Blue Bioeconomy Showcase
2021-10-22 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
A showcase of Irish sustainable bioproducts made from marine resources

The Circular Bioeconomy Cluster South-West Cluster, FANBEST Project and BiOrbic are coming together to shine a light on the role of innovators using marine based materials to create sustainable bioproducts ready for market.
Organised in partnership with FanBest, Circular Bioeconomy Research Group and Biorbic.
Hear from companies Nutramara, This is Seaweed, Plantruption about their products and what’s next.
Register via Eventbrite and a Zoom link will be shared ahead of the event.

Financing the Bioeconomy
2021-10-22 15:00 - 17:00 UTC | Online
Financing the bioeconomy is always a new challenge. This event will outline the help available to assist in navigating the pathway across the difficult valley from ‘Research to Business funding’. We will also hear about sources of funding from the European Circular BioEconomy €250 million Fund.

MPowerBIO Empowers Clusters to Bring SMEs Across the Financial Valley of Death
Many SMEs experience that even though they have a good idea or a good product, they cannot get an investor. They need to be able to pitch their idea perfectly, have a strong business plan, a clear strategy, a well-defined customer base, etc. to attract investors. Filippo will present on how IBF and MPower BIO can assist in navigating the pathway across the difficult valley from ‘Innovation to Business’.
Dr. Filippo Giancarlo Martinelli (MBA, PDEng, MSc), European Ambassador, Irish Bioeconomy Foundation

Funding Perspectives for Scale-up in the European Bioeconomy
ECBF is the first venture fund exclusively focused on the bioeconomy and the circular bioeconomy in Europe. With a target size of €250 million, to which the European Investment Bank (EIB) has committed €100 million, ECBF will be an important financial instrument in achieving the European Green Deal goals of making Europe climate neutral by 2050.
Dr. Michael Brandkamp, European Circular Bioeconomy Fund, Germany

Cross-border funding opportunities in a critical sector for the island – InterTradeIreland
InterTradeIreland sees huge opportunities for business growth in Northern Ireland and Ireland through an island wide approach to the bioeconomy. Its passion is to see sectoral growth in the bioeconomy fuelled by cross-border trade and collaboration. In this talk David will share some of the success stories that InterTradeIreland has helped to facilitate in its efforts to help grow the bioeconomy across the island.
Dr David Burns, Science, Technology & Innovation Manager at InterTradeIreland

John McGeown, Head of Manufacturing, Allied Irish Bank (AIB)

This event is taking place as part of the National Bioeconomy Summit: https://bioeconomy.ie/

BiOrbic's Rubbish Ramble!
2021-10-23 10:15 - 11:30 UTC | sean moore park, Sean Moore Park, Dublin, Ireland
BiOrbic invites you to join us on Saturday to a ‘plogging’ event.
What?
Plogging is where you jog or walk through the city, picking up litter as you go. On Saturday we will have two teams:
Jogging Team Lead: Tanja Narancic
Walking Team Lead: Burcu Akkoyunlu
Each team will walk or jog for one hour and we’ll all meet up at the end for a nice coffee! We will then take some photos of what we managed to pick up and will share them on social media.
Where?
We’ll meet after Poolbeg Park Run at the start/end of the course. You can see their course here. We’ll also end back at the same place.
Gloves and bags will be provided.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/biorbics-rubbish-ramble-tickets-191609347717
It’s not our rubbish but it’s our city!

Launch Event: Bioeconomy Research Symposium
2022-10-17 09:00 - 14:00 UTC | Backweston Laboratory Campus, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, Ireland
Bioeconomy Ireland Week 2022 will be launched by Martin Heydon TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, with special responsibility for Research and Development, Farm Safety and New Market Development.
The launch will be followed by a a half a day ‘Bioeconomy Research Symposium’, where DAFM funded researchers will provide an outline and update of the bioeconomy research they are undertaking, and how it can be applied to aid Ireland’s transition towards a sustainable and circular bioeconomy. This will be in the form of oral and poster presentations.
The event will also include two panel discussions; one involving leading bioeconomy stakeholders and the second panel discussion to finish the event involving the event presenters.
Due to capacity limits, this is an invite only event.

