Welcome back to the Engage4BIO newsletter! As we approach the end of the year, we are excited to share the latest updates, activities, and opportunities from across our regional hubs. This month, we shine a spotlight on the "This is Bioeconomy!" International Design Award, a key initiative that invites creatives and innovators to explore bio-based solutions for the green transition. Continue reading for highlights from our hubs, recent accomplishments, and upcoming events as we continue to build a sustainable, bio-based future together. 

The "This is Bioeconomy!" International Design Award, part of the Engage4BIO project, invites creatives and innovators to advance bio-based solutions for the green transition.

The competition is open to students, young professionals, designers, and anyone passionate about sustainability and innovation and you can submit your application  

We are looking for projects or concepts, which could be small-scale developments, innovative ideas, student initiatives or works created by a practitioner with any connection to biomass involving experimental realizations in art and design.

By integrating design thinking and bio-design, it connects art with sustainability to drive impactful change. The award not only showcases new ideas but also emphasizes practical, scalable solutions, fostering broad societal engagement and regional transformation. Art and design are essential tools for developing innovative solutions and for effectively communicating objectives to broader communities. This approach fosters a bio-based future by making it more understandable and accessible.

The “This is Bioeconomy!” International Design Award celebrates creativity in addressing global challenges using bioeconomy solutions. Here's a quick overview of the key details:

HOW TO PARTECIPATE?
Submit your design entry via the Engage4BIO platform. Detailed terms and conditions are available here.

WHO CAN PARTECIPATE?
The competition is open to students, young professionals, designers, and anyone passionate about sustainability and innovation.

WHAT'S THE FOCUS?
Participants are encouraged to submit designs that demonstrate how bio-based solutions can positively impact industries and communities, with particular attention to sustainability, scalability, and regional relevance.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

💰 Prizes:

1st place: €2,000

2nd place: €1,000

Shortlist: €150

🏅 Recognition and exposure to a Europe-wide audience of bioeconomy stakeholders.

🌱 The chance to contribute to the green transition and connect with leading innovators.

DEADLINE

the applications’ deadline has been extended to February 4th , 2025!

Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your creativity and help drive the transition toward a bio-based future!

Our regional hubs have been busy bringing bioeconomy innovation to life through diverse and inspiring initiatives. Here’s some of the things they’ve been up to:

BZN’s Researchers’ Night in Hungary

Hungarian Engage4BIO partners organised special activities during the Researchers’ Night in Budapest and in Szeged. This was the debut of the Engage4BIO board game, in which participants could learn a lot about bioeconomy and won bio-based presents in the end. Visitors were also invited to answer questions and share their view about bioeconomy via a data visualization board.

Pop-Up Exhibition: Into Soil

Held at FUGA Budapest Center of Architecture, this event offered a powerful intersection of art and science. MOME’s video and light installation, co-created with local stakeholders, highlighted the hidden stories of soil and its critical role in a sustainable future. The exhibition captivated audiences with its unique visual narratives. Learn more.

Rooting Course: Narrative Soil Cartography in Balatonakali

MOME within the framework of ENGAGE4BIO embarked on a hands-on field trip to Balatonakali to deepen their understanding of soil health. Led by soil scientist Fruzsina Félegyházi, participants collected soil samples and explored the fascinating world of soil chromatography. This immersive experience combined scientific discovery with storytelling, helping participants connect with the ecosystem beneath their feet.

European Researchers’ Night in Palermo

Engage4BIO took center stage during the European Researchers' Night  in Palermo, engaging attendees with interactive discussions and showcasing the project’s goals and achievements. Events like this reinforce the importance of public awareness and involvement in bioeconomy advancements.

Academic Consultancy Training (ACT) Project in Wageningen 

Students from Wageningen University’s ACT program conducted an in-depth study on regional opportunities in the bioeconomy. Their research identified innovative solutions and provided actionable recommendations tailored to local contexts, enriching the Engage4BIO knowledge base. 

Sustainability in Packaging Life Cycle Course at Metropolia University (FI)

Metropolia University hosted a 5 ECTS course focusing on the life cycle of sustainable packaging. The program combined online learning with project-based activities, providing participants with practical skills to design environmentally friendly packaging solutions.

European Maritime Day: Blue Bioeconomy in Action in Palermo

The Italian Hub, in collaboration with Europe Direct Trapani, hosted the European Maritime Day 2024 in Palermo, showcasing good practices for blue growth in Italy. The event featured two awareness-raising campaigns co-created with local high school students, focusing on sustainable marine resource consumption and waste valorization. Attendees also previewed a video installation highlighting Engage4BIO's efforts to connect art and bioeconomy innovations.

“What’s next for bioeconomy education? VET and Life-long learning perspectives” Workshop by BioGov.net

Engage4BIO’s Project Partner EAEA has participated in the workshop “What’s next for bioeconomy education? VET and Life-long learning perspectives”. The aim of the online event was to shape the future of bioeconomy education and policy across Europe, gathering educators, policymakers, and experts to co-create impactful recommendations. Viola Pinzi  presented how our project’s educational guidelines for Regional Hubs to support bioeconomy practices can contribute to strenghten the role of bioeconomy in education and training, highlighting the case study of E4B’s Italian Hub.

As we head into 2025, Engage4BIO has an exciting lineup of activities designed to educate, inspire, and drive collaboration in the bioeconomy sector:

Adult Education: Week of Circular Economy

📍 March 2025, Wageningen University
This week-long program will delve into circular economy innovations, featuring workshops, lectures, and networking opportunities for professionals and students alike.

Training for Secondary School Students on Biomass Value Chains

📍 MOME/BZN/Karolina Primary and Secondary School
A special program tailored for secondary school students, introducing them to biomass value chains and their role in the transition to a sustainable bioeconomy.

Circular Textiles Pop-Up Expo: Week of Circular Economy 2025

📍 March 2025, Wageningen University
This dynamic exhibition will showcase cutting-edge innovations in circular textiles, providing insights into sustainable practices in the fashion industry.

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Then do not miss any Engage4BIO opportunity and Join our community! You will receive invitations to workshops and events in the future.

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