EBU’s Journey of Growth and Collaboration

As we have already ventured well into the fourth year since the establishment of European Bioeconomy University alliance and are steadily approaching the 5th anniversary, we stopped for a moment to look back on the journey taken so far to realise that it has been filled with growth, collaboration, and significant achievements. From engaging events to welcoming new core members, the alliance has paved the way for a promising future and we are looking forward for what is in store for us, starting with the exciting initiatives that lie ahead in 2024.

In the first half of BOKU’s tenure as Chair of the EBU Presidency, 2023 witnessed continuous growth for EBU. This growth extended beyond the expansion of our network, encompassing increased collaboration opportunities. Building upon the steady successes achieved in previous years, 2023 became a pivotal period for the EBU Alliance, characterised by a series of milestones that have opened up new possibilities for the future.

A Year of BOKU’s Presidency

Among other things, a highlight of 2023 was the successful European Bioeconomy Scientific Forum 2023 – EBSF2023, hosted by the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), which was the first in-person EBU forum (read more about the event here). The event brought together scientists, experts, policymakers, industry representatives, youth and other stakeholders from across Europe to share experiences, discuss challenges, and identify opportunities for advancing the bioeconomy transformation. Coming from 21 different European countries, a total of 221 participants joined the event; among them, 45% were 35 years of age or younger, making of the event a very successful one for the EBU network.

Continuing the relentless efforts towards supporting multi- and trans-disciplinary research work, the Coordination Group kicked off also a new round of support to the development of project proposals under the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2024. As a result of a preliminary selection of potential topics, the Coordination Group brought together interested experts from every corner of the EBU alliance and was followed up by the organisation of four workshops by the established consortia during the EBSF2023. This process will be then soon concluded by the submission of just as many proposals by the end of February 2024, finger crossed for the final stretch in the writing phase!

Lastly, with the development of the alliance over the years, the revision of the internal governance of EBU became a priority of the first half of 2023, which led to the amendment of the Memorandum of Understanding existing among the EBU members. These new changes brought EBU to extend the core membership and include two esteemed institutions. Indeed, the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW) and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), which were already EBU affiliated universities became officially core members of the alliance through a signatory process of a new MoU during the EBSF2023.

Starting 2024 on a High Note: Looking Ahead to 2024

The momentum reached in 2023 continued into 2024 as the Coordination Group convened for the first in-person meeting of the year on 11-12 January 2024, hosted by AgroParisTech in Palaiseau, France. The inspiring campus – a model for the seamless integration of education, research, and innovation – served as an ideal setting to build upon the previous successes. Indeed, this meeting served as a pivotal moment for reflection, strategy discussions, and laying the foundation for the exciting journey ahead.

As we stand on the threshold of a new chapter, several exciting opportunities await the EBU Alliance in 2024. Initiatives, collaborations, and events are on the horizon, with details set to unfold in the coming months. Notably, as 2024 marks the 5th anniversary since the EBU foundation, this year’s efforts will commemorate the alliance’s growth and impact over the years as a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines the Alliance. As we eagerly anticipate the unfolding of 2024, the EBU Presidency extends heartfelt thanks to every member of the EBU network, especially the EBU partner universities, for the unwavering contribution, passion, and dedication.

Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey together!