Upcoming events
Joint Conference 2024
Joint Conference:Towards New Horizons - Sustainable solutions in Agri-Food and Biotechnology
Breakfast Club 18
Breakfast Club 18: Thursday, September 12th
Prof. Hervé Vanderschuren - Professor Plant Genetics (ULiege) and Tropical Horticulture (KU Leuven), Belgium
Title: Post Harvest losses mitigation by improved plant hEALING
Prof. Daniel Pleissner - Scientific director at the Institute for Food and Environmental Research (ILU), Germany
Title: Decentralized bioprocesses for the conversion of residues with
low climate impact
🧑🌾In this webinar, two innovative approaches to enhancing agricultural sustainability are explored. The first presentation discusses strategies for mitigating post-harvest losses through improved plant healing techniques. By focusing on enhancing the natural healing processes in crops, this approach helps to extend shelf life and reduce waste, benefiting both farmers and consumers. 🥒The second topic dives into decentralized bioprocesses for converting agricultural residues with minimal climate impact. These processes enable the local and efficient transformation of residues into valuable products, like bioenergy or fertilizers, while reducing carbon emissions. The seminar highlights how these low-impact technologies can contribute to a circular economy and foster sustainable agricultural practices. Watch to learn about cutting-edge methods for tackling key challenges in food systems and promoting environmental resilience.
Summer School
Assessment of agriculture GHGs with process-based models
Venue: University College Dublin, Dublin 04, Ireland
Outcomes
Fundamentals of biogeochemical processes occurring in agroecosystems and the resultant C and N emissions.
Capacity development for data collection, compilation and synthesis for modelling and reporting.
Hands-on training on the process-based model DNDC for simulation of greenhouse gases & SOC density changes.
Practical experience in the analysis of model outputs and their uses in own research works.
Lecturers
Dr. Ibrahim Khalil, Prudence College Dublin, Ireland
Prof. Bruce Osborne, University College Dublin, Ireland
Prof. Ana Meijde, University of Bonn,Germany
Prof. Peter Dörsch, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway
Prof. Mari Philatie, University of Helsinki, Finland
Dr. Katja Klumpp, National Research Institute for Agriculture, France
Dr. Frank Verheijen, University of Aveiro, Portugal
Delivered by: Prudence College Dublin, Dublin 22, Ireland.
Organasid by: TrueSoil: A Transnational Project funded by EJP Soil Through National Funding Agencies
For further information please contact: Dr. Ibrahim Khalil +353 85 785 9546 or i.khalil@prudencecollege.ie
2nd GEH Call: deadline for pre-registration of proposals
The Green ERA Hub Call is open for the submission of proposals that will address “Crop and livestock farming meeting the challenges of climate change”.
A Call Announcement and supporting documents with further information of the Call can be found on: Green Era Hub: Call2 (submission-greenerahub.eu)
The deadline for pre-registration of proposals is July 31, 12:00h CEST (noon).
The deadline for full proposal submission is September 5, 12:00h CEST (noon).
Note: There will be a webinar for applicants on 21st of June 2024, 9:30 CEST. You can register for this meeting using the following link:
https://ptj-fzj.webex.com/weblink/register/rba0dc984459f9fe9e613d233905fcbdd
Call documents and submission tool: Green Era Hub: Call2 (submission-greenerahub.eu)
2nd GEH Call: Open call
The Green ERA Hub Call is open for the submission of proposals that will address “Crop and livestock farming meeting the challenges of climate change”.
A Call Announcement and supporting documents with further information of the Call can be found on: Green Era Hub: Call2 (submission-greenerahub.eu)
The deadline for pre-registration of proposals is July 31, 12:00h CEST (noon).
The deadline for full proposal submission is September 5, 12:00h CEST (noon).