Irish Seaweed with Dr Paul MacArtain from Dundalk Institute of Technology
2022-10-18 14:30 - 15:30 UTC | Dundalk Library, Roden Place, Dundalk, Louth, Ireland
Marine algae globally is an industry worth $14 billion and food ingredients and industrial products are reliant on the polysaccharides extracted from marine algae. In Ireland, there has been harvesting of seaweed for industrial purposes since the 1940’s with the establishment of the alginate industries (Ireland) in 1947. Irish seaweeds range from industrially harvested brown seaweed to delicate and nutritious red seaweeds. Higher value added products extracted from seaweeds have many applications from animal feeds to medicines. We will learn a little about the species of seaweed and what they contain as foods, resources, and environmental cleaners. We will also show a few products which use seaweed in their ingredients and we’ll taste some seaweeds from around Ireland.
Booking essential via Timify: https://bit.ly/3T24aGM

BioBeo and the Bioeconomy
2022-10-18 19:00 - 20:00 UTC | Maynooth Community Library, Main Street, Maynooth, Kildare, W23 ND79, Ireland
Maynooth University lecturer, Dr Máire Nic an Bhaird, from the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education, has a leading role in a €2 million bioeconomy education project for primary, secondary and 3rd level students across Europe. She will join us in Maynooth Library to discuss the importance of the bioeconomy in regard to Europe’s response to the sustainability challenges ahead, incorporating the sustainable production of renewable resources from land, fisheries and aquaculture and their conversion into food, feed, high value bio-based products and bio-energy, as well as the public good stemming from such initiatives.
Máire will share why education to enhance public understanding and engagement are key to the advancement of the bioeconomy. Máire’s talk will highlight the overall aim of BioBeo which is to develop and deploy an education programme that will enhance understanding and engagement across society regarding ‘circularity’ and the bioeconomy. The ‘circular’ economy requires a systemic and transformative approach to production and consumption that effectively designs out waste and keeps materials and resulting products in use for as long as possible.
Máire will also discuss the importance of building a sustainable network of interconnected European educators and stakeholders committed to promoting the bioeconomy concept through all channels. BioBeo will provide the means for better coordination between bio-science and education in schools by developing the Circular Economy Science-Society message with a particular focus on circular lifestyle, circular behaviours, and a governance framework on society-wide engagement in bioeconomy policy.
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/maynoothlibrary/768624

Gut Health: It’s a Pig Deal!
2022-10-19 | TBC, Dublin
Does it matter what we feed our farm animals? Well, yes, it’s a pig deal!
BiOrbic and the AgriAware are running a primary school workshop at Airfield Estate Farm to explore all the ways we can improve animal gut health. Including:

What is a pig’s anatomy like?
How do pigs get sick and how can we protect them?
What different kinds of nutrition can we use to ensure our pigs are healthy?

After the workshop, we’ll be able to see some animals on the farm!

Scotland & Ireland Bioeconomy Innovation Collaboration: High Value Bio-based Ingredients
2022-10-19 11:00 - 12:30 UTC | Zoom
Build connections between Scotland and Ireland Circular Bioeconomy actors to commercialise high value bio-based products and ingredients
The circular bioeconomy is a USD $7.7 trillion opportunity for business and a key element in the fight against climate change, biodiversity loss and resource scarcity. Globally, the emphasis on this sector as an engine for economic growth is gaining momentum, with the European Bioeconomy Strategy in full swing and more recently the launch of the National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative in the USA.
This year, Scotland and Ireland are each hosting ‘Bioeconomy Week’ in October to raise awareness of the strategic importance of the role of industrial biotechnology in our future circular bioeconomy.
Lots of work is underway in our business and innovation community and more can be achieved through collaboration. With our closest neighbours, we have identified potential for strategic industry collaborations and shared knowledge to strengthen our competitiveness and value chains.
This event is an opportunity to explore in more detail how we can unlock high value bioeconomy opportunities.
Join this event to:

Learn about case studies of industry led innovation to create high value bio-based products
Hear about Training & Skills, Services and Facilities available through the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre and Munster Technological University
Share insights on what’s needed to scale collaborative activity
Engage first-hand about upcoming opportunities for future site visits facilitated through the Irish and Scottish innovation organisations.

