News

10/06/2025

Reflecting on the 1st BioINSouth Forum: A Step Forward for Circular Bioeconomy in South Europe

Catania, June 5–6, 2025 — The vibrant city of Catania hosted the 1st BioINSouth Forum and the 2nd General Assembly of BioINSouth, marking a pivotal moment for the circular bioeconomy in Southern Europe. Held at the historic Aula Magna of the University of Catania, the event brought together a diverse community of researchers, policymakers, innovators, and regional leaders under the umbrella of the EU Green Week Partner Events.

🔍 A Forum of Insight and Impact

Over two days, participants engaged in a rich program of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and round tables, all centered on the shared mission of advancing sustainable, bio-based innovation across Southern Europe. The forum was organized with the support of the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) and coordinated by SPRING – the Italian Circular Bioeconomy Cluster.

Key sessions included:

Strategic keynote addresses from EU and national bioeconomy leaders, including Virginia Puzzolo (CBE JU) and Fabio Fava (CNBBSV).
A deep dive into the role of regional HUBs in shaping bioeconomy policies, with contributions from Greece, Spain, Italy, Slovenia, and France.
A forward-looking discussion on how the BioINSouth initiative builds bridges across borders and sectors to foster innovation and sustainability.
A powerful closing round table on reconciling economy, society, and the environment through circular bioeconomy practices.

🤝 Collaboration at the Core

The forum also served as a platform to connect with linked projects such as BBioNets and Terrificproject, offering attendees a glimpse into complementary efforts driving regional transformation. Informal networking moments, including poster sessions and a closing cocktail, enriched the collaborative spirit of the event.

🌍 A Southern Perspective on a European Vision

Speakers and participants emphasized the strategic role of Southern European regions in the EU bioeconomy landscape. The forum highlighted the need for:

Cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange
Empowerment of local bio-based industries
Capacity building through education and community engagement
Greater visibility and exploitation of results to accelerate uptake

📢 Looking Ahead

The 1st BioINSouth Forum was more than an event—it was a launchpad for a movement. As we look to the future, the BioINSouth community remains committed to shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and innovative bioeconomy for the European South. Meet us next year in Seville!

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Co-funded by the European Union and supported by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking and its members. under Grant Agreement No 101156363. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the CBE JU. Neither the European Union nor the CBE JU can be held responsible for them.