Note: There will be a webinar for applicants on 21st of June 2024, 9:30 CEST. You can register for this meeting using the following link:
https://ptj-fzj.webex.com/weblink/register/rba0dc984459f9fe9e613d233905fcbdd
Call documents and submission tool: Green Era Hub: Call2 (submission-greenerahub.eu)
Breakfast Club 17
Breakfast Club 17: Thursday, June 20th
Dr. Eleonora Cominelli - Senior Researcher at the Italian National Research Council (CNR), Italy
Title: BIOfortification of common Bean to promote heaLthy dIEt and
Food security in a context of climatic variation
Prof. Abdelilah Meddich - Professor at Cadi Ayyad University, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Morocco
Title: Innovative biofertilizers boosting yield of cereals and horticultural crops
under global climate change: Toward Sustainability of Agricultural systems against the Climate Change in arid zones
✨🥘Discover how biofortification of common beans can promote a healthy diet and food security in the context of climate variation, alongside 🌱innovative biofertilizers that boost yields of cereals and horticultural crops, advancing sustainable agriculture in arid zones under global climate change.
Launch of the FutureFoodS EU Partnership
On June 19 2024, more than 100 research and innovation experts convened in Dijon to help support the transition to sustainable food systems by sharing insights, initiatives and joining forces within this partnership.
The kick-off meeting was organised by The French National Research Agency (ANR) and German Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE). Special thanks to John Bell of the European Commission, Akiko Suwa-Eisenmann from the United Nations, and all the panellists of the round table representing related initiatives (SCAR, CLEVERFOOD, AGROECOLOGY, WATER4All, ERA4Health) that also contribute to the FutureFoodS partnership.
FutureFoodS, the co-funded partnership on Food Systems under Horizon Europe, the EU R&I programme, brings together 84 partners from 29 countries. The Partnership is expected to mobilise EUR 175 million in European Union contributions, with a total indicative budget of EUR 525 million over the next 7 to 10 years.
The mission of FutureFoodS is to accelerate the transformation of national, EU, and global food systems, ensuring they are safe, sustainable, healthy, resilient, and trusted by all, while respecting planetary boundaries. This initiative aligns with the European Green Deal objective to create fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly food systems, from primary production to consumption.
The Partnership has outlined several planned actions, including:
open calls for research and innovation, with the first call expected to be launched by the end of 2024.
Living Labs
a new European food system observatory
multiple knowledge-sharing events
ANR, the French National Research Agency organised the launch event, in collaboration with the German Federal Office for Agriculture and Food. Over 120 attendees participated in person. Discussions covered synergies with other complementary initiatives, such as the Food 2030 policy, Horizon Europe Cluster 6 “Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment”, the EU Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe”, and the work carried out under the Standing Committee for Agricultural Research (SCAR).
Breakfast Club 16
Breakfast Club 16: Thursday, June 6th
Dr. Ronald Halim - Lecturer/Assistant Professor in the School of Biosystems and Food Engineering at University College Dublin, Ireland
Title: Unlocking the potential of microalgae for the valorisation of brewery waste products into omega-3 rich animal feed and fertilisers
Dr. Antonio Santoro - Senior Research Fellow at the Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Forestry Sciences and Technologies (DAGRI). University of Florence, Italy
Title: Socio-environmental shocks assessment and resilience empowerment in Mediterranean agri-food heritage systems: Italy, Morocco, Algeria FAO GIAHS sites
🥒🍈Discover groundbreaking innovations in agri-food systems! Learn how we're transforming brewery waste into omega-3 rich animal feed with microalgae and building resilience in Mediterranean agricultural heritage. Explore sustainable solutions that enhance food systems and protect our environment. Join us to see how science and sustainability come together for a greener future! 🌏
Breakfast Club 15
Breakfast Club 15: Thursday, May 23rd
Dr. Francesco Gai - Senior Researcher at the National Research Council, Italy
Title: The use of live insect larvae to improve sustainability and animal welfare of organic chicken production
Dr. Parag Acharya - Senior Fellow in Food Innovation, Innovation Growth Manager, Growing Kent & Medway Cluster, UK
