Meeting the Needs of the Developing Bio-based Economy D. Briassoulis Agricultural University of...

Meeting the Needs of the Meeting the Needs of the

Developing Bio-based EconomyDeveloping Bio-based Economy

D. BriassoulisD. Briassoulis

Agricultural University of AthensAgricultural University of Athens

The Transition from The Transition from Agricultural to Biosystems Agricultural to Biosystems

Engineering University Studies in Engineering University Studies in EuropeEurope

Dept. of Natural Resources & Agricultural Engineering, AUA, GreeceAgEng2008 Crete, Greece, 23-25 June 2008

George Monbiot The Guardian, Tuesday June 8 2004

The world's problem is as follows (2004 data): We now consume six barrels of oil for every new barrel we discover. Major oil finds (of over 500m barrels) peaked in 1964. In 2000, there were 13 such discoveries, in 2001 six, in 2002 two and in 2003 none. Three major new projects will come on-stream in 2007 and three in 2008.

Reaching the Reaching the limitslimits of the of the non-renewable resources non-renewable resources

Based EconomyBased Economy

2008

"Are We 'Running Out'? I Thought There Was 40 Years of the Stuff Left""Are We 'Running Out'? I Thought There Was 40 Years of the Stuff Left"

Life After the Oil Crash, http://www.lifeaftertheoilcrash.net/Index.htmlLife After the Oil Crash, http://www.lifeaftertheoilcrash.net/Index.html


• Industrial civilization as we know it is Industrial civilization as we know it is coming to an end sooncoming to an end soon

• This is not the wacky proclamation of a doomsday cult, apocalypse bible prophecy sect, or conspiracy theory society.

• Rather, it is the scientific conclusion of the best paid, most widely-respected geologists, physicists, bankers, and investors in the world.

• These are rational, professional, conservative individuals who are absolutely terrified by a phenomenon known as global "Peak Oil."

Life After the Oil Crash, http://www.lifeaftertheoilcrash.net/Index.html




Gail E. Tverberg – April 10, 2008, Ohio State University College of Public Health, ‘The Expected Gail E. Tverberg – April 10, 2008, Ohio State University College of Public Health, ‘The Expected Economic Impact of an Energy Downturn’, The Oil Drum Economic Impact of an Energy Downturn’, The Oil Drum

A A growing gapgrowing gap is expected between oil supply and demandis expected between oil supply and demand




World oil production (EIA Monthly) for crude oil + NGL. World oil production (EIA Monthly) for crude oil + NGL.

The median forecast is calculated from 13 models that are The median forecast is calculated from 13 models that are predicting a peak before 2020; 95% of the predictions sees a predicting a peak before 2020; 95% of the predictions sees a production peak between 2008 and 2010 at 77.5 - 85.0 mbpdproduction peak between 2008 and 2010 at 77.5 - 85.0 mbpd




• Easy oil is gone

• Natural gas is in limited supply

• Coal is associated with climate change

• High grade ores of uranium and other minerals are depleting

• Substitutes are a long way off

The Earth is The Earth is FiniteFinite – We are Reaching its – We are Reaching its LimitsLimits

Gail E. Tverberg – April 10, 2008, Ohio State University College of Public Health, The Expected Economic Impact of an Energy Gail E. Tverberg – April 10, 2008, Ohio State University College of Public Health, The Expected Economic Impact of an Energy Downturn’, The Oil DrumDownturn’, The Oil Drum

Reaching the Reaching the limits limits of the of the non-renewable resources non-renewable resources



Richard C. Duncan, ‘The Olduvai Theory, Energy, Population, and Industrial Civilization’, Winter 2005-2006 THE SOCIAL Richard C. Duncan, ‘The Olduvai Theory, Energy, Population, and Industrial Civilization’, Winter 2005-2006 THE SOCIAL CONTRACTCONTRACT




IMPACTIMPACT• Higher oil pricesHigher oil prices

– Gasoline, diesel, asphaltGasoline, diesel, asphalt– Spreads to natural gas, coal, electricitySpreads to natural gas, coal, electricity

• Higher food pricesHigher food prices– Partly because of shipping/ cultivation costsPartly because of shipping/ cultivation costs– Partly because of biofuel use of foodPartly because of biofuel use of food

Food and energy costs become a bigger share of the economy.

