ELLS Subject Areas
The Subject Areas are the backbone of the ELLS network on the level of joint teaching programmes. Each partner institution has the responsibility for at least one thematic Subject Area and oversees the development and implementation of joint curricula or other joint teaching activities.
At the moment the following Subject Areas are in process:
Animal Science
The subject area Animal Science is currently making an inventory of exchange possibilities for students among its participating universities. Contact Krzysztof Klimaszewski for further information.
Bioeconomy
Bioeconomy is an emerging sector focused on transitioning from fossil-based to biogenic resources, supported by strategies from the EU, US, Canada, and Australia. It spans agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, and biogenic materials processing, addressing biomass competition, consumer acceptance, and product marketing. This new subject area aims to foster cooperation among European universities to educate experts for a sustainable bioeconomy.
Economics and Management
Economics, management, and social sciences are vital in ELLS universities, benefiting from shared experiences and achievements. This subject area addresses the diversity of European rural areas, linking national specifics with the common European dimension of rural development. It supports ELLS's ambition to advance the European Education and Research Area by integrating sustainability principles.
Environmental Science
Proceed for further information.
Forestry
Proceed for further information.
Insect Ecology
The Subject Area "Insect Ecology" offers education in ecology, ranging from the individual to the ecology of populations, communities and ecosystems. The courses and modules offered cover theory as well as ecological methods for field and laboratory research and also include the application of ecological knowledge for pest control and conservation of biodiversity. This knowledge is essential to detect and define present and future problems and elaborate strategies for their solution.
Landscape Architecture and Spatial Planning
The Euroleague for Life Sciences unites seven universities in the subject area of "Landscape Architecture and Spatial Planning." The mission is to enhance the international dimension of landscape planning education and research, addressing complex issues like climate change and social changes. This network offers diverse learning opportunities through international conferences, summer schools, and joint university programs.
Organic Agriculture
The Subject Area "Organic Agriculture" leverages the diverse research and education focuses of participating universities. Emphasizing a holistic, system-based approach, it aims to enhance understanding of organic food chains in the growing European market. Collaboration will define each university's strengths, addressing the complexity of Organic Agriculture comprehensively.
Plant Health
Plant protection is the science and practice of managing plant diseases, pests and weeds. Without plant protection, more than half of the crops produced worldwide would be lost. An efficient implementation of sustainable plant protection is necessary to support the increasing human population. In addition, climate change poses further challenges to plant production and requires new plant protection strategies.
Healthy plans and trees are key with respect to food and feed security as well as the production of biobased materials and the preservation of ecosystems.
Plant Molecular Breeding and Biotechnology
The ELLS subject area "Molecular Breeding and Plant Biotechnology" addresses pressing challenges in plant science, including adapting crops to extreme climates and enhancing nutritional yields. It emphasizes biotechnological advances for producing tailored macromolecules and medicines, crucial for sustainable agriculture and global food security. This interdisciplinary field integrates plant molecular biology, genomics, and biotechnology to innovate in plant breeding and enhance product quality.
Safety in the Food Chain
Food safety is critical for public health, influenced by global food trade, changing eating habits, and emerging pathogens. International training programs are essential to equip professionals with expertise in food safety, meeting the demands of food authorities and industries amidst technological and societal changes.
Digitalization in the Life Sciences
Discover essential AI and machine learning skills crucial for navigating digital trends and managing large datasets in everyday life. Enhance your CV with interdisciplinary IT skills tailored for life sciences, supporting intelligent data analysis in fields like environmental sciences and health. Explore our flexible courses covering programming, data analytics, and AI basics, designed for M.Sc. and Ph.D. students in short-term intensive or distance-learning formats.
Systems Analysis and Design of Agri-food Systems in a Changing Climate
The agri-food sector is crucial for addressing global challenges like food security, sustainability, and climate change. ELLS trains students to become "change agents" by connecting their knowledge to real-world problems, enhancing skills and employability. The program promotes international collaboration, innovation, and partnerships with industry, preparing students for the evolving job market and global challenges.
Wine and Soft Fruits
Fruit production, for direct consumption or processing, is of high importance worldwide contributing to significant agronomic value chains and the human diet. The ELLS subject area “Wine & Soft Fruits” aims to focus on berries in its diversity and multitude of production systems. Research in grape and other fleshy fruits production needs progress to meet the imposed challenges by climate change, sustainability, consumer demands or market rules.