Author: irrieducation

In an effort to share the current research, knowledge, and practices, IRRI Education, the educational and capacity building arm of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), recently organized a comprehensive training on genomic prediction and data-driven crop breeding. Held from August 5 to 9, 2024, the training attracted a diverse group of participants from Asia and Africa, to learn about the genomic selection and other data-driven strategies in crop breeding.

This training course was conceptualized and initiated by IRRI’s scientists Dr. Waseem Hussain, IRRI’s Senior Scientist I in Plant Breeding, Dr. Eduardo (Giovanny) Covarrubias-Pazaran Senior Scientist II – Quantitative Genetics and Biometrics; Dr. Mahender Anumalla, Scientist I – Breeding Long Duration Rice; Dr. Parthiban Thathapalli Prakash, Scientist I – Breeding Optimization; Ms. Leilani Nora, Specialist – Statistics; and Ms. Alaine Gulles, Lead Specialist – Biometrics and Breeding Analytics It aimed to integrate knowledge in quantitative genetics, predictive breeding, and innovative breeding methods. This includes a comprehensive understanding of quantitative genetics and statistical genomics, enabling participants to apply these tools for genomic selection effectively. A total of 20 scientists and crop breeders from India, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Philippines, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Senegal, and Nepal participated in this 5-day course.

Over the course of five days, the participants engaged in intensive discussions involving theoretical concepts as well as practical and hands-on exercises. Structured into five modules, the training sessions covered topics on the R software and R markdown, quantitative genetics, statistical modeling in predictive genetics and breeding, implementation of genomic selection in plant breeding, dissecting G x E interactions and crossing strategies.

Apart from the classroom sessions where they interacted with the resource persons, the participants also had the opportunity to visit IRRI’s Genotyping Service Lab, which offers trait genotyping with over 100 validated SNP markers for 25 QTLs/genes related to biotic and abiotic stresses, grain quality and yield. They also visited the International Rice Genebank that holds more than 132,000 available accessions, making it the collection of rice genetic diversity in the world. This excursion allowed them to understand the scale and diversity of rice germplasm, which is crucial for applying genomic predictions and breeding methods effectively.

During the course closing program, all the resource persons expressed their gratitude to the participants. They echoed the same sentiments, assuring the participants that all of them are available in case any of them have any additional queries or if they are interested in collaborating.

Dr. Anilyn Maningas, Head of IRRI Education congratulated the participants for completing the intensive training. She hoped that they share the knowledge and skills they have been equipped with with their colleagues in their respective institutions.

After the program, participants shared their thoughts, feedbacks, and key takeaways. Katreena Navea from IRRI headquarters remarked, “As someone involved in pre-breeding, my understanding and exposure to the comprehensive activities of the breeding programs is limited. The training course has significantly deepened my understanding of the modern breeding process and the theories behind it. Aside from the knowledge gained from the modules, the course has also been helpful in looking at the processes in a holistic perspective, and how our team’s pre-breeding efforts contribute and align to the overall goals IRRI’s breeding strategies”

Md. Moniruzzaman from IRRI Bangladesh commented, “We have received a lot of essential R scripts as well as soft copies of the training materials. Besides this, we also did hands-on practice and ran the analysis with demo data, which was very interesting and will be useful for my own program”.

Another participant shared, “[This is a] highly recommended course. All the RPs are well equipped and provide a practical approach on the modern breeding models and tools. It can improve one’s approach on conducting breeding programs”.

Learn more about this training course and other programs offered by IRRI Education, visit education.irri.org

Earlier this year, IRRI Education opened applications for the Fundamentals of Genomic Predictions and Data-Driven Crop Breeding training course. On 5 August 2024, 20 researchers and plant breeders from India, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Philippines, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Senegal, and Nepal convened at IRRI headquarters in the Philippines to participate in the training.