Register on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/scotland-ireland-collaboration-high-value-bio-based-ingredients-tickets-427758064887

Mushrooms to unlock the future of the bioeconomy
2022-10-19 18:30 - 19:30 UTC | Monaghan Town Library, North Road,, Monaghan, H18 FT98, Ireland
Feeding the world sustainably is one of the biggest challenges for the future. But can the humble mushroom help solve the challenge of food security in our changing environment.
Join Dr Tony Martin Callaghan, co-founder of Niskus Biotech, a company of visionary scientists who are using fungi to create the new generation of sustainable functional food ingredients that are nutritious, healthy and natural to find out more.
Bookings at 047 81830 or libraryactivities@monaghancoco.ie

Pint of Bioeconomy
2022-10-19 18:30 - 20:30 UTC | Stag’s Head, 1 Dame Court, Dublin, D02 TW84, Ireland
BiOrbic presents an evening of engaging talks that will give you a window into the latest ‘bioeconomy‘ research!
This year we’re marine themed with talks related to plastic-eating bacteria, ‘blue farming’ and feeding Ireland from the coastline. Here’s the evening’s line-up:

Plastic to Plastic: How Bacteria can Contribute to the Bioeconomy – Rhys Orimaco
Conscience clean food: bioeconomy development and blue farming. – Olivera Stojilović
Seaweed Farms: Do they have a place in Ireland? – Mariana Cerca

Join for the talks, stay for the drinks and chats. Discover what is in store for Ireland’s blue bioeconomy!

Scenario modelling and monitoring to develop a sustainable bioeconomy in Ireland and Europe
2022-10-20 10:00 - 11:00 (Europe/Paris) | Online
Bioeconomy project recently launched called INFORMBIO project (https://informbioproject.ie/) funded by DAFM is going to share its objectives about monitoring the biomass flows and study the future of bioeconomy in Ireland to meet 2050 EU targets. Furthermore, a roundtable with guests from the EU Bioeconomy Monitoring System developed by Joint Research Centre and BioMonitor project (EU H2020 project) are going to discuss about bioeconomy monitoring systems, its challenges and benefits, foresight scenarios and transition pathways.

Diversity in Bioeconomy
2022-10-20 14:00 - 16:00 UTC | Portershed, Eyre Square, Galway, H91 HY51
The aim of this event is to create a platform for networking among the diverse range of people that work in the bioeconomy sector in Ireland. Firstly, through shining a spotlight on entrepreneurs, researchers and experts who are advancing the Irish bioeconomy enhancing our economic competitiveness on the global stage. This will be followed by an interactive discussion with panelists and an opportunity to build relationships with others in the bioeconomy sector.
Registration required on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/diversity-in-bioeconomy-eagsulacht-sa-bhithgheilleagar-tickets-407412932047

Blue Bioeconomy
2022-10-21 15:30 - 16:30 UTC | Westside Library, Seamus Quirke Road, Galway, H91 Y067, Ireland
The Blue Bioeconomy involves using biological resources from water such as fish, seaweed, mussels, starfish, sea cucumbers, lobster and even bacteria to make products or services. This includes food, medicine, nutritional supplements, cosmetics and much more. It also relies on sustainable practices to make sure that we do not damage the environment and that there are resources for people in the future. As part of this, the sector focuses on using every part of the resource, including using material that is considered waste e.g. fish skin, shells from shrimp etc. This helps to reduce the waste going to landfill and also creates new business opportunities. On Friday 21st October, join Pauline O’Donohoe from the Marine Institute at the Westside Library in Galway city to learn more about the blue bioeconomy and the Marine Institute’s work in this sector. The event is for families and aims to raise awareness of this topic.