Gail E. Tverberg – April 10, 2008, ‘The Expected Economic Impact of an Energy Downturn’, The Oil Drum Gail E. Tverberg – April 10, 2008, ‘The Expected Economic Impact of an Energy Downturn’, The Oil Drum




• The petroleum-based economy is a mere 140 years old The petroleum-based economy is a mere 140 years old and unlikely to survive into the next century. and unlikely to survive into the next century.

• We face a big challenge of vital importance for the We face a big challenge of vital importance for the survival of the planet: survival of the planet:

• The eventual transition of the global economy from The eventual transition of the global economy from one based on non-renewable resources into a one based on non-renewable resources into a veritably sustainable one is of vital importance.veritably sustainable one is of vital importance.

Life After the Oil Crash, http://www.lifeaftertheoilcrash.net/Index.htmlLife After the Oil Crash, http://www.lifeaftertheoilcrash.net/Index.html

The Oil Energy Curve of History?





Based EconomyBased Economy??

JACQUELINE LANG WEAVER, ‘THE TRADITIONAL PETROLEUM-BASED ECONOMY:JACQUELINE LANG WEAVER, ‘THE TRADITIONAL PETROLEUM-BASED ECONOMY:

AN “EVENTFUL” FUTURE’, Professor of Law, University of Houston Law Center, Conference on “BiofuelsAN “EVENTFUL” FUTURE’, Professor of Law, University of Houston Law Center, Conference on “Biofuels

and the New Energy Economy” Cumberland School of Law, Samford University on February 10, 2006.and the New Energy Economy” Cumberland School of Law, Samford University on February 10, 2006.

Controversy surrounds predictions of the timing of the Controversy surrounds predictions of the timing of the global peak, as these predictions are dependent on the global peak, as these predictions are dependent on the

past production and discovery data used in the calculation past production and discovery data used in the calculation as well as how as well as how unconventional reservesunconventional reserves are considered. are considered.

Geological pessimism confronts Geological pessimism confronts economic and technological optimism!economic and technological optimism!


• Agricultural and Industrial production and processing has to adopt Agricultural and Industrial production and processing has to adopt innovative clean technologies, innovative clean technologies, based on renewable resources…based on renewable resources…

• We need to move to a new direction of production for agricultural We need to move to a new direction of production for agricultural and pharmaceutical products and pharmaceutical products based onbased on pure biological pure biological componentscomponents to eliminate chemicals and toxins... to eliminate chemicals and toxins...

• We need to We need to decrease the use of non-renewable resourcesdecrease the use of non-renewable resources for for reasons of climatic change and water famine… reasons of climatic change and water famine…

• The eventual transition of the global economy from one based on The eventual transition of the global economy from one based on non-renewable resources into a veritably sustainable one is of vital non-renewable resources into a veritably sustainable one is of vital importance!importance!


Based EconomyBased Economy…now, in a few years or in a few decades!…now, in a few years or in a few decades!


""Bio-Bio-“ “

from Greek from Greek “βίος”“βίος”

for for "life""life"

The The development development of the of the Bio-Based EconomyBio-Based Economy


• The economy of the The economy of the humankindhumankind has been based on renewable natural has been based on renewable natural resources for untold agesresources for untold ages

• The bio-based-economy is staging a come-back, but in a totally The bio-based-economy is staging a come-back, but in a totally rejuvenated form.rejuvenated form.

• The bio-based economy developing today is a highly The bio-based economy developing today is a highly sophisticated, knowledge-intensive sector in which rapid sophisticated, knowledge-intensive sector in which rapid progress progress should beshould be the norm. the norm.

The The triumphant come-backtriumphant come-back of the Bio-Based Economyof the Bio-Based Economy

Cees Veerman; speech at the conference Sustainability, Rural Development and Rural Tourism, Budapest, August 28, 2005Cees Veerman; speech at the conference Sustainability, Rural Development and Rural Tourism, Budapest, August 28, 2005

http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/knowledge/knowledge.htmlhttp://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/knowledge/knowledge.html

έστιν ουν επιστήμη δόξα αληθής μετά λόγου Πλάτων (επίσταμαι=γνωρίζω καλά)


The The opportunities opportunities of the of the Bio-Based EconomyBio-Based Economy

Agricultural(by)products

Sugars

BiospecialtiesFood ingredientsPharmaceuticalsFine chemicals

Bio-based materials

Fine chemicals

Chemo-physical treatmentand/or enzymes

Cell factory:Biocatalysis or

Micro-organisms

BiofuelsEthanolHydrogen Bulk chemicals

Base Chemicals

Maurice Lex, Maurice Lex, White Biotechnology, Europe on the Move,White Biotechnology, Europe on the Move, European Commission European Commission FP7 Agriculture, FP7 Agriculture, Food and Biotechnology ResearchFood and Biotechnology Research

Biomaterials

• almost limitless…almost limitless…..


