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

BioWill - creating a biorefinery for Willow Trees
2022-10-21 10:00 - 11:15 UTC | Online
BioWILL is an Interreg NWE funded project focusing on Integrated “Zero Waste” Biorefinery utilising all fractions of Willow feedstock for the production of high to medium based Bio-Chemicals/Materials, Renewable Energy in the form of Bio Methane production and Natural Fertilisers.
Existing biorefinery technologies focus on food waste (AgriChemWhey), algae (Abacus), forestry residue (Bioforever) for the production of biopolymers, chemicals e.g. butanol, resin acids or lignin. BioWill will focus on high value bioactive extractives (salicins) for medical applications while using the bark-free pulp for manufacturing food packaging materials with any waste and residues used for biogas and biofertilizers.
There is no extractive based cascade biorefinery within the EU, its establishment & replicability will be of significant economic benefit. Willow bark is one of the few plant materials to contain substances (salicins) which are as effective as synthetic equivalents for analgesic & anti-inflammatory properties, with fewer undesirable side effects.
Facilitator: James Gaffey
James is a Co-Director of the Circular Bioeconomy Research Group at Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre at Munster Technology University. James is PI and Co-PI on over 10 EU and nationally-funded circular bioeconomy research projects.
Nationally, James is coordinator of the Biorefinery Glas and INFORMBIO DAFM-funded research initiatives and is a member of the SFI Farm Zero C research team. At EU-level James was scientific coordinator of Biobased Industries (BBI JU) ICT-BIOCHAIN initiative, and is PI on range of projects including BIOSWITCH, COOPID, agroBridges, MainstreamBIO, ROBIN and Co-PI on BIO4AFRICA.
He is a member of the Govt-appointed Expert Advisory Group to Ireland’s National Bioeconomy Forum, and was part of the Expert Panel for the Impact Assessment of Circular Biobased Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) successor programme to BBI JU under Horizon EU.
James has worked in the field of advanced biorefining since 2009 through work with Cellulac Ltd., Competence Centre for Biorefining and Bioenergy (NUI Galway), Sustainable Biopolymers Ltd., tcbb RESOURCE, Tralee Institute of Technology and Munster Technological University.
Panellists:
Dr Niall Burke
Dr. Niall Burke holds the role of Scientific Project Manager and Principal Investigator with Shannon ABC at MTU. Dr. Burke received both his BSc in Physiology and his MRes in Microbiology (yeast physiology) from University College Cork. He completed his PhD in Cardiovascular Sciences at The Hatter Cardiovascular Institute of University College London, while researching the role of mitochondrial dynamics in cardiac ischaemia-reperfusion injury. Niall then worked as a postdoctoral fellow for Astrazeneca in Cambridge UK, where he was investigating the role of cell signalling kinases in drug-induced structural cardiotoxicity. Niall uses his cell culture and molecular cell biology experience to contribute to the planning and troubleshooting of Shannon ABC’s mammalian and microbial cell culture research projects for both the biotechnology industry and academia. He is currently PI on numerous industrial client projects and lead supervisor for two postgraduate academic projects.
Dr Adam Charlton
Dr Adam Charlton is a Senior Scientist at The BioComposites Centre, Bangor University, a specialist unit engaged in applied research with companies across a number of sectors, including plant fibre processing / composites production, polymers, fine chemicals and forest products. He trained as a materials chemist and has 30 years research experience in collaborative industrial research across different sectors, including nonlinear optics, molecular electronics and the synthesis of chemical intermediates for the pharmaceuticals sector. His research now focuses on the production of value added materials from biomass, with a general interest in biorefining and developing novel fractionation/ extraction technologies for agricultural crop and forestry residues. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and a Chartered Chemist
Prof JJ Leahy
Prof J J Leahy is currently an associate professor in the Dept of Chemical Sciences at the University of Limerick where he is involved in teaching, curriculum development and research in the area of waste management and renewable energy. He currently heads a research group consisting of chemists and chemical engineers that is focused on chemical technologies for biofuels and biorefining from wastes with particular interests in :
• Identifying the optimum thermochemical route (gasification, pyrolysis), & chemical hydrolysis route for the production of chemicals and second generation transport fuel from bio-waste.
• Using laboratory & pilot scale processing facilities to test & optimise the yield of selected product from characterised feedstocks. The goal will be to develop novelty through optimising the process variables for particular feedstocks or products.
• Develop and test catalysts/chemical processes for the production of and upgrading bio-oil.
JP Prendergast
JP is Founder and CEO of Epitheal, a science driven dermatology company developing a specific suite of pharmaceutical products for the human and veterinary markets. Epitheal has developed a number of patent pending pharmaceutical products using unique combination of natural tried and tested active ingredients. The compounds act as antibacterial and anti-fungal solutions, providing alternative medicines to leading antibiotics containing prescription only formulations. Additional product development include the use of Hemp/Salicin in the treatment of chronic inflammation and pain relief.

