TOWARDS A BIO-BASED ECONOMY: science, innovation, economics, education 

TOWARDS A BIO-BASED ECONOMY: science, innovation, economics, education 

JOINT SUMMER PROGRAM WITH

Description

Bio-based economy (Bioeconomy) aims at reducing the dependence from fossil fuels and finite materials without overexploiting natural resources. According to the definition of the European Commission “Bioeconomy encompasses those parts of economy that use renewable biological resources from land and sea to produce food, biomaterials, bioenergy and bioproducts”. Behind bioeconomy there is much science related to industrial biotechnology and a deep change in Economics and Politics, as well as societal issues.

A new cross-sector expertise is therefore required. This summer school aims at providing a broad overview of the mentioned issues and will be held by national and international speakers, both from academia and from industry. At least one visit to a company involved in the production of bio-based compounds will be included in the school’s schedule. Because of its inter-disciplinarity, the program welcomes participants with different backgrounds. Participants should be aware that a basic knowledge about the scientific basis of biotechnology is required and can ask organizers for advice.

Networking and discussion among students and lecturers will be encouraged and fostered throughout the duration of the school, with social event and a poster session.

Contents

What’s new: Introduction in the scope, challenges and trends of bioeconomy. Local vs global: Choice and processing of renewable raw materials; environmental sustainability of biomass sourcing and processing.

How to do it: Key technologies for the production of bio-based products. Biorefineries: concepts and application. National and international strategies for bioeconomy: funding, organization, network. Innovation in place: visit to a company and case studies of success (or failure) stories. Economical models and economic sustainability of bio-based business.

Societal requirements for bio-based products and societal awareness about bioeconomy; social sustainability of the bio-based model. Changes in training programs: Models and experiences.

Speakers and topics

• Introduction about bioeconomy, by Maurizio Bettiga, Chalmers University
• Bioconversion processes, by Paola Branduardi and Danilo Porro, UNIMIB
• Bio-based industry and bioeconomy in Europe, by Nelo Emerencia, Biconsortium EU
• Bio-based industry and bioeconomy in Europe, by Nelo Emerencia, Biconsortium EU
• Raw materials for bio-based production, the concept of biorefinery, by Maurizio Bettiga, Chalmers University
• An introduction to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), by Matty Janssen, Chalmers University
• From the University to the startup world, by Maria Pisano and Erika Andriola, BioInnoTech
• Legal issues in waste management, by Monica del Signore, UNIMIB
• Perception, attitudes and behavior toward environmental resources: a psychological perspective, by Simona Sacchi, UNIMIB
• Bio-based Information: where and how, by Mario Bonaccorso, Assobiotec-Federchimica
• Designing responsible innovation in bioeconomy, by Anna Pellizzone, Fondazione Giannino Bassetti

Tutorials

Tutorials on specific topics (biocatalysis, fundamentals of economics) will be activated on demand to fill possible gaps in the participants background

Exercises

Participants will be divided in small groups and will develop an own project taking into account all issues tackled during the course. Results will be presented on the last day in a session coordinated by M. Cristina Ceresa, journalist, Edizioni Green Planner

Required Documents to be uploaded in the application form

CV and Passport/ID card/ Motivation Letter.

Language

English

Target Audience

Priority will be given to students participants holding a Master degree, but application by master students is encouraged and will be evaluated on the basis of the applicant motivation and background.

Application deadline

May 31st, 2018

Scientific Commitee:

Location

Milan (University of Milano-Bicocca)

For further information, Contact:

marina.lotti@unimib.it