''BIOSHIELD Project Workshop: Toward an Interdisciplinary and Holistic Curriculum On 7 February, a pivotal workshop was held as part of the BIOSHIELD project, gathering 19 engaged participants from across academia, business, and student communities in the University of Maribor. The event was designed to foster meaningful dialogue on the future curriculum development for the BIOSHIELD project, with the ultimate goal of bridging the gap between education, research, and practical needs in the emerging bioeconomy.

Participants included university representatives, business professionals, and students, each contributing valuable perspectives from their respective fields. The diversity of the group played a key role in ensuring that the discussions remained grounded in both academic expertise and real-world application.

The key conclusion emerging from the workshop emphasized that rather than focusing on isolated disciplines, the program should integrate knowledge from natural sciences, social and educational sciences, technology, and policy. Such an approach is essential for understanding and responding to interconnected environmental, social, and economic challenges.

Participants emphasized the importance of:

- Collaborative learning environments that promote systems thinking,
- Practical, problem-based learning connected to real-world cases,
- Cross-sectoral engagement, ensuring that students learn to navigate between scientific research, business innovation, and public policy.

This workshop marked an important step in the co-creation process of the BIOSHIELD curriculum. By involving stakeholders early and meaningfully, the project ensures that future educational offerings will be relevant, impactful, and forward-looking.

We thank all participants for their active contributions and look forward to continuing this collaborative journey.''