Title: Climate smart food innovation using plant and seaweed proteins from
upcycled sources
🐓 🌾 Discover cutting-edge approaches in sustainable agriculture and climate-friendly food innovation. Explore how live insect larvae are transforming organic chicken farming, promoting sustainability, and enhancing animal welfare. Additionally, learn about climate-smart food solutions by unlocking the potential of plant and seaweed proteins derived from upcycled sources. Together, these initiatives contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future in agriculture and food production.🌏
Breakfast Club 14
Breakfast Club 14: Thursday, May 9th
Dr. Monica Mburu - Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Food Bioresources Technology. Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Kenya
Title: Integrated CHIA and oyster Mushroom system for Sustainable food value chain in Africa
Prof. Gökşen Çapar - Full professor and Director of the Water Management Institute. Ankara University, Turkiye
Title: Cross-border climate impacts on food trade between Europe, Africa and Turkiye
🍄Discover how the integration of CHIA and oyster mushroom systems is revolutionizing the food value chain, enhancing resilience, and promoting circularity in agricultural practices🌱 AND 🌐Explore the intricate web of climate impacts on food trade across continents. Join our discussion on the complexities and challenges faced by Europe, Africa, and Turkey as they navigate cross-border trade dynamics in the face of changing climate.
Breakfast Club 13
Breakfast Club 13: Thursday, April 25th
Dr. Katarzyna Negacz - Assistent Professor at the Institute for Environmental Studies (VM) at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)
Title: Saline Agriculture as a Strategy to Adapt to Climate Change
Prof. Julian May - Director of the National Research Foundation - Departement of Science and Innovation (NRF-DSI) Centre of Excellence in Food Security at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), South Africa
Title: Urban Food Resilience under Climate Change Challenges: The case of a South African secondary city
🌾Check our our webinar! We explore innovative strategies for adapting to climate change in agriculture and urban environments. In the first talk, we'll dive into the concept of saline agriculture as a promising approach to mitigate the impacts of climate change on food production. 🌍Then, we'll shift our focus to urban food resilience, examining the case study of a South African city and discovering strategies to bolster food security in the face of climate challenges!
Widening to Western Balkan Countries Event
Widening to Western Balkan Countries Event: Friday, April 12th, Italy, Rome
Introduction
One of GEH's activities is aimed at expanding into the Western Balkan countries. The opportunity to strengthen cooperation with and within the ERA is a great opportunity to improve both ties and relationships between countries at all levels (institutions, research centers, stakeholders) in our areas of interest, and the capacity itself to jointly address research needs that are, particularly in our remit, transboundary and multi-sectoral. The GEH is therefore focused on establishing contacts with funders and researchers from the five target countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia) to exchange experiences, inform them about the functioning of the new EU partnerships and related opportunities, and explore concrete opportunities for cooperation, in particular for implementing joint calls for research projects in the context of Horizon Europe. Other cooperation activities may also be considered.
After a successful online meeting on 7 February 2024, our second event on 12 April 2024, at the same venue, will be dedicated to extending cooperation to Western Balkan countries. This event promises to further strengthen ties and promote cooperation in the region.
Annual Socratic Dialogue Event
Annual Socratic Dialogue Event: Thursday, April 11th Italy, Rome
Introduction to ‘Socratic Dialogue’
"Socratic Dialogue" events acts as a conduit for collaboration among funding agencies and stakeholder partners, particularly within the Agri-food and Biotechnology sector targeted by the GEH.
The choice of the term "Socratic Dialogue" draws inspiration from the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates (Athens, 469-399 B.C.E). Socrates, known for his open dialogues with fellow citizens, engaged in conversations that touched upon diverse subjects, transcending the confines of traditional philosophy. In the GEH context, specifically in this task, which focuses on the transnational exchange of best practices related to international research cooperation, we embrace a broader interpretation of Socratic Dialogue.