• The United States and Canada are leaping forward in The United States and Canada are leaping forward in integrating the bio-based economy into their long-term integrating the bio-based economy into their long-term innovation strategiesinnovation strategies

• The use of sustainable natural resources is seen as The use of sustainable natural resources is seen as giving the agricultural sector a new lease on life. giving the agricultural sector a new lease on life.

• Developments in Europe are more scattered. A few Developments in Europe are more scattered. A few countries have been forging ahead since the mid-1990s. countries have been forging ahead since the mid-1990s. Others are only just picking up on the ideaOthers are only just picking up on the idea

• Important steps have to be taken in the European Important steps have to be taken in the European Union, otherwise there is the danger that in the not Union, otherwise there is the danger that in the not too distant future, Europe will be lagging behind the too distant future, Europe will be lagging behind the United States and Canada. United States and Canada.


Cees Veerman; speech at the conference Sustainability, Rural Development and Rural Tourism, Budapest, August 28, 2005Cees Veerman; speech at the conference Sustainability, Rural Development and Rural Tourism, Budapest, August 28, 2005The Emerging Biobased Economy, May 2005: Meeting the goals set for 2010 could create $15-$20 billion a year in new income for farmers and rural America and reduce annual greenhouse

gas emissions; http://www.informaecon.com/Biobased_Prospectus_May_2005.pdf


Biomass, as fuel:Biomass, as fuel: • Brazil leads the world in production and use, making

about 27 billion litres per year (2008). Some 50 percent of the country's sugar crop (2005) is made into bio-based automotive fuel, which Brazil exports to the tune of two billion liters a year.

• In the USA ethanol production is expected to increase substantially: gasoline sold in the United States shall contain at least 7.5 billion gallons of renewable fuels in 2012 (about half-a-million barrels per day).

• The European Union has set a goal of agro-fuels providing 5.75% of Europe's transport power by 2010 and 10 percent by 2020.

Economic Report of the President; Transmitted to the Congress February 2006, Together with the Annual Report of the Council of Economic Report of the President; Transmitted to the Congress February 2006, Together with the Annual Report of the Council of Economic Advisers; mandate included in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 Economic Advisers; mandate included in the Energy Policy Act of 2005


BBC NEWS; Cees Veerman; speech at the conference Sustainability, Rural Development and Rural Tourism, Budapest, August BBC NEWS; Cees Veerman; speech at the conference Sustainability, Rural Development and Rural Tourism, Budapest, August 28, 200528, 2005


Bio-fuels use in

key countries


National Intelligence Council (USA), Disruptive Technologies, Global Trends, Appendix C: Biofuels and biobased chemicals, National Intelligence Council (USA), Disruptive Technologies, Global Trends, Appendix C: Biofuels and biobased chemicals, 20052005



Should the conversion of conversion of biomass into fuel (agro-biomass into fuel (agro-fuels), be the first priority? fuels), be the first priority? can it be the driving force of can it be the driving force of the developing bio-based the developing bio-based economy?economy?


• The conversion of biomass into fuel, important as it may The conversion of biomass into fuel, important as it may be, is just the 'low end' of the bio-based economy. be, is just the 'low end' of the bio-based economy.

• Biofuels are limited by land, fresh waterBiofuels are limited by land, fresh water


Biofuels: the illusion and the reality: “…trigger new competition for agricultural resources, and/or will increase existing competition, mainly for land and water, between food production and biofuel production”; http://www.twnside.org.sg/title2/resurgence/200/cover1.doc

Jan E.G. van Dama, Barbara de Klerk-Engels, Paul C. Struik, Rudy Rabbinge, ‘Securing renewable resource supplies for changing Jan E.G. van Dama, Barbara de Klerk-Engels, Paul C. Struik, Rudy Rabbinge, ‘Securing renewable resource supplies for changing market demands in a bio-based economy’ Industrial cops and productsmarket demands in a bio-based economy’ Industrial cops and products


• The best added value of the bio-based economy comes The best added value of the bio-based economy comes from knowledge-intensive products, materials and from knowledge-intensive products, materials and chemicals. chemicals.

