Category: Events

World Bioproduct Day: submit your bioproduct!

World Bioproduct Day: submit your bioproduct!

Posted on by Selenia Marinelli

The World BioEconomy Forum is promoting this year’s World Bioproduct Day in a collaboration with Biovoices. The initiative is also supported by Transition2Bio, The European Bioeconomy Network and the SPRING – Italian Cluster of Circular Bioeconomy. During the campaign any stakeholders of the circular bioeconomy can share their story of their favourite bioproduct via social media by using the hashtag #bioproductday2022 and/or #bioproductday. The ten most interesting stories will be interviewed by Biovoices and the three most interesting stories selected by the World BioEconomy Forum will have the opportunity to showcase their bioproduct story at the World BioEconomy Forum 2022.

World Bioproduct day 07 July 2022 – Key Facts

The World Bioproduct Day was launched in 2021 to be held annually on 7 July. The purpose of bioproduct day is to raise awareness of the importance of bioproducts around us and how they contribute to the larger goal of environmental sustainability and climate action via social media campaign. The Forum recognises the importance of
the role of bio-based products in superseding non-renewable options. Through the adoption of more bio-based materials we can move towards solutions that are more sustainable and healthier for us and the planet by stepping away from fossil fuel feedstocks.

We encourage individuals, companies, institutes, and other organizations to share their narrative on their favourite bioproducts by using the hashtag “#bioproductday2022” on their social media platforms. This year, the social media campaign is going to be coordinated from 7 June to 7 July 2022. The campaign for this year is to be officially launched on 30 May 2022.

The social media campaign is arranged via the following social media platforms:

We invite interested parties to share their narrative and experience on the selected social media channels by using the hashtag #bioproductday2022. The posts should showcase a bioproduct(s) which you want to share as part of either your own personal experience or on behalf of your company’s/institutes.

We request that the post includes some basic information of the bioproduct case:

  • A photo(s) and/or a short videoclip of the bioproduct
  • A short text on what your bioproduct is, what it does, and why is it your favourite bioproduct?

In addition, you are also welcomed to provide your case by submitting it directly via email to tammy.moilanen@wcbef.com. All submissions must be written in English and must exclusively be submitted the respective social media platforms mentioned or via email. The PR & Media manager will be responsible for overseeing all submissions.

The campaign will be organised by World Bioeconomy Forum and Biovoices and supported by international parties including:

The World BioEconomy Forum will select three favourites out of all the posts and submissions which will be displayed at the World Bioeconomy Forum 2022 in the beginning of the third session, Bioproducts around us.

Biovoices will organise interviews with their top 10 favourite submissions.

Timeline

02 June 2022: Official launch for Bioproduct day and submissions open
7 June – 7 July 2022: Bioproduct day campaign
7 July 2022: World Bioproduct Day
July 2022 Bioproduct day and favourite cases announced

Contact

Tammy Moilanen, tammy.moilanen@wcbef.com
Selenia Marinelli, marinelli@fvaweb.it
Susanna Albertini, albertini@fvaweb.it

From date
2022-06-07
To date
2022-07-07
Bioeconomy Day 2022

Bioeconomy Day 2022

Posted on by Selenia Marinelli

The Bioeconomy Day 2022 took place in Ravenna, Italy, hosted by Alighieri Theatre, on the 25th and 26th of May. The initiative was launched by the Cluster SPRING (the Italian Cluster of Circular Bioeconomy),  in collaboration with Assobiotec-Federchimica, Raul Gardini Foundation, APRE and FVA representing the European funded project Transition2Bio, Novamont and Re Soil Foundation and the European Bioeconomy Network.