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!

Secondary School Competition - Win a Wool Education Box
2023-10-16 08:00 - 2023-11-03 17:00 UTC | Online
Calling All Wool Enthusiasts: Secondary School Teachers and 4th Year Students – Win a Wool Education Box
Are you passionate about design, textiles, innovation, and promoting sustainable natural Irish fibres in crafts, fashion and environmental issues? Then we have got an exciting opportunity for you!
Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre and Circular Bioeconomy Cluster South-West at Munster Technological University have partnered with Irish Business Wool in School to offer a comprehensive wool education program designed to raise student awareness about the advantages of Irish wool and locally-sourced sustainable fibres.
Are you ready to become a superhero for wool and sustainability? Every little step counts, and by following learning about wool, you can be part of a larger movement towards reducing our carbon footprint and creating a brighter future.
As part of Bioeconomy Ireland Week, we are giving away education boxes created by Wool in School to encourage aspiring innovators and designers in secondary schools throughout Ireland. These boxes are filled with engaging, educational, and wool resources for both group and individual learning, including a vibrant display box and online resource.
The closing date for applications is 3rd November. Winners will be announced during Science Week.
Apply now to win this fantastic opportunity!
• Enter via the form: https://forms.gle/zyL74ZiJxhGbZpiBA or check out ShannonABC (www.shannonabc.ie) or Circular Bioeconomy Cluster (www.cbcsw.ie) News Section for the link to the form on their website.
• Compete one of the two tasks below:
1) Make a short form video on TikTok talking about the benefits, impact and importance of wool to win the program and box. Tag Wool in School on TikTok or copy link and send to us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/woolinschool/?hl=en-gb)
OR
2) Write a paragraph benefits, impact and importance of wool in the form linked above
Sponsors
This project is made possible by sponsorship from Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre, Circular Bioeconomy Cluster South-West (home to Ireland’s Wool Hub) and CircBio Research Group based at Munster Technological University.

Launch event: Communities, Regions & Cities – The ‘Bioeconomy in Action’ in your Region
2023-10-16 09:30 - 12:30 UTC | Online
The launch event for Bioeconomy Ireland Week 2023 will take place on Monday 16 October 2023 from 09.30 to 12.30. The event, titled ‘Communities, Regions & Cities – The ‘Bioeconomy in Action’ in your Region’, is being organised by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, in partnership with the Southern Regional Assembly. Martin Heydon, T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for Research and Development, Farm Safety and New Market Development will formally open the event.
The event will feature rapid-fire introductions to practical examples of the bioeconomy in action in the southern region. This will be followed by a panel discussion with personnel from Ireland’s Regional Assemblies, Local Authorities and Government. The mornings activities will also feature an interactive workshop for both in-person, and online, attendees.
To attend online, please visit Online – Bioeconomy for Communities , Regions & Cities Tickets, Mon 16 Oct 2023 at 09:30 | Eventbrite
Bioeconomy Ireland Week
Bioeconomy Ireland Week is an annual week-long event held each October to highlight and raise awareness of Ireland’s rapidly emerging bioeconomy. The celebration is a collaboration of events and awareness raising initiatives involving industry, local and regional communities, primary producers, researchers, NGO’s and students throughout Ireland.
This years theme is “Empowering Ireland’s Bioeconomy for a Greener Tomorrow” , where a broad range of stakeholders from across Ireland’s bioeconomy will demonstrate and share how individually and collectively the bioeconomy is being developed in a sustainable and circular way to address climate action and a healthy environment whilst helping achieve a fair and prosperous society through innovative and collaborative approaches.