The five-day training was designed to provide participants with knowledge and understanding of genomic selection and other data-driven strategies in crop breeding, including a comprehensive understanding of quantitative genetics and statistical genomics. By the end of the program, participants are expected to apply these tools for genomic selection in their own breeding programs effectively.

The training was officially inaugurated by Dr. Yvonne Pinto, IRRI’s new Director General. She remarked, “I know this is a very intensive 5-day course, I hope that this will be an opportunity for you to learn from each others’ experiences as well as to see what we have here at IRRI and the progress we’re making in multiple capacities. For IRRI, in terms of the next 10 years, this field, combined with novel technologies in the form of AI and environmental interactions including omics – that is really where I see the future going. If you talk to Hans [Bhardwaj] about some of the work that his team is doing, they have been accelerating breeding opportunities at the same time, and we are in the process of building a SpeedBreeding facility here. So I think there are plenty of different angles that you can look at in order to advance your understanding. I hope that you take the opportunity, make use of the team, and enjoy your stay here and I look forward to hearing about your experiences following the course”.

Dr. Hans Bhardwaj, Research Director and Head of IRRI’s Rice Breeding Innovations platform, was also present during the opening ceremony. He discussed the recent changes in plant breeding as a science, emphasizing the need for breeders to maintain a product pipeline in their programs to ensure more precise, targeted, faster, cost-effective, and impactful varieties. He assured the participants that they would be learning from IRRI scientists actively working in the field and hoped they find the topics interesting, educational, and informative.

Over the next five days, the participants will be engaged in synchronous and asynchronous discussions involving theoretical concepts, practical and hands-on exercises, and self-paced e-learning activities.

Dr. Waseem Hussain, Senior Scientist I – Plant Breeding; Dr. Eduardo (Giovanny) Covarrubias-Pazaran Senior Scientist II – Quantitative Genetics and Biometrics; Dr. Mahender Anumalla, Scientist I – Breeding Long Duration Rice; Dr. Parthiban Thathapalli Prakash, Scientist I – Breeding Optimization; Ms. Leilani Nora, Specialist – Statistics; and Ms. Alaine Gulles, Lead Specialist – Biometrics and Breeding Analytics are the resource persons for the Course

The course will conclude on 9 August 2024 with participants expected to have gained an enhanced understanding of quantitative genetics, statistical models used in performing genomic predictions, and how to perform genomic selection in breeding programs.

Learn more about IRRI Education and its programs at education.irri.org or email us at education@irri.org

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

The International Rice Research Institute and the Innovations for Poverty Action held a four-day capacity-building program for monitoring and evaluation, participated by 47 project development officers, project evaluation officers, and planning officers from
different government and non-government institutions.

The training conducted last 24-27 June 2024 at IRRI Headquarters in Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines is one of the initiatives under the IRRI-IPA partnership that generally aims to further strengthen cooperation among lPA researchers and lRRI rice scientists. This training program aimed to enhance the monitoring, evaluation, and learning capabilities of both organizations while exploring the relationship between poverty alleviation and agricultural development.

Dr. Joanna Kane-Potaka, Deputy Director General for Strategy, Engagement, and Impact of IRRI, opened the program with a message, thanking IPA for initiating the collaboration. She emphasized that monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment will always be valuable at both the individual and management level, and how relevant the training is especially since IRRI will be implementing a new strategic planning process within the year.

Dr. Valerian Pede, IRRI’s Senior Scientist in Agricultural Economics and one of the course’s resource persons, echoed this sentiment. He emphasized that everyone should engage in monitoring and evaluation as it is crucial for demonstrating impact, particularly to donors, allowing them to understand the progress and success of the projects.

Aftab Opel, IPA’s Country Director for the Philippines, in his opening message, discussed the origins of the collaboration and the initial plans set by IRRI and IPA. He then outlined the expectations for the four-day program, highlighting the presence of various experts who would cover technical topics. He emphasized that the most critical takeaway is the importance of using the right data and evidence in their projects and programs.

