The BIOSHIELD project officially launched with a dynamic three-day kick-off meeting held from 27 to 29 January 2025 in Alexandroupolis, Greece, hosted by Democritus University of Thrace. Representatives from all six partner institutions gathered to align on goals, define responsibilities, and chart a clear course for the project’s next stages.
Partners collaborated to shape an interdisciplinary curriculum aligned with the European Green Deal and today’s sustainability challenges. Partners discussed the results of their local workshops to support collaborative content development. Key thematic areas were identified, modules allocated, and a unified framework for content creation, visual design, and translation was established, setting the stage for a forward-looking educational program in biotechnology and climate resilience.
To maximize visibility and engagement, all partners committed to sharing BIOSHIELD outcomes widely through academic networks, industry outreach, and digital channels. Partners also discussed how to develop and disseminate a multilingual series of educational video tutorials, supported by a dedicated YouTube channel and blog series to extend the project’s reach across Europe.
Another topic handled at the meeting was an interactive digital handbook and an online training program, featuring a five-day learning experience led by the faculties from all partner universities. The program will engage students in a blend of theoretical learning, practical application, and international exchange.
The meeting marked a strong and collaborative start to the BIOSHIELD project. With clear deliverables and active participation from all partners, the initiative is set to deliver a transformative educational model in biotechnology for climate resilience. The upcoming meeting in Croatia (July 2025) will review progress and shape the next stages of implementation.