MidWest Circular Bioeconomy Day
2023-10-17 09:00 - 18:00 UTC | Bernal Institute, University of Limerick
MidWest Circular Bioeconomy Day in Limerick is organised as a full day workshop with key national
and international stakeholders from academia, industry and policy makers to discuss a number of
urgent questions such as:
Is there a need for mapping current and future scenarios for availability and supply chains of
eligible biogenic carbon and cicular
What are needs for certification technologies and regulation,
Do current economic and financial models allow sufficient understanding of (carbon) pricing
and its impact on circular biogenic carbon and product markets
Is there a need for (hard) choices in routes to market of renewable (wind, solar, bio) energy
and key industries (ag/food, chemicals and (construction) materials, transport fuels as SAF).
Direct Air Capture – option or utopia ?
The aim of the workshop is to develop a shared understanding of the opportunities, challenges and
gaps in the key field of Circular Bioeconomy meets Other Renewables. The workshop has limited
room for participation (50 p), mostly by invitation. Participation and hospitality are free of charge,
and there are limited (international) travel grants available through BE-Basic Foundation.
Agenda
09:00-09:15 Welcome
09:15-10L45 Brief (15 min) introductions to topic
• Mapping biogenic carbon demand* towards 2050
• SAF markets and biogenic carbon
• Supply chains of ‘Other renewables’ towards 2050
• Biogenic carbon economics & pricing
• Bioprocess intensification for biogas manufacturing.
• Case study –coproduction of SAF and SAP
10:45-11:00 Coffee-tea break
11:00-12:00 Break –out session 1 Roadmaps for biogenic carbon markets (*) and technology development
12:00-12:30 Reporting out and initial feedback
12;30-13:15 Lunch
13:15-14:00 Brief (15 min) intros to biogenic carbon value chains
• Investors perspective on ‘CBE meets ORE’
• Innovation, certification & regulation
• Alternative protein business & market developments
13:30-15:00 Break –out session 2 Joint roadmap development for Circular Bioeconomy & Other Renewables Value Chains –
Gap analysis – technology, economic, legal & regulations
15:00-15:30 Break
15:30-16:30 Reporting out and plenary discussion all
16:30-17:00 Wrap-up, next steps and closing.
17:00-18:00 Networking and good bye

Opportunities for Irish biomass and biochar to contribute to Ireland’s sustainable bioeconomy
2023-10-17 10:00 - 11:40 UTC | Online
Aim: To approach society to 1) the potential of the innovative and versatile outputs from the InformBio project: Biomass arisings database and the Environmental Risk Assessment tool and 2) link project results to the current situation of biochar generation in Ireland and 3) brief showcase of key projects linked to biochar generation in Ireland and discussion around biochar and its role in the net zero transition.
Output: the final output is to promote knowledge transfer towards the importance of monitoring biomass arisings, knowing their environmental impact and raise awareness towards biochar generation in Ireland by knowing current biochar projects and key experts in the bioenergy sector.
The event will start with IrBEA opening the event. It will then showcase Irish biomass arisings identified in the InformBio project, through the biomass arisings database that are relevant feedstocks for biochar, to highlight their location and production as well as their composition, suitable for biochar generation. This will lead to the presentation of the Environmental Risk Assessment tool, a cutting-edge technology recently developed by UG in the work frame of the InformBio project, to help choose the less environmental harmful biomasses for bio-processing activities, in this case, focused on biochar generation. Followed to that, some examples, brought by the InformBio project, will be mentioned to highlight the opportunities and different applications of biochar in Ireland will be presented.
After a coffee break, some guest speakers will be invited to briefly talk about their Irish projects related to Biochar, followed by a discussion about the current state and feasibility for biochar in Ireland and its role in the net zero transition and other highlights remarkable to discuss.
Guest speakers:
-https://www.biomasstobiochar.ie/ (BBFB is an EIP project funded by DAFM and is focused on develop bioenergy sources, including biochar, from farms)
-https://circbio.ie/projects/national/grow-green-burn-blue/ (GGBB is funded by the SEAI and offers the viewpoint of the industry)
-https://www.loopheadtogether.ie/blog/national-launch-of-hemp4soil (Hemp4Oil offers the social science side, they are trying to research the community side around bioenergy generation from hemp residues)

Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/576b2c51-dd7e-470c-aa3a-bc14a826acf7@845ee061-0700-412a-90f5-1465fb9a39f1

Sustainability Series Workshop on Food Waste
2023-10-18 10:00 - 12:30 UTC | MoLI – Museum of Literature Ireland, 86 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 and Online
In some places such as South Africa, the US and Ireland, there is still a poor public perception of Energy-from-Waste. Lack of transparency during the decision-making process or not inviting residents and stakeholders to be part of the project as well as lack of information exchange between the operators and the clients may lead to poor public acceptance. Developing scientifically based sustainability metrics to give a sound basis for the discussions might also facilitate greater acceptance. Further, a proper decision framework integrating all the main aspects of sustainability (economy, environment and social) is an enabler to ensure that the developed strategies are not sub-optimized in favour of short-term solutions. This workshop series combines informative workshops on regionally relevant waste management systems with the participation of stakeholders in development of a life cycle sustainability framework to consider the most relevant sustainability indicators. The workshop series will identify sustainability indicators to be considered in the Task 36 work programme including the Case Study on Environmental performance of different waste management strategies and the Report on Sustainability.

Food Waste Prevention and Surplus Food Use in Cafés
2023-10-18 10:00 - 13:00 UTC | Rediscovery Centre, The Boiler House, Ballymun, Dublin, D09 HK58, Ireland
The Rediscovery Centre, National Centre for the Circular Economy, is hosting a workshop on food waste prevention and surplus food use in social enterprise and commercial cafés. The workshop is organised as part of an EPA Green Enterprise Food Rescue and Research Café project. The Rediscovery Centre Boiler House Café is tracking the amounts and types of surplus food used in our café and the workshop will help to inform guidelines on how cafés can successfully incorporate surplus food into their menus.
The Rediscovery Centre will provide refreshments and lunch at the event.
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/bioeconomy-week-ireland-food-rescue-cafe-tickets-726828362197?aff=oddtdtcreator

Skills Required To Grow The Bioeconomy Industry In Ireland
2023-10-18 10:30 - 12:30 UTC | Online
As part of Bioeconomy Ireland Week 2023 and European Year of Skills 2023, we are pleased to present SKILLS REQUIRED TO GROW THE BIOECONOMY INDUSTRY IN IRELAND. Join us for this online forum on October 18th at 10.30am which will include a showcase of the opportunities available within the Irish Bioeconomy and the skills required to grow the industry. Presentations will include the Bioeconomy Awareness programme from ICOS Skillnet, the CAP Network – Ireland’s sustainable agriculture and rural innovation network and the BIObec Project – a proposal for an Irish National Bio-based Education centre. There will be a Q&A session with all of the panellists.

The event is a collaboration between the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, ICOS Skillnet, CAP Network and the CIRCBIO research group at Munster Technological University.
10.30 Introduction and outline of event
10.40 Bioeconomy Showcase and Opportunities
10.55 Skills required to grow the Irish Bioeconomy
11.10 CAP Network – Ireland’s sustainable agriculture and rural innovation network
11.25 ICOS Bioeconomy Awareness Programme
11.40 Circular Bioeconomy Research Group, MTU
11.55 The BIObec project – model for an Irish Bio-based Education Centre
12.10 Q&A / Networking
12.30 CLOSE OF EVENT