The two days stimulated the debate on the importance  of embracing a radical paradigm shift in the current model for the economic development, with the aim of making it more sustainable. The event engaged major Italian players from the economic and financial sectors (e.g. Novamont, Confagricoltura, Coldiretti, Orogel, ABI, Intesa San Paolo, etc.) but also important stakeholders, representatives of the Academia and policymakers. The festival also hosted Gunter Pauli, economist, entrepreneur, author and founder of the Blue Economy model. Together with the round tables and speeches, the awarding ceremony of the school competition “Bioeconomy4YOU” took place during the second day of the festival, which was entirely dedicated to young generations and their role in the green transition.

The first round table was about the role of circular bioeconomy as pillar of the ecological transition, with a special focus on the importance of communicating the bioeconomy, an activity promoted by many European funded projects like BIOVOICES and Transition2Bio, in this occasion represented by Chiara Pocaterra (APRE) and Susanna Albertini (FVA). The book for kids “what’s bioeconomy”, translated in 12 languages and distributed in more than 20.000 copies, was presented as a success story.

“The circular bioeconomy is necessary to drive the ecological transition and increase the competitiveness of our country”, said Catia Bastioli, A.D. of Novamont and President of Cluster SPRING, who also added that this operation requires a systemic approach to support the  value chain creation, as well as to develop eco-design and increase the biodegradability of products.

Two key examples on how bioeconomy in Italy is a strong sector lead by women were also presented with the participation Silvia Buzzi, Caviro Extra’s HSE & Sustainability Manager and Carla Marchioro, Director of the R&D division of Endura SpA. Silvia shown how her company – which is part of the largest wine cooperative in Italy – is engaged “in extracting added value compounds from all residues products of winemaking”. On the other hand, Carla explained how her company is a world leader in the production of Piperonyl Butoxide (PBO), which can be extracted from sassafras oil, but also synthesised by recycling solvents.

During the two days of the festival, the BioArt Gallery exhibition was displayed in the “Sala Corelli” with 24 panels showcasing the potential of the circular bioeconomy in everyday life, through practical examples of application of renewable materials, including residues, to produce bio-based solutions in different sectors.

Bioeconomy4YOU, the role of young generations

The second day of the Bioeconomy Day, was entirely dedicated to students, young people and teachers and the main event was the awarding ceremony of the Bioeconomy4YOU school competition, organized by Re Soil Foundation in collaboration with Cluster SPRING, Raul Gardini Foundation, Novamont and Transition2Bio (APRE e FVA). The aim of the contest was to raise awareness, inform and educate young generations on these topics, collecting and awarding the most creative ideas on how they imagine their future in the circular bioeconomy.

41 applications were submitted to the competition, which was divided in four different categories:

  1. Primary schools
  2. Secondary schools
  3. High Schools, with two different categories, “bio-product” and “Our bio-future”
  4. Teachers

The jury selected the best ideas, taking into account the originality and creativity of the proposal, the correct identification of an environmental problem, the quality and clarity of presentation and the consideration of the entire life cycle of the product.

Winning students and teachers were awarded with money prizes, educational materials, bio-based gadgets, books and magazines.

From date
2022-05-25
To date
2022-05-26
Startupper School Academy 2021-2022 award ceremony

Startupper School Academy 2021-2022 award ceremony

Posted on by Selenia Marinelli

Last June 1, 2022 the award ceremony for the school competition Startupper School Academy was organized in partnership with Lazio Innova and took place in presence but also live streamed on the Lazio Region social media channels.

A specific Bioeconomy Prize was established within the competition and several capacity building activities will be organized by Transition2BIO in collaboration with BIObec project, the EuBioNet and high-level partners (also involved in the competition) like Novamont, Cluster SPRING and ReSoil Foundation.

Transition2Bio representatives participated in the event on behalf of the bioeconomy team and awarded the students competing for the bioeconomy prize with several bio-based gadgets and the possibility to be interviewed and to participate to large scale events such as the EU Researchers’ Night and Maker Faire.

The BioArt Gallery was also exhibited in the main room where the ceremony took place.

The award ceremony was attended by, among others: Paolo Orneli, councilor for Economic Development, Commerce and Crafts, Research, Start-up and Innovation of the Lazio Region; Nicola Tasco, president of Lazio Innova and Luigi Campitelli, operative director of Spazi Attivi in Lazio Innova.

