2nd International Summer Course 2025
Theme: Sustainable Agriculture and Biotechnology for Food Security in Tropical Regions
📅 21–30 July 2025
📍 UNS Surakarta, Indonesia
About the 2025 Edition
The 2nd International Summer Course at UNS advances its founding mission with a focused theme at the intersection of agricultural biotechnology and tropical food systems. As global food security faces growing pressure from climate change, population growth, and land degradation, there is an urgent need for the next generation of agricultural scientists to command both classical agronomic principles and modern biotechnological tools. This program is designed precisely for that purpose.
Over ten days, participants engage with topics spanning plant tissue culture, molecular breeding, endophytic microorganism applications, nano-biotechnology in agriculture, agroecosystem management, and food processing from tropical crops. Academic sessions are complemented by practical work in UNS research laboratories and field visits to agricultural demonstration sites in Surakarta, Boyolali, and the surrounding highland areas of Central Java.
The program is designed for advanced undergraduate students (year 3–4), Master’s students, and early-stage PhD candidates in agriculture, biology, environmental science, or related fields. All sessions are conducted in English. Participants from both Indonesian universities and international institutions are equally welcome. The program concludes with group presentations, certificate distribution, and a formal closing dinner.
Program at a Glance
| 📅 Dates | 21–30 July 2025 |
| ⏱ Duration | 10 Days |
| 📍 Venue | FP UNS, Surakarta |
| 👥 Capacity | 50 Participants |
| 🗣 Language | English |
| 💰 Fee (Intl.) | USD 350 |
| 💰 Fee (National) | IDR 1,500,000 |
| 📋 Deadline | 30 June 2025 |
Topics & Learning Areas
Core scientific and applied topics covered in the 2025 program.
Plant Tissue Culture & Micropropagation
Principles and practice of in vitro plant propagation, including explant preparation, media formulation, callus induction, organogenesis, and acclimatization. Practical sessions in UNS tissue culture laboratory.
Molecular Plant Breeding
Introduction to marker-assisted selection, QTL mapping, GWAS, and genomic selection in crop improvement programs. Case studies from Indonesian crops including soybean, maize, and rice.
Endophytic Microorganisms in Agriculture
Roles of endophytic bacteria and fungi in promoting plant growth, enhancing stress tolerance, and suppressing pathogens. Isolation, characterization, and application methods discussed with live demonstration.
Nano-Biotechnology in Crop Production
Applications of nano-biochar, nano-fertilizers, and nanoparticles for improving soil health, nutrient efficiency, and abiotic stress tolerance in tropical crops. Overview of synthesis, characterization, and field trials.
Tropical Agroecosystem Management
Ecology of tropical farming systems, biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes, integrated pest management, and sustainable land use practices in Java. Includes guided field visits to research stations.
Food Processing & Postharvest Technology
Postharvest handling, processing, and value addition for tropical agricultural commodities including cassava, soybean, banana, and spice crops. Visit to local agro-industry and food processing facility included.
Program Schedule
Day-by-day overview of the 2025 Summer Course. Registered participants receive the full detailed schedule by email.
| Day | Date | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Mon, 21 July | Arrival & Registration | Opening Ceremony & Orientation | Welcome Dinner & Cultural Introduction |
| Day 2 | Tue, 22 July | Lecture: Tropical Agriculture & Food Security Overview | Lecture: Molecular Plant Breeding Fundamentals | Free / Campus Tour |
| Day 3 | Wed, 23 July | Lab Practical: Plant Tissue Culture — Media Preparation | Lab Practical: Explant Preparation & Inoculation | Group Discussion Session |
| Day 4 | Thu, 24 July | Lecture: Endophytic Microorganisms in Crop Production | Lab Demonstration: Isolation & Characterization of Endophytes | Batik Workshop (Cultural Program) |
| Day 5 | Fri, 25 July | Lecture: Nano-Biotechnology in Sustainable Agriculture | Lab Session: Biochar Characterization & Application Demo | Free Evening |
| Day 6 | Sat, 26 July | Full-Day Field Visit — Research stations & agro-industry site in Central Java | ||
| Day 7 | Sun, 27 July | Cultural Excursion — Kraton Surakarta, Pasar Gede, and surrounding heritage sites | ||
| Day 8 | Mon, 28 July | Lecture: Tropical Agroecosystem Management & IPM | Lecture: Postharvest Technology for Tropical Commodities | Group Project Work Session |
| Day 9 | Tue, 29 July | Group Project Finalization & Preparation | Group Presentations (All Participants) | Feedback & Networking Session |
| Day 10 | Wed, 30 July | Closing Ceremony & Certificate Distribution | Farewell Lunch | Departure |
* Schedule subject to minor adjustments. Final schedule sent to registered participants one week before the program.
Speakers & Lecturers
Distinguished academics and practitioners leading the 2025 program sessions.
Full speaker profiles will be announced as confirmations are finalized. Check back for updates or subscribe to our announcements page.
Photos from the 2025 Program
Photos will be added here throughout the program. Follow our social media for live updates.
Gallery photos will be published here during and after the program (21–30 July 2025).
In the meantime, browse photos from the 1st Edition 2024 archive →