• Biomass must be processed in a Biomass must be processed in a sustainablesustainable way for the bio-based economy to make way for the bio-based economy to make sense.sense.



Jan E.G. van Dama, Barbara de Klerk-Engels, Paul C. Struik, Rudy Rabbinge, ‘Securing renewable resource supplies for changing Jan E.G. van Dama, Barbara de Klerk-Engels, Paul C. Struik, Rudy Rabbinge, ‘Securing renewable resource supplies for changing market demands in a bio-based economy’ Industrial cops and productsmarket demands in a bio-based economy’ Industrial cops and products


• The transition from petroleum-based The transition from petroleum-based materials to materials to bio-based materialsbio-based materials is a major is a major global trendglobal trend

• A bio-based material is simply an engineering A bio-based material is simply an engineering material made from substances derived from living material made from substances derived from living matter. These substances may be natural or matter. These substances may be natural or synthesized organic compounds that exist in nature.synthesized organic compounds that exist in nature.

• Typically it refers to modern materials that have Typically it refers to modern materials that have undergone more extensive processing.undergone more extensive processing.


Unprocessed materials may be called Unprocessed materials may be called biotic materialbiotic material

A biomaterial is essentially a material that is used and adapted A biomaterial is essentially a material that is used and adapted for a medical application.for a medical application.


Biomass, for bio-based materials Biomass, for bio-based materials production:production:

• Biodegradable packaging materials made from the starchy Biodegradable packaging materials made from the starchy components of potatoes, corn etc and from crop waste. components of potatoes, corn etc and from crop waste.

• Packaging materials made from lactic acids are also making Packaging materials made from lactic acids are also making headway. Some of the largest supermarket chains are packaging headway. Some of the largest supermarket chains are packaging most of their organic food products in such bio-based materials.most of their organic food products in such bio-based materials.

• Bio-based materials are used to produce biodegradable films and Bio-based materials are used to produce biodegradable films and other plastic products for agricultural applicationsother plastic products for agricultural applications

• Renewable building blocks for plastics, as well as natural fibers are Renewable building blocks for plastics, as well as natural fibers are already used to reinforce plastics applied in the automotive industry already used to reinforce plastics applied in the automotive industry and other applications. and other applications.

• Biocomposites are finding applications in the construction and Biocomposites are finding applications in the construction and electronics industry due to their low cost and specific properties electronics industry due to their low cost and specific properties





Biomass for bio-based materials Biomass for bio-based materials production:production:

• Biopolymers are now moving into main-stream use, and the polymers based on renewable “feedstock” may soon be competing with commodity plastics, as a result of the sales growth of more than 20–30% per year.

• The US Technology Road Map for Plant/Crop-based Renewable Resources 2020* has targeted to achieve 10% of basic chemical building blocks arising from plant-derived renewable sources by 2020, with development concepts in place by then to achieve a further increase to 50% by 2050.

(*) Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)(*) Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)


Biomass for biobased materials production in Biomass for biobased materials production in USA:USA:

• The U.S. agricultural, forestry, life sciences, and chemical communities have developed a strategic vision for using crops, trees, and agricultural residues to manufacture industrial products, and have identified major barriers to its implementation.


Matt Carr, The biobased revolution, ASC Fall Convention and Expo, October 11, 2005Matt Carr, The biobased revolution, ASC Fall Convention and Expo, October 11, 2005


Biomass for biobased materials production in Biomass for biobased materials production in EU:EU:

• Europe is currently well placed in the markets for innovative bio-based products, building on established knowledge and a leading technological and industrial position.

• Perceived uncertainty about product properties and weak market transparency hinder the fast take-up of products. Communication, standardisation, labelling and certification could

be used to overcome this. Future revisions of the CAP could provide opportunities to

examine the various elements of non-food policy in order to give positive incentives to the cultivation of crops for industrial uses, in line with the ongoing CAP reform path.