Startupper School Academy 2021-2022 involved 108 schools, 5,380 students and 253 teachers during this last edition, for a total of 141 business projects and 20 prototypes realized throughout the region. Overall, 1,000 institutes, 44,694 students and 1,720 teachers were involved in 7 editions, with 548 business models and 132 prototypes realized.

From date
2022-06-01
To date
2022-06-01
Grasslands as carbon sinks – How carbon farming and grass-based business models can contribute to the EU Green Deal

Grasslands as carbon sinks – How carbon farming and grass-based business models can contribute to the EU Green Deal

Posted on by Philipp Grundmann

Free online webinar

Around 21% of the EU’s total surface area is covered by grassland, which makes grassland management a relevant activity for the maintenance of agro-ecosystems and rural economies. However, most of this resource is mostly left unused. To unlock this potential, the Horizon 2020 GO-GRASS project (https://www.go-grass.eu) is supporting the production of sustainable grass-based products replacing existing fossil-based alternatives, such as fertilisers or plastic-packaging.

At the occasion of the EU Green Week 2022, which focuses on the European Green Deal, the GO-GRASS project will shed light on how increased grasslands and carbon sequestration are delivering benefits for biodiversity, climate neutrality, circular economy and water quality.

This online event, taking place from 14 to 16 CET on 1 June 2022, will present practices and resources that can foster the deployment of carbon farming linked to sustainable grassland management practices and circular agro-food systems in Europe.

The event will provide a chance for entrepreneurs, farmer organisations, policy makers, researchers, rural networks and other European and local stakeholders, to discover circular grass-based business models with high replication potential and solutions for carbon removals.

Link to register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_x6vb2D6WSYmCZ_kJhBcDVg

From date
2022-06-01
To date
2022-06-01
ICA-CoP Bio-Edu Colloquium “Interdisciplinary Education for the Bioeconomy: embedding the mindset of the bioeconomy in the curricula of Bachelor degree programmes”

ICA-CoP Bio-Edu Colloquium “Interdisciplinary Education for the Bioeconomy: embedding the mindset of the bioeconomy in the curricula of Bachelor degree programmes”

Posted on by Selenia Marinelli

The ICA Community of Practice for Bioeconomy Education is organizing a Colloquium about “Interdisciplinary Education for the Bioeconomy: embedding the mindset of the bioeconomy in the curricula of Bachelor degree programmes“, which will be held on Thursday 19 and Friday 20 May at the Monasterium Poortackere, Ghent, Belgium.

Useful links:
Colloquium Programme
Call for case studies
Registration

Colloquium focus

The Colloquium will focus on education for the Bioeconomy at the Bachelor level, with the focus on the ambition to develop the mindset of students for the Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy through the curriculum of Bachelor degree programmes.

Students follow many different Bachelor degree programmes which can provide opportunities for careers in the different fields of the bioeconomy represented by agriculture, forestry, horticulture, blue economy, food value chain, biotechnology, and the bio-based economy. However, many graduates on leaving education are not aware of the career opportunities and the scope of the Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy. Employers in these industries need staff who bring the perspective of the Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy to their particular job in the workplace.

These many existing specific Bachelor degree programmes, related to the many disciplines underpinning the Bioeconomy, need to incorporate within the curriculum an understanding of the concept and interdisciplinarity of the Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy.

The goal of the Colloquium is to address how such an interdisciplinarity mindset of the Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy should be embedded in the curricula of these Bachelor degree programmes.

The question is posed in terms of the concept of the structure of degree programmes based on the T principle. How to present the interdisciplinarity of the cross bar of the T in a degree programme with the specialisation portrayed by the vertical bar of the T? How should the balance be made between the cross bar and the vertical bar during the delivery of the curriculum? What learning trajectory steps should be made across the curriculum of a Bachelor degree programme to embed the mindset of the Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy in the student’s experience?