Over the course of four days, the participants took part in 12 sessions that focused on emphasizing the importance of M&E in evidence-based policymaking and programming; exploring the relationship between agricultural development, poverty alleviation, and evidence-based interventions; and equipping them with practical skills and tools for conducting effective M&E in agricultural projects. The program also facilitated knowledge sharing and collaboration among participants towards sustainable agricultural development.

Aside from the synchronous and asynchronous discussions involving theoretical concepts, and practical and hands-on exercises, participants also had the opportunity to visit and tour some of IRRI’s facilities including the International Rice Genebank (IRG), the world’s largest repository of rice genetic diversity; the Lloyd T. Evans Plant Growth Facility (PGF), and the long term continuous cropping experiment (LTCCE), the world’s longest running experiment on triple rice cropping system.

At the end of the training, participants shared their experiences and key takeaways. Mr. Ronal Jeremy Antonio, Economics Consultant at IRRI noted “This is an effective training course if you want to learn the fundamentals and basic applications of M&E and is highly recommended for all professionals regardless of work and educational background”.

Another participant from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, Mr. Alvin Quiel Sabanal, expressed how the training will be useful in his work. “The hands-on exercises and case studies from different resource persons were valuable, allowing us to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios. I especially appreciated the modules on Theory of Change which is important in my line of work.” He added, “I highly recommend this comprehensive course to project managers seeking a deeper understanding of the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of M&E. As my personal target outcome, I am eager to apply what I’ve learned to my current job, and I believe this training will significantly enhance my ability to deliver impactful projects”.

Alongside Dr. Pede, experts from IPA namely Ms. Karisha Cruz, Mr. Yuri Leomo, and Ms. Soumya Kochhar served as the primary resource persons for the training. Additionally, Dr. Maximin Kodjo from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD); Ms. Arushi Pankaj Dubey from UN Women; Dr. Lorna Sister, Dr. Juan M. Pulhin, from the University of the Philippines Los Banos; and Dr. Solomon and Svetlana Ms. Negroustoueva from CGIAR were invited to share their experiences in M&E and insightful case studies from the agricultural development ecosystem.

From the success of the program and based on the feedback from the participants, the training team from IPA and IRRI are currently discussing the possibility of offering the program annually.

About IRRI Education

IRRI Education is the educational and capacity-building arm of IRRI. Since 1962, IRRI Education has been imparting capacity development programs in various rice science and technology disciplines and offering diverse and global learning experiences for students, early career researchers, scientists, and other professionals. It operates with five service portfolios – Short and Long Courses, Scholars and Youth Engagement, Online Learning and Product Development, Knowledge Sharing, and Advisory around Capacity Development. These pillars underpin IRRI Education’s commitment to producing holistic and integrated learning solutions, addressing learning gaps and expectations with sound educational innovations.

Visit education.irri.org to learn more

About Innovations for Poverty Action

The Innovations for Poverty Action is a global research and policy nonprofit committed to reducing global poverty with evidence. With a network of partners and researchers, IPA designs and tests innovative solutions, supports partners in generating and using data and evidence and helps bring proven approaches to scale across the globe.

Visit https://poverty-action.org/ to learn more

Eighteen agriculture students and researchers from diverse backgrounds in Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, the United States, Ghana, Nigeria, and Bangladesh recently gathered at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Headquarters in the Philippines. They came together to participate in one of IRRI Education’s flagship courses, Rice Research to Production (RR2P).

The RR2P course is an immersive three-week training program that covers the basics of rice production, the changes and challenges in the rice industry from production to market, the different research considerations around the rice-based agri-food systems, advancements in rice breeding, the socio-economic and environmental aspects of rice production, latest innovations in rice science, and building effective collaborations within the international research community.

The course officially started on 27 May. Present during the opening program was IRRI’s Deputy Director General for Strategy, Engagement, and Impact, Joanna Kane-Potaka, who delivered a message emphasizing the importance of IRRI’s work, especially in the current climate where rice production must consider not only its profitability but also its environmental impact and value to consumers.