Rubbish Ramble
2022-10-22 11:00 - 13:00 UTC | Ballymun Health Care Facility
BiOrbic, in partnership with Tidy Towns Ballymun invites you to join us on Saturday to clean up Ballymun!
Head to the Ballymun Health Care Facility at 11AM to join us. We’ll spend some time picking up litter and afterwards, head to the Rediscovery centre for some refreshments and talks. The talks will be from two BiOrbic researchers and will focus on the future of waste management and sustainability. There’ll also be the opportunity to ask any questions you have about recycling or how you can contribute to a greener Ireland.
Gloves and bags will be provided.
It’s not our rubbish but it’s our city!

BiOrbic BioBus Tour
2023-10-14 08:00 - 2023-11-17 17:00 UTC | Locations across Ireland
The BioBus is a mobile exhibit that will tour Ireland for 5 weeks reaching every county. The exhibit explores our petrochemical economy and heavy reliance on crude oil in many of the products we use on a daily basis. This is followed by an explanation of what the bioeconomy is and how this can help us transition away from fossil fuels towards a more sustainable future. We will be showcasing some bio-based products that are both on the market and in the pipeline.

Click to learn more!

Biocircularity in Action Summit
2024-10-10 09:00 - 16:00 UTC | Teagasc Ashtown Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin, D15 DY05, Ireland
This one-day Summit will bring together committed Irish food sector companies to share knowledge, highlight the opportunities and discuss the challenges in creating new sustainable, commercial opportunities within the circular bioeconomy. This event brings together thought leaders, industry experts, and food innovators for a day of insightful discussions, networking, and collaboration.
Following a ministerial opening, global experts will share their experience of addressing the opportunities and challenges in realising the potential of biocircularity within food systems.
Highlights include:

Jukka Kantola, Founder of the World Bioeconomy Forum, Finland: Bioeconomy as a Contributor to Curbing Climate Chang
Grigoris Chatzikostas, Re.Frame Food, Greece: Global Perspectives
Margarita de Gregoria, Secretary General, BioPlat, Spain: National Platforms to Stimulate Company Innovation in Biocircularity
Tanya Meyer, Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant, Belgium: Scaling Biocircularity Activities
Filippo Martinelli, Magfi Ltd., Malta: Challenges in Realising the Potential of Biocircularity

In addition to these keynote sessions, round table discussions promise to deliver actionable insights and foster meaningful connections.
Register here.

National Bioenergy Conference
2024-10-10 09:30 - 16:30 UTC | Royal Marine Hotel, Marine Rd, Dún Laoghaire,, Dublin, A96 K063, Ireland
Be at the forefront of Ireland’s bioenergy and biogas/biomethane sectors innovation and development by attending the IrBEA’s 23rd National Bioenergy Conference which takes place at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin on Thursday the 10th of October 2024.
As Europe accelerates its mobilisation of renewable energy, Ireland stands at a pivotal moment to harness the potential of bioenergy and follow the lead of our European counterparts. This conference will bring together energy producers and users, industry leaders, policymakers, researchers and innovators to explore cutting-edge developments, share best practices, and forge strategic partnerships.
The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) is thrilled to announce that Bord na Móna and Gas Networks Ireland are co-sponsors of this year’s event. With the backing of our sponsors, this event promises to be a significant platform for advancing discussions on renewable energy, innovation, and collaboration within the bioenergy sector.
View the conference agenda here.
Register here.
Dedicated website here

Just Transition Journal and Book Club - Launch Meeting
2024-10-11 13:00 - 14:00 UTC | Munster Technological University, Tralee, Kerry, V92 HD4V, Ireland
Join us for the inaugural meeting of the Just Transition Journal and Book Club! Just Transition is a concept that connects social justice, ecological conservation and decarbonisation of economies. This journal and book club seeks to critically and collaboratively explore key literature in this field, including both foundational and novel articles and books, and examine their relevance for sustainable development from the lenses of our experience and practices, knowledge and hopes.
The event will involve discussion of the following articles:
Stark, A., Gale, F., & Murphy-Gregory, H. (2023). Just Transitions’ Meanings: A Systematic Review. Society & Natural Resources, 36(10), 1277–1297. https://doi.org/10.1080/08941920.2023.2207166 (open access)
and
Harrahill, Kieran, Áine Macken-Walsh, and Eoin O’Neill. “Prospects for the bioeconomy in achieving a Just Transition: Perspectives from Irish beef farmers on future pathways.” Journal of Rural Studies 100 (2023): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2023.103020 (can also be accessed at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370440548_Prospects_for_the_bioeconomy_in_achieving_a_Just_Transition_perspectives_from_Irish_beef_farmers_on_future_pathways)
Participants are invited to read the articles and participate in the discussion. No particular background or experience is required.
Register here.

