid event)

1st BlueMissionMed Stakeholder Forum (hybrid event)

Posted on by Selenia Marinelli

Are you a stakeholder representing regions and islands, ports and shipping, fisheries and aquaculture, citizens and youth, industries, cities, research and education? Join the debate to shape the future for an Healthy, Pollution free Mediterranean Sea!

BlueMissionMed CSA is organising the “1st BlueMissionMed Stakeholder Forum”, which will take place on 30 May 2023 morning at Palazzo dei Normanni, Palermo, Italy in hybrid format, as side event in the context of the high-level event EU Mission ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030’ – The Mediterranean lighthouse in action Palermo – organised by the European Commission.

The “1st BlueMissionMed Stakeholder Forum” will be organised in two sessions:

  • “Inspire and Inform” session: presentation of inspirational case studies of innovative transformative solutions from the above-mentioned stakeholder categories to stimulate the discussion and knowledge sharing among participants, about the Mediterranean hydrosphere depollution and restoration.
  • BlueMissionMed Stakeholder Forum debate: a participatory thematic discussion involving representatives of the above-mentioned stakeholder categories in parallel round tables.

The outcomes of the 1st BlueMissionMed Stakeholder Forum will be presented at the opening of the high-level event “The Mediterranean lighthouse in action”, on 30 May afternoon.

Take a look at the agenda and register here to participate online or onsite!

From date
2023-05-30
To date
2023-05-30
ICA-CoP Bio-Edu Workshop 2023: “Engaging with industry to ensure that graduates and professionals are well prepared for employment in the Bioeconomy”

ICA-CoP Bio-Edu Workshop 2023: “Engaging with industry to ensure that graduates and professionals are well prepared for employment in the Bioeconomy”

Posted on by Selenia Marinelli

The Executive Committee of the ICA Community of Practice for Bioeocnomy Education (ICA-CoP Bio-Edu) is organising the workshop “Engaging with industry to ensure that graduates and professionals are well prepared for employment in the Bioeconomy“, to be held at Warsaw University of Life Sciences from 26 to 28 April 2023.

Download the flyer with details and agenda.

A  Workshop focus

Educators and employers are experiencing a gap between the competences of graduates and what is needed by the employer in the bioeconomy. Although it is not possible to prepare students for specific jobs, it should be possible with the support of industry to prepare students more effectively for their future careers in the bioeconomy

The key objectives of the workshop will be to:

  • recognise and examine the gap between expectations of graduates and industry on the working ethos of the bioeconomy industries.
  • identify the specific generic competences required by graduates for careers in the bioeconomy
  • recognise the need to embed in our graduates the mindset for the bioeconomy  – referring back to the Colloquium in 2022
  • exchange good practices in realising cooperation between representatives of employers and educational institutions to improve the engagement of industry employees in curricula at VET, Bachelor and Master education levels.
  • examine how to develop life long learning cooperation between employers and educational institutions in support of up-skilling industry employees for the bioeconomy

B   Expected Outcome

It is expected that participants will:

  • address how to realise an optimal engagement of employer partners in the educational programmes to prepare graduates and professionals for their future employment.

C  Target Audience

Degree programme coordinators, lecturers, members of committees responsible for the (strategic) development of curricula. National education advisors and employers, who have a special interest in cooperating with education institutions, are also invited to contribute to the discussion.

D  Workshop Format

On the Wednesday afternoon there will be a joint plenary session focusing on all three workshop themes.  The Thursday session has three parallel sessions, one for each Workshop Theme. The Friday session will start with the three parallel sessions and then come together for a final plenary session.

Each Session of the Workshop theme will be addressed by keynote speakers followed by round table breakout groups to discuss the issues raised, with a concluding report from the breakout groups of the issues raised in the final plenary session on Friday morning.

Overview of the three Workshops:

1)  ICA Network for Innovation in Life Sciences Higher Education (ICA-Edu)

Workshop Title: The Student Engagement Challenge

The nature of learning is changing with a greater emphasis on blended approaches and flexible learning paths.  Students themselves have changing expectations about how, when and where they learn and the types of extra-curricular activities they are interested in and willing to engage with.

2)  ICA Community of Practice for Bioeconomy Education in Europe (ICA-CoP Bio-Edu)

Workshop Title: Engaging with industry to ensure that graduates and professionals are well prepared for employment in the Bioeconomy.

Educators and employers are experiencing a gap between the competences of graduates and what is needed by the employer in the bioeconomy. Although it is not possible to prepare students for specific jobs, it should be possible for universities with the support of industry to prepare students more effectively for their future careers in the bioeconomy.

3)  ICA-Edu Special Interest Group (SIG) for Sustainable Entrepreneurship Education

Workshop Title: Embedding student challenges and competitions in sustainable entrepreneurship education

This ICA-SIG Workshop will focus on the role of student challenges and competitions as catalysts for entrepreneurial learning and student engagement within life science universities.

From date
2023-04-26
To date
2023-04-28
More than 50 good practices and formats in bioeconomy education presented at the GenB Common Ground Camp!

More than 50 good practices and formats in bioeconomy education presented at the GenB Common Ground Camp!

Posted on by Selenia Marinelli

GenB is a EU funded project whose aim is to inform and educate young people to build a future Generation informed and interested in bioeconomy.
Last 21 and 22 February 2023 the GenB Common Ground Camp on bioeconomy education took place in Athens to promote bioeconomy practices in school settings.
During two intense days many projects, initiatives, teachers and science communicators were engaged in a discussion on how to better design bioeconomy communication in formal, non-formal and informal contexts.

On the first day many speakers provided inspirational and innovative educational and awareness raising tools developed so far in the framework of EU funded projects and practical educational experiences in schools, presenting more than 50 good practices.

The second day was dedicated to the co-creation of innovative formats with education experts, who addressed the following questions:

  • Where does the field of bioeconomy stand currently?
  • What do formal and non-formal educators need?
  • What are the challenges/barriers?
  • What are the key concepts to educate about within the bioeconomy?
  • What do I want pre- and early-school students to learn about the bioeconomy?
  • What do I want elementary school students to learn about the bioeconomy?
  • What do I want middle and high school students to learn about the bioeconomy?

Additional activities engaging young generations as active promoters and ambassadors of the green transition will be organised in the next months – follow the project via the tag @biovoices on all social media and stay tuned for future initiatives!

From date
2023-03-08