A Lead Market Initiative for Europe, ANNEX I, ACTION PLAN OF THE LEAD MARKET INITIATIVE IN THE AREA OF BIO-A Lead Market Initiative for Europe, ANNEX I, ACTION PLAN OF THE LEAD MARKET INITIATIVE IN THE AREA OF BIO-BASED PRODUCTS, BASED PRODUCTS, Brussels, 21.12.2007Brussels, 21.12.2007, , SEC(2007) 1729SEC(2007) 1729


National Intelligence Council (USA), Disruptive Technologies, Global Trends, Appendix C: Biofuels and biobased chemicals, National Intelligence Council (USA), Disruptive Technologies, Global Trends, Appendix C: Biofuels and biobased chemicals, 20052005



The The development development of the of the Bio-Based Economy at the Bio-Based Economy at the

European levelEuropean level

• Advances in the Advances in the technology reachtechnology reach and development of and development of new knowledgenew knowledge though EU and national support of the though EU and national support of the European Education and Research AreasEuropean Education and Research Areas

• Systematic, strong Universities-Enterprises cooperationSystematic, strong Universities-Enterprises cooperation

The development and production of novel, innovative products and processes in a cost- and eco-efficient manner, using increasingly renewable raw materials and taking into account the hot environmental issues like climatic change and water limitations, require:


Meeting the Needs of the Meeting the Needs of the Developing Bio-based Developing Bio-based

Economy at the level of the Economy at the level of the University Studies in Europe University Studies in Europe



Many disciplines Many disciplines (e.g. Chemical Engineering, Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology, etc) are expected to are expected to adapt their programs of studies to meet the adapt their programs of studies to meet the needs of the developing bio-based economyneeds of the developing bio-based economy


Hybrid carsGreen buildings


• Agricultural Engineering programs of studies will have Agricultural Engineering programs of studies will have also to be adapted:also to be adapted:

• … … to address the complex problems of using non-to address the complex problems of using non-renewable resources based fuels for agricultural renewable resources based fuels for agricultural machinery and production systems, simultaneously machinery and production systems, simultaneously increasing productivity under limitations of water and increasing productivity under limitations of water and chemicals and environmental constraints…chemicals and environmental constraints…

• ……. exploit by-products for development of bio-based . exploit by-products for development of bio-based materials and use special bio-based materials in materials and use special bio-based materials in production and processing….production and processing….

• ……. irrigate under conditions of water famine, apply . irrigate under conditions of water famine, apply sophisticated information technologies and engineering sophisticated information technologies and engineering design to optimise prodution, operation and processing design to optimise prodution, operation and processing involing sensitive and complicated biological systems….involing sensitive and complicated biological systems….



NEW NEW DEVELOPMENTSDEVELOPMENTS

• Facing the new challenges Facing the new challenges of the of the Developing Bio-based Economy at the level Developing Bio-based Economy at the level of the University Studies in Europe related of the University Studies in Europe related to the production and processing of goods to the production and processing of goods of biological originof biological origin::

– In an environmental friendly wayIn an environmental friendly way

– Based on non-renewable resources to a steadily Based on non-renewable resources to a steadily increasing degreeincreasing degree

• What is the future of the AGRICULTURAL What is the future of the AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING STUDIES IN EUROPE?ENGINEERING STUDIES IN EUROPE?


AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING STUDIES IN EUROPE; A HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Defining the needs in the years before 2002

Agricultural engineering is under-going rapid changes as a result of:

o technological innovation;

o the dramatic structural changes of the Higher Educational system of Europe;

o major inherent problems associated with the traditional field of Agricultural Engineering studies in Europe and the emerging relevant societal needs.


In response to these major challenges, the In response to these major challenges, the thematic network USAEE - University Studies of thematic network USAEE - University Studies of Agricultural Engineering in Europe was Agricultural Engineering in Europe was established in the framework of the Erasmus established in the framework of the Erasmus programme of the EU programme of the EU Directorate-General Directorate-General Education and Culture: 2002-2006Education and Culture: 2002-2006

The USAEE thematic network project was The USAEE thematic network project was established with the established with the endorsementendorsement and the and the supportsupport of the European Society of of the European Society of Agricultural EngineersAgricultural Engineers

AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING STUDIES IN EUROPE; A HISTORICAL BACKGROUND


FYROMFYROM

University Studies of Agricultural Engineering in Europe;

a Thematic Network

RESPONDING TO THE CHALLENGEA Thematic Network composed of 31 partner A Thematic Network composed of 31 partner Universities from 27 European countries and funded Universities from 27 European countries and funded by DG Education and Cultureby DG Education and Culture

UUU SSS AAA EEE EEE


• define the core curricula to be used as define the core curricula to be used as benchmarks for Agricultural Engineering studies in benchmarks for Agricultural Engineering studies in EuropeEurope

• define common accreditation strategies and define common accreditation strategies and procedures and establish the bodies/committees procedures and establish the bodies/committees to carry out the accreditation of the departments to carry out the accreditation of the departments which are to meet the core curricula requirementswhich are to meet the core curricula requirements

USAEE - University Studies of Agricultural Engineering in Europe; a Thematic USAEE - University Studies of Agricultural Engineering in Europe; a Thematic NetworkNetwork

ObjectivesObjectives


Web address to download all eight Proceedings of the USAEE Workshops:

http://www.eurageng.net - link USAEE TN

concerning issues on:

• Studies

• Research

• ECTS

• Agricultural Engineering core curricula meeting the FEANI criteria

• Accreditation procedures

• Employability

• Quality assurance and assessment

Continuous updating on web-site: http://sunfire.aua.gr:8080/ects/Welcome.do

Outputs


FEANI PROCESSFEANI PROCESSJune 2006: USAEE submitted officially the final core curricula

for Agricultural Engineering University studies in Europe.

January 2007: FEANI – EMC replies ‘USAEE document combined with the FEANI criteria provide guidance to the schools in order to design an agricultural engineering programme to be included in the FEANI INDEX’

APPROVE

D!Fédération Européenne d'Associations Nationales d'Ingénieurs, European Federation of Fédération Européenne d'Associations Nationales d'Ingénieurs, European Federation of National Engineering Association ; shttp://www.feani.org/National Engineering Association ; shttp://www.feani.org/


EurAgEngEurAgEngRECOGNITION RECOGNITION

A recognition implementation plan has been prepared in close cooperation between USAEE and EurAgEng

The scheme was officially announced (September 2006, Bonn) by EurAgEng and foresees several steps


ACCREDITATIONACCREDITATION

• Developments towards the establishment Developments towards the establishment of a SINGLE European Accreditation of a SINGLE European Accreditation procedure for all European Engineering procedure for all European Engineering programs of studiesprograms of studies


The EUR-ACE accreditation system is being set up within ENAEE and monitored by an ad-hoc Working Group (EUR-ACE Label Committee)

EUR-ACE projectEUR-ACE project((EUREURopean opean ACACcredited credited

EEngineer)ngineer)


• USAEE/ERABEE participate in the project board of the EUR-ACE Implementation project aiming at establishing the ACCREDITATIONestablishing the ACCREDITATION of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering programmes of studies as Engineering Engineering ProgrammesProgrammes of studies complying with the EUR_ACE Standards Framework in the same way as for any other ENGINEERING program of studies in Europe

USAEE TN University Studies of USAEE TN University Studies of

Agricultural Engineering in Agricultural Engineering in

Europe: synergies with Europe: synergies with

EURACE-ENAEEEURACE-ENAEE


Steps in the Accreditation procedure:Steps in the Accreditation procedure:For the programs of study in Agricultural /Biosystems Engineering that

adopt the FEANI / USAEE TN Core Curricula

1. EuAgEng may undertake the task of RECOGNITION of these programs as being Agricultural or Biosystems Agricultural or Biosystems Engineering programs of studiesEngineering programs of studies..

• Then, the use of the terms: Agricultural or Biosystems Agricultural or Biosystems EngineeringEngineering by programs of studies that are not recognized by EurAgEng will not be as easy as it happens today

2. EUR-ACE standards may be applied for the ACCREDITATION of any recognised Agricultural or Agricultural or Biosystems EngineeringBiosystems Engineering program in the same way as for any other ENGINEERING program of studies in Europe


USAEE-Steps in the Accreditation USAEE-Steps in the Accreditation

procedure:procedure:• The ACCREDITATION through EUR-ACE standards of any

recognised Agricultural or BiosystemsAgricultural or Biosystems Engineering Engineering program in Europe awards the EUR-ACE Labeling of the accredited programs of studies:

