ENGAGE

The aims of ENGAGE are:

  • To identify and analyse opportunities for research and development in agricultural, biosystems and environmental engineering to advance agriculture and associated industries.
  • To explain, discuss and promote these opportunities both within EurAgEng in particular and the European Union in general.
  • To encourage and facilitate co-operation between appropriate engineers and scientists within the European Union and in countries with scientific agreements with the European Union.
  • To make readily available expert advice in the areas of agricultural, biosystems and environmental engineering.

To achieve these aims, the Network was established in 1988 as the European Community Club of Advanced Engineering for Agriculture (ECCAEA). Some years later, the name was adapted to the name-change in the European Union (EUCAEA). In 1997, club members expanded the range of the group's activities; this resulted in the current name "European Network for Advanced Engineering in Agriculture and Environment" (ENGAGE).

Participation in the activities of the Network is open to all institutions and organizations carrying out research and development in agricultural, biosystems and environmental engineering in the European Union and countries with scientific agreements with the European Union. A close working relationship with agriculture and associated industries enhances the links between science and practice and is therefore within the scope and goals of the Network.

Network meetings are held once a year. They are attended by representatives of one or two "linking organizations" from each country, who provide a channel of communication with other interested parties. Broad decisions on the nature of Network activities and events are made at these meetings, where a consensus of those attending is sought.

The chairmanship and secretariat of the Network change every four years in conjunction with the election of vice-presidents of EurAgEng. The posts are held by a single participating organization for the election period.

Network Technical Reviews may be organized on special subjects, where invited scientists and engineers from all member countries discuss the priorities for research and arrange co-operation.

Detailed decisions on the organization and planning of Network activities may be made by Network Working Groups, set up with the agreement of the majority of those attending Network Meetings. Network Working Groups may undertake a variety of tasks, for example organizing Technical Reviews, including Workshops, presentations to EU officials, preparing documents, or coordinating proposals for co-operative research. Decisions on participation in Network activities and in co-operative research programmes naturally remain a matter for the organizations concerned. The Network endeavours to encourage co-operation but not to control it.

The current chairman of ENGAGE is Prof. Dr. Reiner Brunsch, [email protected]