Bachelor and Master stand-alone Bioeconomy degree programmes are not the focus of this Colloquium but will contribute, through their defined learning outcomes, to the discussion of how to embed the interdisciplinarity of the Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy in specific Bachelor degree programmes.

Colloquium themes

Framing the challenge, by reviewing the learning outcomes from specific Bachelor and Master Bioeconomy degree programmes and then defining the learning outcomes required to deliver the Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy mindset.

Developing a learning trajectory for delivering the interdisciplinary concept in Bachelor degree programmes, which can contribute to the Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy.

Specific teaching and learning activities to support the development of interdisciplinarity for the bioeconomy, including cooperation with industry, in Bachelor specific degree programmes.

What strategic approaches are required to embed the delivery of this mindset in all Bachelor degree programmes in a life science faculty/ university.

The Colloquium Outcomes will allow delegates to:

  • Define the overarching learning outcomes for the developing the mindset of the Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy in Bachelor degree programmes underpinning the Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy – for the industry sectors of agriculture, forestry, blue economy, food value chain, biotechnology and the bio-based economy.
  • Define opportunities and learning activities in the learning trajectory to deliver the learning outcomes of the Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy in the curricula of specific Bachelor degree programmes.

Target Audience

Degree programme co-ordinators, lecturers, members of committees responsible for the (strategic) development of curricula. National education advisers are also invited to contribute to the discussion.

Colloquium Format

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

Colloquium organising committee

  • Josef Glössl, BOKU University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
  • Ingar Janzik, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH and Bioeconomy Science Center, Germany
  • Han van Osch (Chair), Avans University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands & Dutch Biobased Knowledge Network
  • Mona-Anitta Riihimäki, Häme University of Applied Sciences, Finland
  • George Sakellaris, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague & BioEast
  • Constantinos Vorgias, University of Athens, Greece
  • Simon Heath, ICA Deputy Secretary General
From date
2022-05-19
To date
2022-05-20
Bioeconomy strategy development in EU regions – JRC KCB just released a study

Bioeconomy strategy development in EU regions – JRC KCB just released a study

Posted on by Susanna Albertini
This study aimed to map and analyse the deployment of bioeconomy strategies at regional level in the EU-27. It was conducted from July 2021 to March 2022 and covered regulatory frameworks in place or under development as of November 2021 by the JRC Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy.
The focus was on regions at NUTS 1 and NUTS 2 territorial levels. The NUTS 3 level was only analysed in cases where no relevant information could be found at higher levels. Usually, the research focused on the predominant sub-national NUTS level in each country.
The findings show that 194 regions in the EU-27 have, or are working towards, a strategic framework related to the bioeconomy. Of these, 28 regions have fully dedicated bioeconomy strategies, while one region is elaborating such a strategy. 62 regions have strategic frameworks with strong bioeconomy focus, with other 7 regions elaborating such a strategy. Lastly, 94 regions have strategies with minimum bioeconomy content, while another 2 regions are developing such a strategy.
Overall, there are 359 bioeconomy-related strategies at regional level in the EU-27. Of those, 334 frameworks are published. Of these 334, 324 are regional and 10 are multi-regional strategic frameworks.
The report includes a methodological note, data and visualisations from the mapping, an analysis of commonalities and divergences between regional strategies across the EU based on their general characteristics and a focused summary for each Member State. It is complemented by the underpinning dataset, published separately.

Interested to know a few highlights from the study?:

In the EU-27, there are:
– 28 regions with fully dedicated bioeconomy strategies
– 62 with strategies with a strong bioeconomy focus
– 94 with strategies with minimum bioeconomy content
– 10 with strategies under development
Overall, 194 regions have a bioeconomy-related strategy

In total, there are 324 regional strategies related to the bioeconomy:
– 32 fully dedicated to the bioeconomy
– 209 where bioeconomy is embedded within a wider strategic framework
– 83 cover bioeconomy within a sectoral strategy

The regional strategies are well aligned with the EU bioeconomy strategy: most of them aim to tackle its objectives, especially to manage the natural resources sustainably, reduce dependence on non-renewable resources & create jobs.

