The 10th International Summer Course attracted 112 participants – students, researchers, and professionals in biotechnology and life sciences – from 19 countries, including Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, China, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sudan, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
The overarching goal of the event was to explore how modern biotechnology can be leveraged to create a more resilient and productive agricultural landscape.
The programme aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of gene editing technologies and the applications in agriculture and livestock systems, to support sustainable development and a healthier future. The course was delivered through a hybrid learning format, combining online academic sessions and onsite activities.
Keynote speakers from CTLGH and strategic partners Roslin Institute, SRUC and International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) presented on a variety of topics.
The programme opened with speakers, including Professor Mizeck Chagunda, CTLGH Director, and Dr Jacqueline Smith, Roslin Institute, sharing insights on sustainable dairy production and avian flu genomics. This session highlighted the critical role of biotechnology and innovation in advancing animal science for a healthier future.
Dr James Prendergast and Professor Mike McGrew, from the Roslin Institute, presented Day Two sessions on mapping function variants in the cattle genome using high-throughput reporter assays, and precision genome editing in avian species: techniques and applications.
Day Three brought together scientific perspectives to support innovation in biotechnology and agriculture with Dr Kellie Watson, Roslin Institute, presenting on ‘Improving Poultry DNA’ and Professor Jamie Newbold, SRUC, on ‘Linking Host Genetics to Rumen Microbiome Function.
We explored key topics on gene-edited livestock: past, present, and future, as well as environmental adaptation in indigenous chickens on Day Four with presenters Dr. Adriana Vallejo-Trujillo and Dr. Simon Lillico of the Roslin Institute.
“This session also reflected the ongoing work and collaboration from the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH) at the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) – bringing together expertise to advance genomics research for livestock resilience, productivity, and sustainability, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.”
Dr. Adriana Vallejo–Trujillo, Research Associate in Whole Genome Sequence Analysis, Roslin Institute
Our final session on Day Five, featured Professor Olivier Hanotte, The University of Nottingham and International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), and Dr. Nigatu Ayele Adossa, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI).
The programme was designed to reflect Universitas Gadjah Mada’s (UGM) strong commitment to global research networks and academic excellence:
- to provide a comprehensive understanding of gene-editing mechanisms (such as CRISPR-Cas9) and their direct application in improving livestock productivity and health;
- to translate complex genomic tools into practical applications that can be implemented within smallholder livestock systems, particularly in developing regions;
- to dissect the evolutionary genetics to map out pathways for the optimal conservation and utilisation of local livestock resources.
“The International Summer Course was a fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas with fellow experts and engage with an international audience of researchers and students.
“My thanks to the organisers and partners for creating such a meaningful platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing.”
Dr. Adriana Vallejo-Trujillo, Research Associate in Whole Genome Sequence Analysis, Roslin Institute
“CTLGH were delighted to collaborate with the Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada to host and deliver this International Summer Course.
“Apart from our research pillars, Capacity Building is one of our delivery pillars. Participation in the International Summer Course contributed to this endeavour. “
Professor Mizeck Chagunda, Director of the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics & Health (CTLGH), and Chair of Tropical Livestock Genetics, University of Edinburgh