Towards 2030: Developing a Circular Bioeconomy Governance Model
2024-10-15 09:30 - 14:00 UTC | Southern Regional Assembly, Assembly House, O'Connell Street, Waterford, Waterford, X91 F8PC, Ireland
Towards 2030: Developing a Circular Bioeconomy Governance Model for our Communities, Cities and Regions
The Southern Regional Assembly and MTU will host a BETA Testing Validation Workshop with regional and local authorities and bioeconomy stakeholders in furtherance of ROBIN project objectives. This event will build upon the outcomes of previous alpha validation testing workshops of specific governance tools developed by the Project, and will cater to a broader spectrum of stakeholders from across the country. The format will consist of presentations and break out workshops.
Our speakers:

Liz Gavin, NuaFund – Funding assistance and opportunities for bioeconomy research and innovation projects and ideas.
Joanna O’Riordan, IPA – Presentation on findings of an EPA-funded research project reviewing circular economy and bioeconomy governance in Ireland. The research findings were informed by case studies of comparable, European countries.
Ajay Sutrakar – Biomethane for Carbon and Community Project/Biomethane Development Office

If would like to join us on the day, please register at the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/4cSsGPaTeu

Empowering Ireland's Farmers and Foresters: A Focus on Biobased Solutions through BBioNets
2024-10-15 10:00 - 11:00 UTC | Online
An insightful webinar hosted by BBioNets during the Bioeconomy Ireland Week 2024! This engaging online event will bring together thought leaders, industry experts, and passionate advocates of the bioeconomy from prominent EIP-AGRI and national/international projects to explore the transformative potential of biomass resources in driving sustainability and economic growth in Ireland. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation on how Ireland can lead the way in sustainable bioeconomic development.

Login here.

Demonstrating Bio-based Solutions for Rural Communities
2024-10-15 11:00 - 13:30 UTC | Radisson Blu Hotel, Northgate St, Athlone, Westmeath, N37 A8X9, Ireland
The Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) is continuing its series of stakeholder engagement events to discuss a number of important topics featured in ‘Our Rural Future – Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025’.
The theme of this event is: Demonstrating Biobased Solutions for Rural Communities
Ireland’s first National Bioeconomy Action Plan was published in 2023. It has a strong focus on bringing sustainable scientific practices, technologies, and biobased innovation into use in Ireland, containing 33 actions across seven pillars.
The Plan aims to further develop Ireland’s bioeconomy, in social, economic and policy terms, in the period 2023 to 2025, particularly increasing awareness and understanding of the bioeconomy more broadly.
It will ensure support for the goal of moving biobased innovation and solutions from research to sustainable and circular industrial production with accelerated pace, and will support greater investment in demonstrating the bioeconomy, providing exemplars, and ensuring support for interactions and progress among multiple actors, including in local communities, businesses, primary producers, scientific communities, policymakers, social movements, and interest groups.
This forum is scheduled to coincide with Bioeconomy Ireland Week, an annual event held to highlight and raise awareness of Ireland’s rapidly growing bioeconomy, with awareness raising initiatives involving industry, local communities, producers, researchers and students throughout Ireland.
The event will provide an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities that impact on rural communities and economies. Attendees will learn more about ongoing work relating to key objectives contained in the Bioeconomy Action Plan, and engage with a panel of expert stakeholders.
Register and read the agenda here.

Decarbonising Opportunities: The Role of Bioeconomy
2024-10-16 09:30 - 16:00 UTC | National Bioeconomy Campus, Lisheen Anner Hotel. Dublin Road, Thurles Townparks, Thurles, Tipperary, E41 X789, Ireland
Learn more about the role of bioeconomy in decarbonising the Irish regions! The workshop is as part of a series of “mentoring workshops” organised by the CAROs.