The EUR-ACE® label certificates will be: The EUR-ACE® label certificates will be: EUR-ACE First CycleEUR-ACE First Cycle level level

EUR-ACE EUR-ACE Second Cycle level level

3. The Accredited by EUR-ACE standards Agricultural orAgricultural or Biosystems EngineeringBiosystems Engineering programs will be automatically registered in the FEANI index without any additional application and procedure


NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING STUDIES AND RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

INTERNATIONAL LEVELINTERNATIONAL LEVEL

Traditional field of Agricultural Engineering is now evolving into the Biosystems Engineering fieldevolving into the Biosystems Engineering field

Biosystems Engineering is a science-based engineering engineering disciplinediscipline that integrates engineering science and design with applied biological, environmental and agricultural sciences, broadening in this way the area of application of Engineering sciences not strictly to agricultural applications, but to the biological systems in general, including agriculture



Agricultural Engineering applies engineering sciences to agricultural applications

Biosystems (or Agricultural and Biological) Engineering, extends this application of engineering sciences to all living organisms applications, including agriculture.

Biosystems engineers can be involved in the expanding new areas of bio-based materials, agro-fuels, biomechatronics, etc., in the assessment of food traceability, quality and safety and in the design of environmentally friendly and sustainable systems.



The major international political priority relevant to Biosystems (or Agricultural and Biological) Engineering studies was set in USA and Canada back in 2003 by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE) and the Canadian Society of Agricultural Engineering (CSAE), respectively.

This political priority regarded major changes in the curricula, also reflected in the change of the Societies’ names which was considered as a major issue.

At that time it had become evident that traditional Agricultural Engineering Departments experienced a marked decline in students.



Since the majority of such Departments in USA and Canada added a ‘bio’ modifier term‘bio’ modifier term (i.e. Biosystems, Biological, Bioresources, Bioengineering, etc.) in their titles and aligned their academic programs with the biology-based curriculum ((including the agricultural including the agricultural engineering main coreengineering main core),), student enrolment increased.

As a result in 2005 ASAE and CSAE decided to change their name to:

American Society of Agricultural and Biological American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) Engineers (ASABE)

Canadian Society for Bioengineering (CSBE)Canadian Society for Bioengineering (CSBE)

Policy Oriented Measures in Support of Policy Oriented Measures in Support of the Evolving Biosystems Engineering the Evolving Biosystems Engineering

Studies in USA - EU: Studies in USA - EU:

EU-US Atlantis EU-US Atlantis programme 2006programme 2006

2007-2008


Provide a platform for a systematic exchange of experiences Provide a platform for a systematic exchange of experiences

and ideas between the established Biological Engineering and ideas between the established Biological Engineering

studies in the US and the evolving Biosystems Engineering studies in the US and the evolving Biosystems Engineering

studies in EU aiming at the establishment of appropriate studies in EU aiming at the establishment of appropriate

policy oriented measures to support and guide this evolutionpolicy oriented measures to support and guide this evolution

Main objective of POMSEBESMain objective of POMSEBES

Policy Oriented Measures in Support of the Policy Oriented Measures in Support of the Evolving Biosystems Engineering Studies in Evolving Biosystems Engineering Studies in

USA - EUUSA - EU


Biosystems Engineering - IBiosystems Engineering - I

Biosystems Engineering Biosystems Engineering is defined asis defined as an evolving science- an evolving science-based based engineering disciplineengineering discipline that integrates engineering that integrates engineering science and design with applied biological, agricultural and science and design with applied biological, agricultural and environmental sciencesenvironmental sciences

Biosystems Engineering Biosystems Engineering concerns education and researchconcerns education and research in the in the physical sciences physical sciences andand engineering engineering to understand, to understand, model, process or enhance biological systems for sustainable model, process or enhance biological systems for sustainable developments in agriculture, food, land use and the developments in agriculture, food, land use and the environmentenvironment

http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/622795/description#descriptionhttp://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/622795/description#description


Biosystems Engineering is notis not Biotechnology which is defined as:

• Techniques that use living organisms or parts of organisms to produce a variety of products (from medicines to industrial enzymes) to improve plants or animals or to develop microorganisms to remove toxics from bodies of water, or act as pesticides