In the GEH context, where transnational exchange of best practices related to international research collaboration is central, we adopt dialogue as a collaborative interrogation method with the aim of promoting mutual learning and collaboration among participants. Our focus is on a dialogical aspect, and the intention is to create an interactive conversation by asking questions within a relevant topic that fosters a valuable exchange between participants towards mutual learning and upgrading knowledge.
Join us for the annual Socratic Dialogue with the theme "A sea of cooperation: Towards a close Euro-Mediterranean research community".
This engaging dialogue, is designed to facilitate the exchange of information and reflections on strengthening cooperation among Mediterranean countries in the ERA. Our focus will be on joint research and innovation (R&I) efforts in the agri-food and bioeconomy sectors. Expect an atmosphere of open dialogue and mutual learning.
Breakfast Club 12
Breakfast Club 12: Thursday, April 10th
Dr. Raymond Kelly - Head of Research Support at Teagasc, Ireland. Representative of the EU Member States and Associated Countries on the International Bioeconomy Forum (IBF). Member of the Impact 2030 Implentation Group and the Horizon Europe High Level Group.
Title: Career development and funding opportunities for Early Career Researchers
Dr. Orlaith Ni Choncubhair - Senior Officer at Teagasc, Ireland. Member of the Irish Bioeconomy Implentation Group and the International Advisory Council on Global Bioeconomy. Coordinator of the EU-funded RefreSCAR project.
Title: Career development and funding opportunities for Early Career Researchers
🔊Tune in to our webinar video featuring a dynamic discussion on "💰📚 Career Development and Funding Opportunities for Early Career Researchers 💡". Discover essential insights into advancing your career and accessing financial support in the academic world. Don't miss this valuable resource for early career researchers!
Breakfast Club 11
Breakfast Club 11: Thursday, March 21th
Prof. Bettina Siebers: Professor of Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry & Environmental Microbiology, University of Duisburg-Essen
Title: Thermophilic bacterial and archaeal chassis for extremolyte production
Prof. Trygve Brautaset: Professor at the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Title: Replacing food competing feedstocks with Methanol, CO2 and Methylamine for a Sustainable Bioeconomy
🔥🔥From Extreme Environments to Sustainable Solutions: Join us as we explore the fascinating world of microbial extremophiles, showcasing their potential for extremolyte production and their contribution to a more sustainable bioeconomy!
Blue Bioeconomy ERA-NET Cofund Final Meeting
Blue Bioeconomy ERA-NET Cofund Final Meeting: 19 March 2024, Norway House Brussels, Belgium
Invitation
The BlueBio Final meeting will focus on the science-policy aspects and learnings from the ERA-NET and is for actors in the science-policy landscape who work on developing and implementing partnerships, coordinating portfolios, developing international calls and preparing for Horizon Europe and FP10. At the BlueBio Final meeting, discussions will be facilitated to improve the strategic implementation of instruments like ERA-NETs.
As a central actor in this space, we would like to invite you to join us in Brussels.
The event will be at Norway House, Rue Archimède 17, 1000 Bruxelles. A Final Meeting reception will be held in the evening at BIGH, Rue Ropsy Chaudron 24 boîte 35, 1070 Anderlecht.
Register to indicate your attendance here: https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1XsvzbDyFT6uLV4nmWngJogfnrk0
More about the BlueBio ERA-NET Cofund: https://bluebioeconomy.eu
Breakfast Club 10
Breakfast Club 10: Wednesday, March 6th
Dr. Cristina Gonzalez: Senior Researcher & Head of the Biotechnological Processes Unit, IMDEA Energy Institute
Title: Sustainable oleochemicals bioproduction from carboxylates via oleaginous fermentation.