An overview of bioeconomy in Ireland and the existing action plan

An overview of biomass available by region

Introduction to mapping biomass flows and opportunities for decarbonisation

Connection between the decarbonisation opportunities and the three strategic pathways of emission reductions, substitution and regeneration

Develop an understanding of the potential opportunities the bioeconomy has in the attainment of their climate targets

Demonstrating Bio-based Solutions for a Greener Ireland
2024-10-16 10:00 - 11:30 UTC | Online
In this event, the outcomes of the InformBio project will be demonstrated.
InformBio aims to deliver a Bioeconomy Foresight Analysis providing a clear roadmap towards a sustainable bioeconomy for Ireland, along with the tools to rigorously measure progress towards this objective. It combines data driven research, analysis, and modelling with input from expert thematic groups, ensuring robust and informed outcomes for industry, policy makers and other relevant groups.
By integrating biomass mapping, value-chain analysis, life-cycle assessment and scenario modelling, the project, for the first time, attempts to quantify the potential of the bioeconomy to contribute to Ireland’s climate and sustainability targets.
Moreover, the project positions Ireland as a front-runner among EU member states, by developing a prototype national bioeconomy monitoring system, enabling stakeholders to track the development and progress of the national bioeconomy against key bioeconomy indicators.
Login here.

Bridging the Funding Gap: Scaling Innovations in Circular Bioeconomy
2024-10-16 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | Guiness Enterprise Centre, Taylor's Lane, The Liberties, Dublin, D08 YPP9, Ireland
During this session, we will engage with representatives from companies, key experts and investors to explore available funding instruments as well as the challenges and gaps for scaling innovation. Discussions will focus on how to achieve better alignment between companies and investors. Three bio-economy relevant companies will share their experiences in securing finance and discuss what enabled them to secure scaling funding and where they faced challenges. Additionally, investors active in the field will provide insights into their funding instruments, and what they look for in companies. This event will be followed subsequently by live online pitching sessions for bio-businesses to enhance successful matches and exposure (organised by IBF).
Register here.
Or find more information here.

We Built This City on Rock and Coal – Sligo
2024-10-16 14:00 - 16:00 UTC | Number 45, 45 High St, Magheraboy, Sligo, Sligo, F91 WC79, Ireland
We Built This City on Rock and Coal brings scientists and theatre-makers to the rural west of Ireland for a co-created comedy show driven by hopepunk, climate research, music, and what matters most to the local community. It’s a show that’s fun for you, and good for the planet! We believe that every individual and their community can be part of a solution to climate change.
The show holds space for audience members to speak up and/or be interviewed. These source materials are used by international improvisation experts to inspire scenes, songs and sketches that are unique to each show and community.
The performance will start at 2pm – after the performance and a quick break, we will then host a fun and informal workshop where you can chat about the challenges to living more sustainably in your area and learn what you can do both as an individual and with your community to have a positive impact on the environment. We will share some simple eco changes you can make in your daily life such as reducing plastic, how to be more sustainable with your clothes and the benefits of climate friendly food choices. You will come away more informed and empowered on how to take action on climate by living more sustainably.
We Built This City on Rock and Coal is a recipient of the Creative Climate Action fund, an initiative from the Creative Ireland Programme. This event is supported by BiOrbic, Ireland’s bioeconomy research centre.
More information about these shows is available at http://webuiltthiscity.ie/
Register for this event here.

Sustainable Food Systems & Circular Bioeconomy Policy Workshop
2024-10-17 09:45 - 17:00 UTC | University College Dublin, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
This workshop brings together diverse policymakers and public service policy implementers whose work intersects with developing sustainable food systems and a circular bio-based economy in Ireland. The workshop will elaborate the results of ongoing research projects concerning food systems and circular bioeconomy policy and public services, and aims to better understand:

how different areas of public policy and public service can shape, and are shaped by, developments in Irish food systems and bio-based sectors;
what is required within and by public services in order to foster sustainable food systems and bioeconomy development;
how research can support policymakers and those working in public services to achieve those objectives.

