Education on the bioeconomy including bio-based sectors for young people in primary and secondary education in Europe

BioBeo is a 2 year, €2M project with 15 partners, bridging theory and practice. Its overall aim is to develop and deploy an education programme to enhance understanding and engagement acrosssociety regarding lifestyle, circularity and bioeconomy, using 5 bioeconomy themes: interconnectedness, outdoor learning, forestry, life below water and the food loop. A network committed to promoting the bioeconomy concept will co-create and co-deliver the programme. BioBeo will provide 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/ behaviours, and a governance framework on society-wide engagement in bioeconomy policy. BioBeo will address social issues such as gender bias, disadvantaged youth groups, migrants and members of society with additional needs. We shall 1. increase awareness of environmental, social and economic benefits of sustainable and circular bioeconomy among young people at pre-school, primary and secondary school level 2. identify institutional and cultural barriers 3. develop innovative approaches and digital toolkits for educational and information materials 4. pilot BioBeo education programme reaching 35 schools, 1,000 university students, 1,800 parents/guardians and 100 teachers across Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands and Germany 5. demonstrate a measured increase in engagement of young people and their intention to pursue education and careers in life science, technology and bioeconomy 6. enhance governance of bioeconomy related processes within society by engaging European citizens from young to old in active policy making 7. coordinate communication and dissemination to optimise the reach and visibility to students, teachers, policy makers and parents. BioBeo will contribute to the transition to a sustainable EU circular bioeconomy by enhancing society-wide awareness and inspiring Europe’s youth to pursue STEM related careers.