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84869471701?pwd=[REDACTED]
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Working with Nature: Focus on Forests
2023-10-18 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | McNabb Lecture Theatre, Trinity Business School
Come and meet the experts on the potential for transforming our extractive economy to a ‘nature-positive economy’ – with a focus on new projects in re-forestation and forestry-based enterprises. In addition, there will be time to network with Trinity researchers and Irish nature-based enterprises working in this area.
Speakers:
Jane Stout: Professor of Ecology and Vice-President for Biodiversity and Climate Action at Trinity College Dublin, speaking about Trinity’s plans for transforming itself to a nature-positive campus.
ML Rhodes: Co-Director of the Centre for Social Innovation (CSI) in the Trinity Business School, speaking about the ‘nature-positive’ programme of research in the CSI, the UForest project and the upcoming community tree-planting event in Darndale.
Martha O’Hagan-Luff: co-Principal investigator in FOREST project, speaking about the environmental, societal and economic impacts of recovering native forest biodiversity and innovative financial instruments to support afforestation.
Ian Whitehead: Member of the European Forest Institute (EFI) Resilience Team in Bonn, DE, introducing the audience to the new UF Alliance and the potential for transformation through Forestry-related Nature-based Solutions.
Kieran Farrell: Responsible for the Connecting Nature Enterprise Platform at Horizon Nua, speaking about the different nature-based enterprise communities of practice currently bubbling up across Europe.

Registration:
https://ti.to/trinity-business-school/working-with-nature-focus-on-forests

Introducing the Bioeconomy in Irish Aquaculture to Students
2023-10-19 09:00 - 17:00 UTC | ATU, Westport Rd, Castlebar, Mayo, Ireland

Introduction to the BISC-E: Online Session
2023-10-19 13:00 - 14:00 UTC | Online
Academics and students are invited to join us at 1pm on Thursday 19 October 2023, during Ireland’s Bioeconomy Week to:

Learn more about what a bio-based product or service is
Find out more about what the 2023/24 BISC-E will entail and the timelines involved
Meet and listen to the experiences last year’s BISC-E Irish winners
To ask questions and in a dedicated Q&A session

To sign up for the online information session, please click on the link here: Online Introduction to the BISC-E (office.com)
If you can’t make this information session, but would like to learn more, visit the IKC3 website or email your questions to the National Coordinator at zoe.rush@mtu.ie.
BISC-E
The Bio-based Innovation Student Challenge – Europe (BISC-E) invites students from all disciplines to design solutions that contribute to a sustainable and circular economy. These innovative products or services can tackle technological, environmental or societal challenges, as long as they are bio-based (wholly or partly derived from renewable biological sources.)
More information can be found here: BISC-E
Poster
Download, print and share the BISC-E promotional poster:
2024 BISC-E Poster

Bioeconomy: the catalyst for agrifood systems transformation
2023-10-19 16:30 - 18:00 UTC | Online
This event will bring together high-level speakers and leading technical experts across governments, academia, civil society, and the private sector to discuss the link between a sustainable bioeconomy driven by innovations and agrifood systems transformation. The event will lay the ground for a shared vision, unified principles and a collaborative approach, alignment with multilateral commitments and a global bioeconomy partnership.
The event will be moderated by bioeconomy luminary Professor Joachim von Braun and feature inspiring high-level speeches by the FAO Director-General QU Dongyu; Pippa Hackett, Minister of State with special responsibility for biodiversity and land use at the Government of Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Carina Pimenta, National Secretary of Bioeconomy at the Government of Brazil’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change; and Christine Lang, Co-Chair of the International Advisory Council of Global Bioeconomy.
The event will also include a lively panel discussion with international bioeconomy experts giving different regional and sectoral perspectives: Julius Ecuru, Isabella García Caffaro, Ross Hampton GAICD, Warinthorn Songkasiri, Greg Jaffe and Ruiyan Wang.
FAO Deputy Director-General Maria Helena Semedo will provide closing remarks.
Register here: https://www.fao.org/science-technology-and-innovation/science-innovation-forum-2023/programme/bioeconomy–the-catalyst-for-agrifood-systems-transformation/en

Developing plant-based protein value chains
2023-10-20 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | Online
A series of videos debunking myths relating to plant-based protein will be launched. There will be 5 videos addressing different stages of the value chain. Launch will consist of a press release and social media activity, with links to the videos.This involves a collaboration between Protein-I, U-Protein and ValPro Path. The aim of the exercise is to highlight the need to develop all stages of the chain when considering new crops and feedstocks, and that myths and misconceptions can be addressed.

