Climate change, non-renewable resources shortage, food production, environment degradation and pollution require an urgent shift towards sustainability, namely the green transition. In order to accelerate this process, the so-called green jobs are key to success. Green jobs require the new generation educated and trained in the “green skills”, encompassing both specific technical (i.e. scientific, technological, or engineering) and soft skills, such as critical thinking, communication, creativity, decision making, project management and business expertise. Industrial biotechnology is among the key sectors for a successful green transition, and future biotechnologists will need a focussed green upskilling. Beside others, scientific and technological background related to bioeconomy and circular economy is particularly relevant, for example in the biomass and waste reuse and transformation into added value products.

During the M.Sc. in Biology and the M.Sc. in Industrial Biotechnology at the University of Milano-Bicocca, students are exposed to several technical topics, whereas soft skills development is still limited within the curricular activity.

Here we propose the design of three different interactive learning methodologies aimed at reinforcing soft skills such as communication, critical thinking built on the scientific background of students.

Lotus Blossom Technique: Exploring lactose recovery from cheese whey permeate (CWP)
Students will use the Lotus Blossom technique, a structured brainstorming approach, to explore technological and industrial strategies for CWP valorization. This method will help them develop creative problem-solving skills and systematically analyze the potential of this waste stream.

Interview-Based Assignment: Investigating starchy waste management
By conducting interviews with experts and stakeholders (e.g., food industry professionals, sustainability researchers), students will examine the challenges and opportunities associated with the valorization of starchy waste. This task will improve their ability to collect, synthesize, and critically analyze information.

Event Organization: Raising awareness on waste cooking oil recycling.
Students will design and organize an outreach event to promote the proper disposal and potential reuse of exhausted cooking oils. This hands-on experience will enhance teamwork, project management, and science communication skills while fostering a sense of civic responsibility.

For each topic, the teaching activity will combine traditional frontal lectures with different engaging methods, such as group works, brainstorming sessions and collegial discussions. These activities will foster a range of soft skills, including teamwork, conflict resolution, time management, decision-making, creativity, networking, communication. Additionally, they will help develop “green skills” by promoting a sustainable mindset and raising awareness of the complexity of issues at stake. Starting from their technical expertise, students will be encouraged to take an active role in the green transition through practical, real-world perspectives.

By integrating these methodologies into the curriculum, we aim to provide a dynamic and interdisciplinary learning experience that bridges scientific knowledge with real-world applications.

Acknowledgements:
Cariplo Foundation 2020-0838, 2020-0993, 2022-0529; European Union - Next Generation EU, Mission 4 Component 2 - CUP H53D23004450006.

Keywords: Green soft skills, circular economy, soft skills, waste valorization, interactive learning.