Science Year 2020 - Bioeconomy  [12.02.20]

Bioeconomy? Not everyone is yet familiar with the core topic of the University of Hohenheim. However, since Fridays for Future, everyone is talking about what it stands for: a comprehensive transformation of economy and society that puts an end to oil and other fossil fuels and focuses on the sustainable use of resources and the environment. As the central theme of the Science Year 2020, the bioeconomy will now be in the limelight nationwide for twelve months. The University of Hohenheim will participate with theme months, a variety of events, and research insights. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research is responsible for organizing the Science Year.

 

 

Climate change, a growing world population, loss of species diversity, plastic pollution in the oceans, dwindling resources - simply continuing as before is no alternative in view of these global challenges. In the search for solutions, the concept of "bioeconomy" is becoming increasingly important internationally in research and politics.

Bioeconomy stands for tomorrow's responsible economic system, which will replace the current oil age. The basis for the intended recycling economy that conserves energy and resources is renewable, biological substances and resources that are produced sustainably and used innovatively. The declared goals include climate protection, safe and healthy nutrition for people worldwide, and the preservation of species diversity.

Bioeconomy research deals with the necessary technological innovations and, in addition, with social, economic, and political transformation processes.

Science Year 2020: Experience the Bioeconomy

More than 130 countries worldwide, including Germany, have now adopted a national bioeconomy strategy and numerous research funding programs at EU, national, and state levels include "bioeconomy" in their titles.

In contrast, the term is not yet widely known to the general public. In the course of the Science Year 2020, which is dominated by the bioeconomy, this is about to change. Numerous events and activities are planned throughout Germany to make different facets of this research field tangible. Among other things, the exhibition ship "MS Wissenschaft" is on tour throughout Germany and presents scientific exhibits.

Of course the University of Hohenheim will also be involved. In 2012, it was the first university in Germany to make "bioeconomy" the leading topic across all faculties. Since then, it has established the internationally sought-after Master's program and a research center, acquired numerous research projects, and forged international networks.

Hohenheim topic months at a glance

After the opening of the Science Year by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), a press conference on 23 January 2020 will also kick off numerous events in Hohenheim.

Each month will focus on a different topic. An overview of the Hohenheim schedule can be found on a new website dedicated to the Science Year. The dates will be updated continuously in the coming days and throughout the year. Further program items are welcome.

The Hohenheim Online Courier will regularly provide tips on dates and presents research projects on the respective topic.

January: Science Year 2020 - this is bioeconomy

The bioeconomy is based on using renewable biological resources and biological knowledge. It is about developing and evaluating new food and bio-based materials, chemical building blocks, and energy sources. On 25 January 2020, Prof. Dr. Iris Lewandowski will discuss whether this can be a concept for dealing with the most pressing questions of the future at the Saturday University of the Stuttgart Volkshochschule. An exhibition with 15 questions on bioeconomy will be on display in the portico of the Palace throughout the year.

February: Climate change and Co. - that's why we need bioeconomy

February is dominated by climate research. People around the world are currently facing major ecological challenges, one of the biggest being man-made climate change. This makes it necessary for today's economy to change - away from fossil raw materials and towards a sustainable use of natural substances and resources: towards a bioeconomy. Interested parties can expect a Café Scientifique, a laser show, and a panel discussion with representatives of Science4Future and Fridays4Future.

March: Saving resources - recycling management and economic development

The bioeconomy aims to use existing resources sustainably and efficiently. Recycling management creates the opportunity to do this: because all products and raw materials remain in use for as long as possible. For example, it makes sense to recycle the finite resource phosphorus - an important nutrient for humans, animals, and plants - or to withdraw as much climate-active carbon as possible from the cycle.

April: Renewable raw materials and Co. - alternatives for the future

Whether insulating material, chemical raw materials for plastics production, or bio-herbicides: renewable raw materials such as Chinese reed offer various alternatives to crude oil or coal. Many residual materials can also be used in a bio-based economy without competing with food production.

May: Beef, pork, and chicken - the animal husbandry of the future

In times of climate change and a growing world population, animal husbandry is particularly under scrutiny. Research is helping to optimize husbandry conditions and nutrition and thus reduce greenhouse gas emissions, for example. This is not only in the spirit of a bioeconomy, but also serves to improve animal welfare.

June: Bees, butterflies, etc. - how bioeconomy contributes to biodiversity

Biodiversity is an essential resource for the bio-based economy. But the decline of species is a major problem of our time. The University of Hohenheim is conducting research to increase species diversity in urban and rural areas. Alternative cultivation methods are gaining in importance in agriculture. Farming 4.0 is also helping to relieve the burden on the environment - and thus increase biodiversity.

July: Pulses, algae, insects - alternative protein sources

If protein-containing foods are produced primarily on the basis of animal products, this places a burden on the climate and environment - because the consumption of land, water, and energy resources is immense. The development of new protein sources therefore plays a key role in the bioeconomy. Pulses, algae, and insects are high-quality sources of protein - they are the focus of attention in July.

August: Mobility - sustainable mobility thanks to bioeconomy

Sustainable mobility: In the travel month of August, the University of Hohenheim will demonstrate what bioeconomy research can contribute to this goal. For example, it will show how biomass can be used in future to produce batteries for electric cars - and it will also present its own comprehensive mobility concept.

September: Sun, biogas, etc. - energy of the future

Bioenergy complements other renewable energies such as wind or water power in the sense of the bioeconomy. For example, research in Hohenheim is investigating how biogas plants can be made more efficient, how agrophotovoltaics can ensure a harvest on two levels, or how biomethane can be used to drive working machines.

October: Food security - healthy food for all

A sustainable and at the same time profitable agriculture is an important goal of a bio-based economy. The aim is to secure food for the world's population - and research provides an important basis for this. To this end, it is developing modern agricultural systems, for example, and is also examining the future of food.

November: Economy and society - living bioeconomically

The transition to a bio-based economy and lifestyle must involve the entire society. Research is getting to the bottom of the social, political, and economic aspects of this change - and supports smart ideas with which everyone can contribute to it in their everyday lives.

December: Future Forum 2030 - Review and Outlook

In the last month of the Science Year, the University of Hohenheim will take stock of the situation and discuss where the bioeconomy currently stands. Above all, however, it is looking ahead - to the future of biobased economic activity in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, and the world.