Dr. Heike Sträuber: Senior Scientist at the Research Group of Microbiology of Anaerobic Systems, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research
Title: Engineering microbial communities for the conversion of lignocellulose into medium-chain carboxylate
🌏Unlocking Sustainable Solutions: Discover how cutting-edge microbial technologies are revolutionizing bioproduction. From converting organic waste into eco-friendly oils through oleaginous fermentation to engineering microbial communities to transform wood into valuable medium-chain carboxylates. @GreenERAHub @Cell4Chem
Breakfast Club 9
Breakfast Club 9: Thursday, February 22nd
Prof. Aitziber Lopez Cortajarena: Research Professor at the Basque Foundation for Science & Scientific Director at CIC biomaGUNE
Title: Engineered proteins as scaffolds to assemble efficient multi-enzyme systems
Prof. Alison Smith: Professor of Plant Biochemistry in the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambirdge
Title: Developing algal production platforms for high value chemicals
🧪 Discover how engineered proteins are revolutionizing enzyme assembly for enhanced efficiency. Then, explore into the fascinating world of algae production platforms and their potential for generating high-value chemicals. Join us as leading experts share insights, advancements, and the future of biotechnological innovation.
Breakfast Club 8
Breakfast Club 8: Thursday, February 8th
Dr. Katarina Cankar: Senior Scientist Plant Biochemical Diversity, Wageningen University
Title: Biotechnological production of sustainable indole
Dr. Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro: Reader in Synthetic Biology, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London
Title: Synthetic biology and engineered microbial communities for sustainable bioproduction
⚗️Uncover the realm of synthetic biology and engineered microbial communities in our talk on sustainable bioproduction. Witness the fusion of cutting-edge synthetic biology techniques with microbial engineering, paving the way for environmentally conscious and efficient bioproduction methods.
Widening to the Western Balkan Countries: Online Meeting
Widening to the Western Balkan Countries: Wednesday, February 7th
Online Meeting
Invitation
We are glad to announce a new initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests (MASAF) as part of the Green ERA-Hub (GEH) program.
For Task 6.2 of GEH we are actively working on establishing connections with funders and researchers in the Western Balkan region.
The aims are to share experiences, inform about new EU Partnerships, and explore collaboration opportunities, including joint calls for research projects with the Western Balkan countries to make them more aware about the functioning of different partnerships and the resulting benefits.
We invite you to join us on 7th of February from 10:00am to 1:00pm to the online meeting "Widening to the Western Balkan Countries" where we will discuss collaboration opportunities, funding possibilities, and the functioning of new EU Partnerships.
This meeting will serve as preparation for an event in presence planned in Rome on April 2024 (on this, further communication will follow), but it also provides a first opportunity for networking and knowledge sharing.
Blue Bioeconomy ERA-NET Cofund Policy Event
Blue Bioeconomy ERA-NET Cofund Policy Event: 30 January 2024, Brussels, European Parlement or Online
Connecting the dots for a Circular Blue Bioeconomy
Hosted by MEP Clara Aguilera.
The BlueBio ERA-NET Cofund - which gathers 30 partners from 17 countries, with the ambition to strengthen Europe's position in the blue bioeconomy - is holding an event in the European Parliament entitled: "Connecting the dots for a circular Blue Bioeconomy - From Science to Policy and Regulatory Solutions".
The event will highlight the latest developments and potentials in the blue bioeconomy. Barriers to unleashing the full potential of a circular European blue bioeconomy will also be discussed aiming to provide clear policy and regulatory recommendations, focussing on three issues:
Authorising algae as an ingredient
Valorising aquaculture and fisheries side-streams
The event will take place in the European Parliament and will be webstreamed. If you wish to participate in person, please chose that option in the form. Please note that the number of seats in the room is limited. Your effective registration will be confirmed by email.
More about the BlueBio ERA-NET Cofund: https://bluebioeconomy.eu
Breakfast Club 7
Breakfast Club 7: Thursday, January 25th
Prof. Frank Delvigne: Professor in Microbial Biotechnology, Université de Liège
Title: Control of yeast-bacteria co-cultures under continuous cultivation
Dr. Alan Goddard: Reader at Aston University, School of Life and Health Sciences
Title: Biotechnology at the cell MemBRane
🦠 📚 Embark on a scientific voyage as we unravel the mysteries of yeast-bacteria co-cultures in continuous cultivation. Join us in exploring the cutting-edge realm of biotechnology at the cellular membrane, where innovation meets wine production. Witness the delicate dance of microorganisms and uncover the scientific marvels shaping the world of biotech.
