Leopoldina Home Menü

Leopoldina Home

Science Years

Science Year 2020/2021 – Bioeconomy

Science Year 2020/2021 – Bioeconomy

Human beings have always used natural resources such as plants, animals or microorganisms to produce food, clothing, heat or light. Today, in light of the growing world population, dwindling biodiversity, advancing climate changes and shifting consumer needs, we are particularly challenged to use these resources efficiently and sustainably. This is where bioeconomy comes into play, intending to generate and use biological resources and biological knowledge to meet our demands for raw materials, products, and services.

Human beings have always used natural resources such as plants, animals or microorganisms to produce food, clothing, heat or light. Today, in light of the growing world population, dwindling biodiversity, advancing climate changes and shifting consumer needs, we are particularly challenged to use these resources efficiently and sustainably.

This is where bioeconomy comes into play, intending to generate and use biological resources and biological knowledge to meet our demands for raw materials, products, and services. Innovations are the foundation for bioeconomy to be an ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable form of economy.

The shift towards such a resource-conserving way of working and living is associated with complex challenges that require the continuous and careful balancing of the interests of various stakeholders. Research and, in particular, close cooperation between different scientific disciplines at research institutions, universities, and industrial enterprises play a key role in this development. They are jointly developing and testing new methods, manufacturing processes, and cascade and coupling-utilization processes that facilitate the replacement of fossil and mineral raw materials, the manufacture of products in a more environmentally friendly manner, and the conservation of biological resources.

Meanwhile, bioeconomy is firmly anchored in the agendas of science and politics in many countries. Industrial applications are steadily increasing. Nevertheless, it is hardly a factor in public perception - despite its relevance to society - because the term is seldom used in the media, for example, and many people are unfamiliar with it.

In the Science Year 2020/2021, various aspects of bioeconomy will be presented. It aims to explain which goals it pursues, the future potential it offers, the role science and research can play, and how society can contribute to the shift toward a sustainable, biobased form of economy.

Back

CONTACT

Leopoldina

Elmar König

Head of Department Science – Policy – Society, Head of Berlin Office

Phone 030 203 8997 - 865
Fax
E-Mail elmar.koenig (at)leopoldina.org