The workshop will be facilitated by the Science Foundation Ireland-funded Food Resource Efficiency Decision support (FRED) project, Environmental Protection Agency-funded EnableBio project, and Horizon Europe-funded EU4Advice project.
To register please contact tracey.oconnor@mtu.ie

Farmer Involvement in the Bioeconomy – What’s Happening in Ireland and Europe
2024-10-17 10:00 - 12:30 UTC | Online
This online event hosted by The Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) will focus on developments in the bioeconomy which offer potential opportunities for farmers here in Ireland. The event will run from 10am to 12.15 pm on Thursday, October 17th and will be moderated by Damien O’Reilly, European Affairs and Communications Manager, ICOS. The mornings proceedings will explore possible solutions to the challenges that face farming from emission reduction targets to nutrient management and storage and water quality. These diversification opportunities may present a pathway to a more resilient future and should also deliver economic benefit. The speakers and agenda should be of interest to farmers, advisors, co-operatives and agribusinesses as well as those concerned with the environmental and economic sustainability of our agri-food system. Topics will include the latest policy developments, the immediate opportunities that processed manures present, the potential of anaerobic digestion at scale (Danish example), cooperative bioeconomy developments in France, an update on recent announcements Farm Zero C and ICOS Skillnet activities.

We Built This City on Rock and Coal - Inisheer
2024-10-17 20:00 - 21:00 UTC | Aras Eanna Arts Centre, An Tuar, County Galway, 3F79+RH, Ireland
We Built This City on Rock and Coal brings scientists and theatre-makers to the rural west of Ireland for a co-created comedy show driven by hopepunk, climate research, music, and what matters most to the local community. It’s a show that’s fun for you, and good for the planet! We believe that every individual and their community can be part of a solution to climate change.
The show holds space for audience members to speak up and/or be interviewed. These source materials are used by international improvisation experts to inspire scenes, songs and sketches that are unique to each show and community.
Doors open at 7:45 for an 8pm start – after the performance and a quick break, we will then host a fun and informal workshop where you can chat about the challenges to living more sustainably in your area and learn what you can do both as an individual and with your community to have a positive impact on the environment. We will share some simple eco changes you can make in your daily life such as reducing plastic, how to be more sustainable with your clothes and the benefits of climate friendly food choices. You will come away more informed and empowered on how to take action on climate by living more sustainably.
We Built This City on Rock and Coal is a recipient of the Creative Climate Action fund, an initiative from the Creative Ireland Programme. This event is supported by BiOrbic, Ireland’s bioeconomy research centre.
More information about these shows is available at http://webuiltthiscity.ie/
Register for this event here.

Smart Farming and Bioeconomy: Shaping Tomorrow’s Agriculture
2024-10-18 | Clonakilty Agricultural College, Darrary, Clonakilty, Cork, P85 AX52, Ireland
Three leading MTU research projects—ReNu2Cycle, MainstreamBIO, and SIMONE— are joining forces to shape the future of Irish agriculture. They will host an interactive workshop at Clonakilty Agricultural College during Bioeconomy Ireland Week, focusing on sustainable farming practices and circular bioeconomy innovations. The event will explore how new biobased ideas can help strengthen small farms, rural communities and agricultural areas by making them more sustainable. It will focus on reducing waste, reusing nutrients, and supporting eco-friendly, biobased farming practices. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change for Ireland’s agricultural landscape.s.

Proteins to Packaging - The Potential of the Irish Bioeconomy
2024-10-18 10:00 - 11:00 UTC | TU Dublin Central Quad, Grangegorman Lower, Dublin 7, D07 ADY7
The TU Dublin School of Food Science and Environmental Health will host an activity-based event in the Central Quad labs (Grangegorman campus) lab on Friday 18th of October. There will be a variety of agri-food related applications of bioeconomy including demonstrations and hand on activities. For example, activities in our bioeconomy suite will use microalgae; in the Food Innovation Lab will focus on food waste valorisation/nutraceuticals/product development and one of the research groups will look at bioplastics films from agricultural waste.
This free event is open to staff, students and members of the general public of all ages.
For any queries contact school.fseh@tudublin.ie or gemma.kinsella@tudublin.ie
