European Qualificatons Framework for Biology

(EQFB)

“The overarching priority of the Lifelong Learning Programme is to reinforce the contribution made by education and training to achieve the Lisbon goal of making the EU the most competitive knowledge-based economy, with sustainable economic development, more and better jobs, and greater social cohesion. The European Union has identified obstacles to academic and professional mobility as one key issue for the success of the Lisbon Strategy.” (Common Actions for Growth and Employment: The Community Lisbon Programme, Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament, 2005). More on wikipedia

In a knowledge-based economy, the welfare of any economic region rests on its ability to train and attract the best minds and offer them an environment where they can exchange ideas and create new knowledge, leading to improvements in goods and services and thus to sustained economic growth. This openness to the best minds does presuppose the – transnational – mobility of students, of graduates of higher education institutions (HEIs) and of professionals. This mobility, in turn, is greatly facilitated by the existence of tools for the recognition of qualifications and competences.

In 2008 the ECBA investigated the possibility of establishing an European qualifications framework for Biology and Biosciences. In the first round we acquired positive feedback from several members.

It seems paramount the ECBA takes the lead in formulating European qualifications, it is a natural follow up on the survey on Biology Curricula in Europe ECBA published in 1993.

The European Qualifications Framework (EQF) acts as a translation device to make national qualifications more readable across Europe, promoting workers’ and learners’ mobility between countries and facilitating their lifelong learning. For more information you may go to: http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-policy/doc44_en.htm

The German Accreditation Agency (ASIIN) has signalled it is willing to cooperate with members of ECBA in order to establish a European qualifications framework for the sector Biology/Bioscience.

Members of a consortium should also be sufficiently representative in term of the sector

(Biology/Biosciences), labour market and education or training systems that their proposal is intended to benefit. According to ASIIN authorities most ECBA members meet the requirement of such a key stakeholder.

This however does not exclude that the consortium may be completed by other organisations (biology faculties, ministries, social partners etc.)

More detailed information and working documents can be found in the member area.