Breakfast Club 6
Breakfast Club 6: Wednesday, January 10th
Prof. Tim Bugg: Professor of Biological Chemistry, The University of Warwick
Title: Microbial conversion of lignin to monomers for bio-based plastics using synthetic biology
Dr. Jose Jimenez: Reader at Imperial College London, Department of Life Sciences
Title: Microbial integration of plastics in the circular economy
🦠Unlocking the Potential of Microbes: Dive into the world of microbial innovation with our latest YouTube video! Explore how microbes are revolutionizing the circular economy by integrating plastics and converting lignin into bio-based plastics using cutting-edge synthetic biology techniques. Learn about the transformative role microbes play in sustainable solutions, shaping the future of eco-friendly materials.
Breakfast Club 5
Breakfast Club 5: Thursday 7th December
Dr. Marc Moraine – Research Engineer at the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRAE)
Title: Circularity in re-integrated crop-livestock systems at territory level: pathways and limits for transitions
Dr. Mihaela Balanescu - Senior Researcher at Beia Consult International
Title: Challenges and solutions for GHGs emissions mitigation for the mixed farming systems across different European climates
🌏🌾🐄Explore sustainable agriculture in a past webinar featuring talks on circularity in re-integrated crop-livestock systems and the challenges of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in European mixed farming. Dr.Marc Moraine (INRAE) discussed transitions in re-integrated systems, while Dr. Mihaela Balanescu (Beia Consult International) addressed emissions mitigation in diverse European climates. Gain insights into fostering circular and environmentally conscious farming practices.🌱🎙️
Breakfast Club 4
Breakfast Club 4: Thursday 23rd November
Prof. Bruce Osborne - University College of Dublin
Title: Uncertainties in the use of land use/cover modifications for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change mitigation
Prof. Martin van Ittersum - Wageningen University
Title: Three principles of circularity and applications
🌏♻️Gain a comprehensive understanding of environmental sustainability in agriculture through two insightful talks. The first addresses uncertainties in utilizing land use modifications for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change mitigation. The second explores three fundamental principles of circularity and their practical applications within agricultural systems.
Breakfast Club 3
Breakfast Club 3: Thursday 9th November
Prof. Hannah van Zanten: Interim Chair and Associate professor, Wageningen University & Research
Title: Circular food systems towards human and planetary health
🌏Explore the transformative concept of circular food systems in this insightful talk. Delve into how circular approaches can contribute to both human and planetary health. Gain valuable insights into sustainable practices that prioritize circularity, fostering a healthier connection between food production, consumption, and the well-being of our planet
Breakfast Club 2
Breakfast Club 2: Thursday 26th October
Prof. Julie Ryschawy, an Assisting Professor in Agroecology/Landscape Agronomy at INRAE, directs her focus towards the innovative realm of agricultural practices. Her work centers around the development of "Dynamix," a serious game designed to foster connections between crop and livestock farmers at the local level. Through this engaging approach, Prof. Ryschawy aims to enhance collaboration and understanding within the agricultural community, contributing to the sustainable evolution of farming systems.
Meanwhile, Prof. Barbara Amon, a Senior Research Scientist at the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy of Potsdam (ATB) in Germany, is deeply immersed in advancing the sustainability of circular mixed farming systems for dairy production. Her research encompasses the development of multi-criteria assessment, decision support, and management tools. Through these tools, Prof. Amon strives to provide comprehensive solutions that promote the sustainability and efficiency of dairy production within the broader context of circular farming systems.
Submission call for Early Career Researcher applicants
Submission call for Early Career Researcher applicants: Tuesday 10th October
Mobility and Knowledge Exchange
Grants for Internships
Short-term Stay at research institutes or public organisations for Early Career Researchers