Meeting of the European Bioeconomy University consortium – summary of five years of activity

The European Bioeconomy University (EBU) consortium, which unites Europe’s leading universities specializing in bioeconomy, held its meeting on 19-20 November. The network includes AgroParisTech, the University of Bologna, the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), the University of Hohenheim, Wageningen University & Research (WUR), the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), and the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW).

The SGGW delegation was led by Prof. Dr. Michał Zasada, Rector of SGGW.

Reviewing Five Years of Collaboration and Passing the Presidency

During the one-day conference, participants reviewed five years of consortium activities, reflecting on its achievements and exploring future directions for collaboration. A key moment of the event was the official transition of the EBU presidency. After two years of leadership by the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), the presidency was handed over to the University of Eastern Finland (UEF).

Enhanced Opportunities for Doctoral Students

An integral part of the meeting was the gathering of rectors and presidents from partner universities. A significant outcome of these discussions was the signing of the Co-tutelle Agreement, which opens new doors for EBU doctoral students. The agreement enables doctoral candidates to conduct their research under the supervision of two advisors from different member universities, fostering a robust international framework for education and research.

The EBU consortium exemplifies successful international collaboration, driving innovation and sustainable development in bioeconomy while addressing global challenges through interdisciplinary cooperation.