In 2013, students from those Industrial Ecology study programs in different European countries collectively revealed the need to strengthen multilateral communication on both academic and professional development contents among universities. Bilateral connections have been built among some existing local student bodies such as SHIFT IndEcol Study Association (Leiden-Delft), Symbiosis (NTNU) and Chalmers Students for Sustainability (Chalmers). The European Erasmus Mundus MIND platform fostered further cohesion as MIND students study in different universities according to their mobility tracks. MIND students also contribute to the board of the ISIE student chapter and take leading roles in local student organizations. The idea of establishing a pan European student network of Industrial Ecology was hotly discussed during the MIND yearly gathering in August 2013, and further carried on for preparation. The concept of a pan-European network soon received enthusiastic welcomes from professors and students in different countries. Professor Henrikke Baumann is one of the key advisors and she kindly conveyed this idea to ISIE Governance team and business sectors in Sweden during the LCM conference held in Chalmers in 2013. As per the interest of students and recruiting companies, the network preparation team started the first endeavor on the Industrial Ecology Work Fair as the inauguration event of the formal network. EMNIE is the establishing organization for the European Master’s Network of Industrial Ecology who strives to inform business and development projects about sustainability principles. EMNIE forms links between students, academia and business in order to create a European-wide, multi-level industrial ecologist network contributing to the innovation-business-human resource interface. EMNIE aims at connecting Industrial Ecology students all over Europe and providing them with a unique platform for academic exchange, professional training, career development and employment opportunities by linking them to research and business.
The backbone of EMNIE is the European IE students. The students involved in EMNIE incorporate both the skills required for sustainability careers and an open-minded approach towards other cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural issues. The EMNIE shall be a pure student self-governed organization registered at European Erasmus Mundus Education with fluid hosting by a sub-organization at one participating university each year. Local student organizations shall closely cooperate with EMNIE to organize annual pan- European wide events and invite students from partner universities to join. EMNIE is responsible for theme development, cohesion work and fund raising to fully support local organizations and events.
The backbone of EMNIE is the European IE students. The students involved in EMNIE incorporate both the skills required for sustainability careers and an open-minded approach towards other cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural issues. The EMNIE shall be a pure student self-governed organization registered at European Erasmus Mundus Education with fluid hosting by a sub-organization at one participating university each year. Local student organizations shall closely cooperate with EMNIE to organize annual pan- European wide events and invite students from partner universities to join. EMNIE is responsible for theme development, cohesion work and fund raising to fully support local organizations and events.