The regional strategies show a wide & comprehensive portfolio of policy measures to enable the bioeconomy in the EU regions, like funding of R&I, to ensure policy coherence by improving governance, foster collaboration, promote & raise awareness, etc.

Different types of biomass resources are addressed by the regional strategies, especially those from agriculture, forests and wastes.

These and many more insights available in the report (https://lnkd.in/dQQWzygK). The underlying data is also available for further analysis (https://lnkd.in/dYRZa877)

From date
2022-05-16
To date
2022-05-16
The VALUEWASTE pilot experience in Kalundborg: a guided online visit!

The VALUEWASTE pilot experience in Kalundborg: a guided online visit!

Posted on by Africa Matilda Pardavila Morris

On the 31 of May 2022, the VALUEWASTE project organises an exchange trip with Spanish representatives from the project and local policymakers to visit the pilot experience of selective collection of urban biowaste the project is developing in Kalundborg, Denmark.

You can now take part in key parts of the visit through a live streaming programme. More information, registration and updates here!

#Bioeconomy #CircularEconomy #Kalundborg #Denmark

From date
2022-05-31
To date
2022-05-31
Seminar on “Digitization of biology for circular bioeconomy applications”

Seminar on “Digitization of biology for circular bioeconomy applications”

Posted on by Selenia Marinelli

The University of Tartu and Estonian Research Council are organizing a networking seminar on Digitisation of biology for circular bioeconomy applications, which will take place on May 31 from 15.00 to 17.00 CET in Brussels, Rue Guimard 11/13.

Registration are open until 23 May at this link.
You can download the full agenda at this link.

The combination of digitalisation and biotechnology provides a powerful opportunity to tackle the EU’s Green Deal challenges. With biology becoming a data-driven engineering discipline aiming to design disruptive biomanufacturing solutions, the EU has the opportunity to capitalise on exponential growth in research and investment in biosustainability. The seminar highlights the strategic approaches from the European Commission and leading R&D organisations, which have the potential to transform EU’s bioengineering and bioproduction sectors.

From date
2022-05-31
To date
2022-05-31
New European Commission’s ‘Have your say’ on “Circular economy monitoring framework”

New European Commission’s ‘Have your say’ on “Circular economy monitoring framework”

Posted on by Selenia Marinelli

The European Commission has just launched a new “Have you say” on “Circular economy monitoring framework“. Feedback period open until 03 June 2022  (midnight Brussels time).

In 2018, the Commission adopted a set of indicators to assess progress towards a more circular economy and the effectiveness of action at EU and national level. Citizens can follow progress on a dedicated website (https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/circular-economy). The present revision of the monitoring framework aims to better cover the production stage of the economic cycle and the links between circularity, climate neutrality and zero pollution, in line with the European Green Deal ambition.

All the detailed information are available here.

From date
2022-05-09
To date
2022-06-03
Become a Bioeconomy Youth Ambassador!

Become a Bioeconomy Youth Ambassador!

Posted on by Selenia Marinelli

The European Commission opened a call for the next Bioeconomy Youth Ambassador programme.

Are you between 18 and 35 years old and have experience or strong interest in bioeconomy and/or bioeconomy related fields (food systems, forestry, climate change…)?  Would you like to contribute to the sustainable and circular transition of Europe?

Apply by 13 June – 11:59PM CET to join the Bioeconomy Youth Ambassadors programme to:

  • lead by example, inform and inspire others about sustainable and circular bioeconomy
  • reach out to communities, students and civil society, and to engage decision-makers
  • work with social media to raise awareness about the role of the bioeconomy in everyone’s life
  • raise awareness for the bioeconomy especially in youth communities, support the ongoing youth and education related processes of the European Union

Full details are available here.

From date
2022-05-06
To date
2022-06-13