MIIN in Kerry - Blue Bioeconomy Persepectives
2023-10-20 09:00 - 17:00 UTC | The Rose Hotel, Tralee, Co. Kerry
This upcoming Marine Ireland Industry Network (MIIN) regional event will take place in Tralee, Co. Kerry, where we will hear from blue bioeconomy experts, including national and regional stakeholders, such as Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Circular Bioeconomy Cluster South West, and a host of marine industry companies with expertise in the blue bioeconomy.

Biochar in horticulture, agriculture and environmental settings
2023-10-20 10:00 - 16:30 UTC | The Glasshouses, Cill Ulta, Cill Ulta, Falcarragh, Donegal, F92 WF60, Ireland
To celebrate the Bioeconomy Ireland Week – Lárionad Acmhainní Nádúrtha CTR (operating as Cill Ulta) are running a Biochar Symposium on the 20th October from 10am-1pm at the glass houses in Cill Ulta. Guest Speaker Stephen McCormack from the Irish Bioenergy Association will introduce the use of Biochar in Horticulture, Agriculture and Environmental Settings. Stephen has intimate knowledge of Biochar working with European Interreg Project Three C and Cill Ulta are associate partners in the new Interreg project CASCADE. There will be an introduction to Biochar, the processes for making Biochar, the benefits of Biochar and characteristics. There will also be a Kon Tiki Kiln demonstration on the day with light refreshments and snacks. This is a great opportunity to hear more information on the Bioeconomy and how biochar can progress this development. To register please call 074 91 80994 or email cillulta@mairead@gmail.com.

Proteins to packaging - Bioeconomy in action
2023-10-20 10:00 - 17:00 UTC | TU Dublin
The TU Dublin School of Food Science and Environmental Health will host an activity-based event in TU Dublin Central Quad, Grangegorman lab on Friday 20th of October. The events will be hourly from 10am. There will be a variety of agri-food related applications of bioeconomy including demonstrations and hands 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 a research group will showcase bioplastics films from agricultural waste.

This free event is open to members of the general public of all ages.
For any queries (including group bookings) please contact school.fseh@tudublin.ie or gemma.kinsella@tudublin.ie
Register here.

Coffee, Conversation and Bioeconomy with Talent4BBI
2023-10-20 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Online
This is an online event designed to be a relaxed and informal chat to bring together people interested in the topic of the bioeconomy and the Talent4BBI programme, which is Ireland’s first industry-led PhD MSCA program, managed by BiOrbic, the Bioeconomy SFI Research Centre at University College Dublin (UCD). The programme brings together a diverse network of 10 industry and 8 academic partners from 8 Member States and 1 Associated Country. The team of Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs) represents nations from Ireland, Spain, Yemen, South Africa, India, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Greece and Italy.

Zoom link: https://ucd-ie.zoom.us/j/62019133153?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 620 1913 3153
Passcode: [REDACTED]

CircBioCityWaste: Transforming Urban Wastes into Agricultural Fertilisers and Bioproducts
2023-11-17 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Limerick
Join us at our upcoming workshop on Transforming Urban Wastes into Agricultural Fertilisers and Bioproducts taking place at University of Limerick on Friday, 17th November.
The CircBioCityWaste Project is developing a first-of-a-kind cascading biorefinery concept to produce new value chains from urban waste biomass and transforming to biostimulants, biofertiliser, organic acids and bioenergy.
At the workshop, you will:

Learn about CircBioCityWaste Project and hear updates on the latest developments
Engage with researchers and hear insights about
– The possibilities and realities of waste valorization in Ireland
– Valuable products derived from black bin waste, WWTP and Dairy Processing Sludge
– Data about food waste in Irish households
– Plant biostimulants and fertilizers
– Regulatory updates from Europe

– Hear from industry about what’s needed to accelerate the circular economy
The CircBioCityWaste Project is collaboration between Munster Technological University, Technological University Dublin and University of Limerick with funding from EPA and Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine.
