International Summer Course with the theme “Advanced Technology in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology for Agricultural Resilience (ATPBAR) 2026

The Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University successfully organized the International Summer Course with the theme “Advanced Technology in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology for Agricultural Resilience (ATPBAR) 2026.” The Summer Course was conducted in a hybrid format, with online sessions held from June 29 to July 3, 2026, and onsite sessions at the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, from July 6 to 11, 2026. The program was designed based on project-based learning (PBL) with seven modules that gradually guided participants in formulating plant breeding strategies using advanced biotechnological approaches. Participants were divided into five groups across universities and countries, each accompanied by facilitators from the Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Study Program at IPB, thereby fostering genuine international collaboration. The learning process was monitored through daily module-based assignments, online quizzes, and a final presentation, enriched with a visit to PT East West Indonesia and cultural immersion activities showcasing cultural performances from each country’s delegation.

The program was attended by 22 international students enrolled in the full program (4 credits), consisting of 10 students from Vietnam (Nong Lam University), 8 students from Taiwan (National Cheng Kung University and National Chung Hsing University), 3 students from the Philippines (Central Luzon State University), and 1 student from Japan (Tokyo University). In addition, 5 Indonesian students joined the full program (4 credits), including 4 from IPB University and 1 from Universitas Gadjah Mada. The online program (2 credits) was attended by 3 students—1 from the Philippines and 2 from Indonesia. The program also welcomed non-student participants (non-credit), with 5 attendees: 4 from Indonesia and 1 from Cameroon. Altogether, the program engaged 35 participants from diverse academic backgrounds and countries.

The course also involved seven international lecturers, two of whom participated online: Prof. Bunyamin Tar’an from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, and Dr. Joong Hyoun Chin from Sejong University, South Korea. The other five lecturers attended onsite: Prof. Masaru Ohme-Takagi from National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan; Dr. Ming-Tsair Chan from Academia Sinica, Taiwan; Dr. Shu-Yun Chen from National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan; Dr. Daisuke Tsugama from Tokyo University, Japan; and Dr. Nguyen Bao Quoc from Nong Lam University, Vietnam.

Overall, the International Summer Course ATPBAR 2026 successfully achieved its learning objectives by strengthening participants’ academic capacity, expanding IPB University’s international network, and providing cross-cultural experiences that enriched perspectives on the application of plant breeding and biotechnology technologies to support agricultural resilience.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Directorate of International Education of IPB for facilitating this program, as well as to all supporting partners, including international resource persons from the University of Saskatchewan (Canada), National Cheng Kung University (NCKU, Taiwan), Academia Sinica Biotechnology Center in Southern Taiwan (ASBCST), ABRC (Taiwan), Tokyo University (Japan), National Chung Hsing University (Taiwan), and Nong Lam University (Vietnam). Special thanks also go to PT East West Seed Indonesia (EWINDO), PT Agro Nusa Protindo (ANP), and Sobatani IPB for their valuable support.

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