Innovative Education for the BioEconomy

Project Information

BioBeo

Grant agreement ID: 101059900

DOI

10.3030/101059900

Project closed

EC signature date 20 May 2022

Start date 1 November 2022

End date 30 April 2025

Funded under

• Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

Total cost

€ 1 871 312,50

EU contribution

€ 1 871 312,50

Coordinated by

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, DUBLIN
Ireland

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - BioBeo (Innovative Education for the BioEconomy)

Reporting period: 2024-05-01 to 2025-04-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The overall aim of BioBeo was to develop and deploy an education programme to enhance understanding and engagement across society regarding circularity and bioeconomy. The objectives focused on new thinking and approaches to enhance the way that the governance of education in the circular bioeconomy is tackled and delivered by the education systems across Europe. Institutional and cultural barriers were to be identified and structures and networks for the introduction and delivery of BioBeo curricula in schools were to be defined and created. Further goals were to enhance young people’s and general citizens‘ involvement in policy making for bioeconomy and to embed scientific (STEM) and Social Science and Humanities expertise within governance structures. Another objective was to introduce the concept of a bioeconomy via the BioBeo education programme in key partner countries. It was also intended to provide a basis for piloting the BioBeo education programme and resources including digital resources, in schools and in teacher education modules in university courses. It was also proposed to develop the BioBeo Interconnectedness Programme with primary, secondary and university students to disseminate bioeconomy resources across consortium countries. A further objective was to demonstrate a measured increase in the engagement of young people and their intention to pursue education and careers in life sciences, technology and bioeconomy. It was also planned to integrate the BioBeo education programme into university curricula in key partner countries and to coordinate communication and dissemination by optimising the reach and visibility to students, teachers, policy makers and parents across the consortium’s networks.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The BioBeo project has highlighted institutional barriers and opportunities; structures and networks; engagement of youth and parents in policy making; and a framework for innovative governance relating to bioeconomy education. Deliverables such as the “Blueprint and Methodology for Innovative Governance” and the “Digital Handbook: Practical Paths for Introducing New Content into Schools” with an online clickable flowchart were developed to guide the integration of new learning materials into schools. The importance of parental engagement was also emphasised throughout the project activities.
In addition, the core project work of creating and trialling a bioeconomy education programme was delivered in schools across five themes: interconnectedness, outdoor learning, forestry, life below water, and the food loop. These colour-coordinated themes with associated icons form a common thread in the project outputs. The educational programme highlighted the robust efforts in integrating bioeconomy concepts into youth and societal education. Comprehensive accounts of pedagogical strategies and delivery mechanisms showcased how bioeconomy principles are woven into the fabric of education, ensuring a deep and lasting impact. The fusion of language, culture, and heritage made learning deeply memorable. BioBeo's interdisciplinary, interconnected approach stood out as innovative and transformative. Songs such as An Talamh Bhláfar and the BioBeo Song blended sustainability with music and tradition. The development of digital toolkits, particularly VR/AR, a route-based BioBeo app with interactive quiz, animated videos, along with the creation of boardgames (Resource – Don’t Go! and ChocoChase) and the world’s first bioeconomy-themed puppet show represents an advancement in relevant learning experiences.
The education programme has been piloted in more than 20 schools across Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany, Greece, Romania and Spain with significant potential to expand. The project engaged with over 750,000 participants in 145 countries through Global Action Days relating to ecosystem restoration and bioeconomy.
A bioeconomy elective module was developed and piloted with Maynooth University (MU) students in an undergraduate primary education programme, resulting in exceptionally positive feedback. In addition, a module on bioeconomy was added to FEE's online learning platform.
The BioBeo Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) for student teachers and tertiary academic staff was hosted in Ireland and the Netherlands to highlight the collaborative efforts to create an interconnected learning environment.
The BioBeo Festival attracted 200 participants including many school pupils, and offered a vibrant, engaging mix of interesting lectures, workshops, music, comedy and food. The event united youth, educators, and policymakers in cross-cultural learning, amplifying its educational value. It was recognised at the EU level for its alignment with circular bioeconomy principles and social impact. Interactive and artistic formats helped translate complex ideas into accessible public engagement experiences.
The Bioeconomy Education and Sustainability Teachers (BEST) Network was founded and is promoted using the BioBuzz newsletter, which also features bioeconomy news and career profiles.
The BioBeo project also supported the Bioeconomy Matters podcast from the EU Bioeconomy Youth Ambassadors reaching listeners in 65 countries. BioBeo engaged with other national and relevant EU projects, such as GenB, including in the hosting of a joint workshop in Brussels at the end of the project.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The project impact was experienced both inside and outside of the consortium. BioBeo partners felt a sense of honour and responsibility to leave a legacy for future generations.
University education curricula have been influenced in MU and RUAS with the development of new bioeconomy modules, resulting in very positive feedback from undergraduate education students. This will be a significant legacy as future teachers embed the learning in their learning materials. Two German schools approached UH to implement BioBeo project results, thus showing grassroots interest in bioeconomy education. Further impact can be achieved by disseminating these results through appropriate channels.
Public consultation on school education programmes provides opportunities to incorporate bioeconomy principles and new approaches. The Irish Government's Bioeconomy Action Plan 2023-2025 explicitly included two tasks directly linked to BioBeo, aiming to integrate the project's outputs into school curricula; the consortium proposed the introduction of bioeconomy as a topic for the new Leaving Certificate subject "Climate Action and Sustainable Development”, which has now been confirmed to be piloted in 43 secondary schools.
Activities such as a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) and a Bioeconomy Festival could be replicated on an annual basis to disseminate bioeconomy principles. The Global Action Days and the bioeconomy module on FEE's online learning platform can continue to have a lasting impact internationally.

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