RELIEF Final Conference in Greece Marks a Milestone in European Bioeconomy Innovation
- Published in News
The RELIEF Final Conference, held on 20–21 May 2025 at the University of the Peloponnese in Kalamata, Greece, brought together leading voices from across Europe to celebrate the achievements of the RELIEF project (euRopean bio-Economy aLliancE in Farming) and shape the future of the European bioeconomy.
Over two dynamic days, researchers, policymakers, educators, and innovators reflected on the project’s contributions to sustainable agricultural practices, bioeconomy education, and regional development. The event marked both the culmination of RELIEF’s work and a springboard for future collaboration and policy advancement.
Day One: Resilient Communities and the Role of the Bioeconomy
The first day featured high-level presentations and panel discussions on the bioeconomy's potential to support resilient and sustainable rural communities. The session was chaired by Prof. Dimitrios Petropoulos and Dr. Nikolaos Apostolopoulos. Highlights included:
- Keynote Address: “The Bioeconomy and European Institutions” by Prof. Panagiotis Liargovas, President of KEPE, University of the Peloponnese
- Sectoral Case Study: “Olive Oil and the Bioeconomy” by Prof. Georgios Zakynthinos, University of Western Attica
- Regional Perspective: Sustainable Olive Cultivation in Messinia by Georgios Kokkinos, President of the Board of Directors, AES NILEAS
- Cross-border Insights: Soil Science and Agriculture in Bulgaria by Mariana Hristova and Ana Katsarova, Institute of Soil Science, Sofia
- Emerging Careers: “New Professions Related to the Bioeconomy” by Makios Nasos, Circular Economy Expert
The day concluded with an engaging discussion and Q&A session, underscoring participants’ enthusiasm for deeper European integration in bioeconomy initiatives.
Day Two: Education, Innovation, and the Future
The second day, led by Prof. Hailong Li (Mälardalens University, Sweden) and Dr. Ioannis Lykoskoufis (University of the Peloponnese), showcased the project’s educational and technological outputs. Participants were introduced to:
- A training needs analysis and educational content aligned with EQF levels 5 and 6
- An innovative digital learning platform with self-assessment and gamified tools
- Pilot training outcomes and implementation insights from various countries
The final session highlighted RELIEF’s sustainability strategies and global outreach. Partners shared key deliverables such as policy briefs, scientific publications, and exploitation toolkits designed to ensure long-term impact. Contributions from partners including ReadLab, INNOVADE, SwIdeas, DREAm Italia, and Mälardalens University reinforced the project’s diverse and pan-European approach.
Closing remarks were delivered by representatives of the University of the Peloponnese, followed by the presentation of certificates to participants, acknowledging their valuable contributions to this pivotal initiative.
About RELIEF
RELIEF is an EU-funded project under the Erasmus+ programme that aimed to strengthen the link between the bioeconomy, education, and regional development in agriculture. The project fostered cross-border collaboration and developed tools to support a transition to a sustainable, bio-based economy across Europe.
For more information, please visit the project website here.