• A multidisciplinary field in which biological systems are developed and/or used for the provision of commercial goods or services

Biosystems Engineering - IIBiosystems Engineering - II

http://www.nsc.org/ehc/glossary.htm#b

http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/525455/description#description

Biotechnology is notis not an Engineering Discipline


Biosystems Engineering is notis not Biomedical Engineering which is defined as:

The application of engineering principles and techniques to the medical field. It combines the design and problem solving skills of engineering with the medical and biological science to help improve patient health care and the quality of life of healthy individuals

Biosystems Engineering - IIIBiosystems Engineering - III

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biomedical_engineering


Biosystems EngineeringBiosystems Engineering

Focuses on applying Engineering principles to biological applying Engineering principles to biological systemssystems except for humans to avoid conflicts and confusion of professional competences with the discipline of Biomedical Engineering

Does not simply include scattered courses from Biotechnology or Biology creating conflicts and confusion of professional competences with the well established non-Engineering with the well established non-Engineering discipline of Biotechnologydiscipline of Biotechnology

Is founded on a broader basis of biological sciences through replacing agricultural application orientedagricultural application oriented courses with selected fundamental biological systems /agricultural sciencesfundamental biological systems /agricultural sciences subjects

Retains Agricultural Engineering as the main componentRetains Agricultural Engineering as the main component of the program of studies with a clear and strong Engineering core clear and strong Engineering core curriculum (USAEE/ FEANI)curriculum (USAEE/ FEANI)


Need for the transition from Need for the transition from Agricultural to Biosystems Agricultural to Biosystems

Engineering in EuropeEngineering in Europe


1.1. Europe should keep step with Europe should keep step with the latest developments in the latest developments in Biosystems Engineering Biosystems Engineering occurred at the international occurred at the international level to meet the needs of the level to meet the needs of the developing bio-based economy: developing bio-based economy: strong competition in education, strong competition in education, research and economyresearch and economy

2.2. Biosystems Engineering should Biosystems Engineering should evolve as an integral part of the evolve as an integral part of the rapid developments in the rapid developments in the Higher Education Area in EuropeHigher Education Area in Europe

Need for the transition from Agricultural Engineering to Biosystems Engineering in Europe


Need for the transition from Agricultural Engineering to Biosystems Engineering in Europe

In response to the dramatic developments*, the new Thematic Network for Education and Research in Biosystems Engineering or Agricultural and Biological Engineering in Europe (ERABEE-TNERABEE-TN) was established

ERABEE-TNERABEE-TN is built-upon and further develops the outputs of the USAEE-TN USAEE-TN by contributing to the inevitable transition from the traditional Agricultural Engineering studies towards a new European dimension in higher education in the broader area of Biosystems Engineering.

(*) Bio-based economy; Reduced interest of students for the traditional Agricultural Engineering; International developments


Geographical distribution of the consortium

ERABBE Thematic Network: composed of 33 partner ERABBE Thematic Network: composed of 33 partner Universities and 2 students associations from 27 Universities and 2 students associations from 27

European countries and funded by DG Education and European countries and funded by DG Education and CultureCulture

Education and Research in Education and Research in

Biosystems or Agricultural and Biosystems or Agricultural and

Biological Engineering in Europe; Biological Engineering in Europe;

a Thematic Networka Thematic Network –– ERABEE TNERABEE TN


Facing new developments and new challenges through the ERABEE TN work In the future, it is anticipated that the bio-based economy

will grow significantly in Europe.

The climatic change related problems will affect the development of the bio-based economy

Enterprises in the areas of bio-energy and renewable resources and bio-based materials are likely to increase, creating new employment opportunities for Biosystems (or Agricultural and Biological) Engineers.


Facing new developments and new challenges through the ERABEE TN work

Advancements in science and technology will create new opportunities in areas such as bio-safety, risk assessment, sensor/bio-sensors, electronics and use of information technology, remote sensing, GPS/GIS etc.

New emerging opportunities are likely to occur in developing and under-developed countries in areas of environmental quality, infrastructure and rural development (agriculture and bio-energy).


ERABEE TN: Meeting the ERABEE TN: Meeting the Needs of the Developing Bio-Needs of the Developing Bio-

based Economy based Economy

Meeting the Needs of the Developing Bio-based Economy D. Briassoulis Agricultural University of...

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