Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Biological and Chemical Engineering for a Sustainable Bioeconomy

Call reference: EAC/A03/2018

Programme: Erasmus+

Key Action: Learning Mobility of Individuals

Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees

Project Reference: 610559-EPP-1-2019-1-FR-EPPKA1-JMD-MOB

Action title: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Biological and Chemical Engineering for a Sustainable Bioeconomy

Summary

The European Joint Master BIOCEB (Biological and Chemical Engineering for a Sustainable Bioeconomy) is a 2-year international programme built-up by 5 universities from 4 European countries:• Paris Institute of Technology for Life, Food and Environmental Sciences (AgroParisTech) (FR)• Aalto University (FI)• Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) (EE)• Université de Liège (ULiège) (BE)• Université Reims-Champagne-Ardennes (URCA)It addresses the need of European industry for innovative biobased products and bioprocesses, according to green chemistry principles and circular economy. BIOCEB qualifies students to contribute to the global development of bioeconomy through a diversity of regional biorefinery models. It provides a multidisciplinary training for the settlement of sustainable value-chains valorizing biodiversity while preserving natural resources. Besides scientific skills, the students gain ability to implement systemic approaches and awareness of markets.BIOCEB provides a high level up-to-date education in biology, chemistry and biotechnology, combined with knowledge of bio-based products markets and renewable resources value-chain sustainability assessment. It comprises 3 pedagogical pillars all involving practice: an academic programme, a green-line project carried out over the three first semesters with a multi-partner supervision and an internship. BIOCEB favors the graduates’ insertion in the professional world, through a cross-cutting approach related to innovation, entrepreneurship and dissemination. The modular format (5 optional multi-location study tracks combined with a personalised project) promotes the international mobility of students and give them the opportunity to tailor their curriculum to get their competence profiles fitting with the targeted jobs. BIOCEB offers perspectives of international career in research and development, innovation management or knowledge transfer, for both private and public sectors. Depending on their curriculum, the graduates are prepared to address specific challenges related to biomass engineering, process development and up-scaling or biobased products design, with integration in whole value-chains and intersectorial projects. BIOCEB is supported by 19 associated representatives of academic international excellence (Brazil, US, Canada, Australia, Asia) and socio-economical clusters involving SMEs and multinational companies. Moreover, BIOCEB’s professors belong to structures at the forefront of international research in biotechnology, biorefinery and green chemistry: the Laboratory of Excellence « Saclay Plant Science » involving AgroParisTech; the chairs of Agroresources, fermentation and enzymes (C. Rémond, URCA), of Industrial AgroBiotechnologies (F. Allais, AgroParisTech), and of Green chemistry (N. Gathergood, TalTech); the Unit of Biomass & Green Technologies at Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech (A. Richel, ULiège); the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems (E. Konturri, Aalto)