She briefly introduced some of the major projects IRRI is focusing on, particularly in the field of nutrition. After releasing low and ultra-low glycemic index (GI) rice, IRRI is now working on enhancing these rice varieties to also be high in protein. Additionally, IRRI has successfully incorporated high-yield and high-zinc traits into all its breeding lines.

Dr. Potaka concluded her message by reiterating the significant impact rice can have on the planet and its people. She expressed her excitement for participants to gain a deeper understanding of this as they progress through the course.

Building on Dr. Potaka’s message, Dr. Amelia Henry, IRRI’s Senior Scientist II in Stress Physiology and the course’s main coordinator, gave an overview of the course. She emphasized its primary objective: showcasing the significant impact of rice science. She hoped that through the RR2P course, participants would see the connection between all of IRRI’s work, from upstream research to the adoption of technologies, all aimed at making a positive impact. Another important aspect that the course intends to highlight is the importance of teamwork. Dr. Henry shared how all IRRI scientists from different backgrounds and disciplines, from breeding all the way to economics, are working together to create an impact. In a similar manner, she hopes that the participants throughout this course will also demonstrate teamwork.

Dr. Henry outlined the lectures and activities that the participants will be engaging in for the next three weeks. Apart from lectures and discussions with IRRI experts, they will also visit IRRI fields and laboratories and conduct practical activities and exercises. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to visit several agricultural institutions and companies to learn how some challenges to global food resources are addressed by different agencies and institutions based in the Philippines.

The participants also had the opportunity to meet Dr. Ajay Kohli, Deputy Director General for Research Delivery and Innovations, who previously served as IRRI’s Interim Director General. After welcoming the participants, he provided insights into the institution’s history and its current research initiatives, highlighting its commitment to agricultural development. He concluded with remarks on upcoming changes and anticipated collaborations under the new Director General, Dr. Yvonne Pinto.

Partnership for Impact

Partnerships are essential in magnifying the impact of scientific research and education. One notable collaboration is between IRRI and Purdue University. In 2021, Purdue received a grant from the National Science Foundation for the Plant Science for Global Food Security (PSGFS) Program. Since then, this collaboration has allowed eight undergraduate students from Purdue and its partner universities – North Carolina A & T University, Florida A &M University, University of Illinois, Tuskegee University, and University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa – to participate in the RR2P course at IRRI. These students gain hands-on experience and insight into cutting-edge rice research, learning directly from IRRI’s leading scientists. This immersive experience not only enhances their academic and professional development but also inspires them to contribute to the global mission of improving rice production and sustainability.

Through such partnerships, IRRI extends its reach and influence, creating a network of knowledgeable and passionate individuals dedicated to making a positive impact on the world’s rice industry.

Dr. Gary Burniske, Managing Director of the Center for Global Food Security at Purdue University was also present during the opening program.

About the RR2P Course

RR2P was conceptualized through the collaborative efforts of IRRI and Cornell University scientists, with the aim to open young scientists to the challenges and opportunities of rice science to meet the global challenges of food security and to improve the livelihoods of resource-poor rice producers.

Since its first implementation in 2007, the RR2P program has empowered over 300 individuals with the essential skills, knowledge, and networks needed to address the pressing challenges confronting the global rice industry.

Read more about the course and its impact here.

About IRRI Education

IRRI Education is the educational and capacity-building arm of IRRI. Since 1962, IRRI Education has been imparting capacity development programs in various rice science and technology disciplines and offering diverse and global learning experiences for students, early career researchers, scientists, and other professionals. It operates with five service portfolios – Short and Long Courses, Scholars and Youth Engagement, Online Learning and Product Development, Knowledge Sharing, and Advisory around Capacity Development. These pillars underpin IRRI Education’s commitment to producing holistic and integrated learning solutions, addressing learning gaps and expectations with sound educational innovations.

Visit education.irri.org to learn more