Plans for Eco Valley near Beijing

Wageningen UR has developed an ambitious plan for an 'Eco Valley' near Beijing. This 400 hectare site near China's capital city provides space for sustainable food production, forestry, floriculture, recreation and housing. Because Wageningen UR has expertise in the various disciplines that are required to design such an Eco Valley, the Dutch knowledge institution was approached by COFCO (one of China's largest food companies) and the administrators of Beijing to come up with plans for the huge area.
The first plans were presented in China at the end of February. The participants are now awaiting several decisions by the Chinese partners in order to finalise the plans. If that happens quickly, then vegetable production could already start this year.

Mobile DNA labs very successful

Over 100,000 high school students have learned about DNA through the mobile labs of six universities. This was celebrated on 17 April in Wageningen. For once, the labs did not visit the schools, but the students from six schools were transported with buses to Wageningen Campus where they had a fun-filled and informative day.
The idea of visiting secondary schools with mobile labs to educate pupils about the wonderful world of DNA emerged about 15 years ago in Wageningen. Since 2006, five other universioties have joined the initiative and some 20,000 high school students a year are now getting acquainted with DNA research through these labs.

Biobased Economy explained in an animation

The transition to a biobased economy (an economy based on renewable resources) is now explained in an animation. Plant material contains substances that can be used for the production of chemicals, materials, electricity and fuels. Already plastic bottles are made ​​from wood residue, 'green' styrofoam is being produced, and of course biofuels and energy exist too. But it can all be done on a much larger scale.