Looking into RR2P 2024: A Transformative Rice Science Learning Experience

As one journey comes to an end, a new opportunity arises.

Rice: Research to Production (RR2P) program offers a deep dive into the significant impact of rice science on food production and sustainability for students and researchers. IRRI Education, concluding its 17th flagship offering of the RR2P course, opens new doors for future researchers to advance rice science. “As the lead facilitator of this year’s RR2P training course, it has been a delightful learning experience with our participants from around the world, who came from different cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds, enriching each session with a diverse perspective,” Aaron Paul Landicho, IRRI Education Junior Facilitator said. This year, 13 students and 4 professionals participated in IRRI Education’s RR2P Program from May 27 to June 14, 2024.

Under IRRI’s partnership with Purdue University, eight students were given the opportunity to continue with another three-week internship that specialized in rice research projects, which included extensive hands-on laboratory and fieldwork experience. The internship concluded on July 5, 2024. Together with IRRI’s leading scientists, the participants engaged in lectures and discussions of their field expertise, exemplifying the program’s innovative spirit.

RR2P Beyond the Four Walls of the Classroom

The RR2P educational course initiative extends beyond conventional learning experiences. Combining rigorous academic training with hands-on research and cultural emission, providing students with transformative experiences, they engaged in field activities such as rice planting, designing and implementing inclusive rice research development, hands-on disease and pest indication assessment, breeding activity selections, and measuring greenhouse gas emissions, among others, which helped students gain an in-depth understanding of rice science.

Outside of IRRI, they also had the opportunity to visit several agricultural institutions and companies to learn how some challenges to global food resources are addressed by different agencies and organizations based in the Philippines including Straw Innovations Ltd in Pila, Laguna; Corteva Agriscience Asia Pacific Regional Laboratory in Tarlac; and Department of Agriculture Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization in Nueva Ecija.

Participants also visited beautiful agricultural sights in the Philippines and joined in a range of cultural experiences, such as a team-building activity at Batangas Beach, a visit to Banaue Rice Terraces, and a trip to the farmers at Victoria, Laguna. By interacting with locals, learners explored Indigenous knowledge. Jenna Matsuyama, an incoming senior botany student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, said, “I never knew anything about rice, and now I feel like I’m an expert.”

Connecting with Culture

One of the unique aspects of the RR2P course is showcasing Filipino culture. Rice is not just a staple food in the country but an integral part of Filipino culture. Throughout the program, students immerse themselves in rich traditional practices. This cultural experience helps them appreciate its significance in Filipino culture and daily life.

Students had the chance to engage with the local tribes, learning about their dances, culture, and farming practices. They enjoyed local activities like merienda and a communal feast known as boodle fight. Miles Lee, an incoming senior studying sustainable land and food systems at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, expressed, “I wanted to see how agriculture was done in other parts of the world. It is my belief that food can unite people and I have no doubt in the power of human collaboration and bringing people together. This program allowed me to do that”

Purposeful Internship Projects

Participants of the internship delve into cutting-edge research and innovative projects that address some of the most pressing challenges in rice agriculture today. Jenna shared her fruitful research experience focusing on grain quality and nutrition. Her project centered on phytochemicals and antioxidants in brown rice, aiming to enhance its nutritional value under the supervision of Dr. Nese Sreenivasulu’s laboratory.

Jenna explains, “With climate change and bad things in the air creating these free radicals that harm our bodies… If we get these antioxidants in our brown rice, which is a bulk of most people’s diet, then these antioxidants will help reduce free radicals.” This enhancement could provide dietary solutions to combat adverse effects of environmental pollutants, contributing to better public health.

Meanwhile, Miles worked on a project addressing the challenges upland farmers face. Through the help of Dr. Shalabh Dixit’s team, his research project banked on direct seeding and deep sowing of rice, a technique that could be used in areas with limited access to irrigation.

“Deep sowing is necessary because a lot of farmers in the upland areas, away from the running water, would rely on rainfall to irrigate their crops, and sometimes these areas experience drought,” Miles noted. “By planting seeds at a depth of 8 centimeters instead of 2 centimeters, rice seedlings can access water that may be deeper below the soil profile.” This approach increases the chances of crop survival during periods of drought. By understanding sustainable farming practices that are resilient to climate change, Miles aims to help address environmental challenges and improve food security.

Cultivating the Future

RR2P and the internship opportunity bridge innovation and cultural immersion, empowering students to tackle agricultural challenges. Despite the tight timelines and laboratory challenges in the internship project, the invaluable support from mentors Glenn Vincent Ong and Kimberly Ponce helped them thrive. These programs help equip future researchers like Jenna Matsuyama and Miles Lee to make a meaningful impact on the world.

“I would recommend RR2P for anyone who wants to know more about how food is grown throughout the world and how people interact with food under different systems of living. This course really makes you think about how we can help the world and find solutions. Educate, impact, and inspire; that is how I’d describe RR2P,” said Miles.

Impact for Partnership

Partnership amplifies the reach and impact of scientific research and education, creating ripples of positive change in the world of science. IRRI and Purdue University’s long-standing collaboration since 2021 has allowed undergraduate students to participate in groundbreaking rice research. Purdue and its affiliated institutions—North Carolina A&T State University, Florida A&M University, University of Illinois, Tuskegee University, and the University of Hawaii at Manoa—enabled students to partake in an RR2P course and gain firsthand experience from a three-week internship project in contribution to global efforts to enhance rice production and sustainability.

Dr. Anilyn Maningas, Head of IRRI Education, said, “This final year of our partnership with Purdue has brought together one of the best batches we’ve seen over the last three years. Continue on your journey and make a lasting impact in the world of rice research.” Through such impactful collaborations, IRRI expands and influences, fostering a network of skilled and dedicated individuals committed to transforming the rice industry.

Join the future of Rice Research! Learn about rice science through RR2P!

Visit IRRI Education and see other internship opportunities