News & Events

In a strategic effort to enhance the Philippines’ agricultural competitiveness, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in partnership with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), has successfully concluded two key internship training programs in 2024: the Basic Bioinformatics Course and the Basic Digital Phenotyping Course. These courses aim to equip Filipino university students and early-career professionals with the knowledge and skills in critical fields such as bioinformatics, genomics, molecular physiology, and biotechnology, empowering the next generation of researchers to drive agricultural innovation in the country.

Bioinformatics, the computational center of biology, can be used in rice research to identify genes of favorable agronomic traits such as increased yield or high nutrition which can then be introduced to rice varieties that do not carry them. It can also help predict phenotypic results, speeding up experiments that usually take years to develop. The partnership is also in the process of constructing the UPLB Genome Agricultural Research Center, which will be the home of genome and omics studies in the country.

The three-month internship program facilitated by the Bioinformatics team, in collaboration with IRRI Education, provides foundational knowledge of bioinformatics. Specifically, interns were trained to use the Linux Operating System to manipulate and analyze data on genomics-related information. The internship program aims to prepare the upcoming crop of Filipino researchers who will either conduct their projects in AGRC or be employed as AGRC research staff.

This marked the second phase of the two internship training programs. The first phase of the Basic Bioinformatics Course and Basic Digital Phenotyping Course was successfully conducted in 2022, laying a strong foundation for advancing knowledge in these fields. Building on the lessons and outcomes, the second phase in 2024 integrated significant enhancements, including utilizing a digital learning platform to deliver the courses effectively and expand their reach.

It has provided participants with practical, real-world experience in bioinformatics and digital phenotyping. Although the initial hybrid cohort has now completed the training, the program continues, with additional cohorts set to finish their courses through 2025. The program initially targeted 120 interns, but with 137 current participants, it has far exceeded expectations, further expanding the pool of skilled researchers in these critical fields.

Participants have developed essential skills in bioinformatics tools and data analysis techniques, all critical for advancing agricultural research. Reflecting on the participants’ achievements, Dr. Kenneth McNally, International Consultant at IRRI, stated, “We hope that our participants gained sufficient experience from this training course to be confident running different types of analysis and to apply other tools in their future work.”

Through this ongoing collaboration, the KOICA-UPLB-IRRI partnership is advancing academic and professional growth and contributing significantly to the Philippines’ agricultural research ecosystem. By equipping young Filipino researchers with the tools and experience needed to succeed, this partnership is helping shape the future of agricultural competitiveness, ensuring that the Philippines remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation and sustainability.

Interested in designing a similar course for your organization? Email us at education@irri.org

Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines — November 29, 2024 Rice production is a significant source of a greenhouse gas (GHG) called methane (CH4), accounting for up to 20% of national GHG inventories. Given the urgent need for climate action, mitigating GHG emissions from rice farming has become a critical global policy objective. Accurate measurement of emissions is essential for developing effective mitigation strategies, tracking progress, and ensuring that global climate targets are met.

Hosted at IRRI’s headquarters in Los Baños, IRRI Education conducted a “GHG Emissions in Rice Systems: Basics of Mechanisms and Standards for Measurement” course last November 29, 2024, which brought together 30 participants from India, Japan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Benin, and the Philippines. The course aimed to enhance expertise in measuring greenhouse gas emissions from rice-based systems and explore effective mitigation strategies.

“Methane is 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2)”, said IRRI Senior Associate Scientist Olivyn Angeles, “Currently, it is at 1908.61 parts per billion (ppb) which, compared to the pre-industrial levels of 600-700, is very huge [increase] already.”, she continued.

In rice systems, a field may produce more greenhouse gas than when a person drives a car. IRRI Senior Scientist Ando Radanielson explains that on average, a rice field in the Philippines produces 1.46 kg of methane per hectare during the dry season. This emission is approximately equivalent to the carbon dioxide produced when a person drives a car for about 31,500 km.

IRRI Interim Head of Sustainable Impact through Rice-based Systems (SIRS), Dr. Virender Kumar, emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change. “To mitigate its worst effects, we must limit global warming to below 1.5°C.” To achieve this, sustainable rice farming practices need to be adopted on a wider scale.

In addition to GHG measurement techniques, participants learned about mitigation practices like Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), which can significantly reduce methane emissions. Through AWD, fields are periodically drained and re-flooded, reducing irrigation costs. This method has effectively mitigated GHG emissions in rice production up to 30-70% with no reduction in yield. This is because when the field is drained and dried, the growth of methane-producing bacteria is inhibited resulting in a reduction in GHG emission.

The course also highlighted the importance of standardized emissions data for policy development and climate finance initiatives. Through capacity-building initiatives like this, IRRI aims to promote climate change mitigation through sustainable rice production. The training will be offered again in 2025, further strengthening efforts to tackle GHG emissions in rice farming.

Interested in designing a similar course for your organization? Email us at education@irri.org

Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines – A two-week hands-on training program on biotic stress resistance evaluation concluded at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) on October 31, 2024, with 19 researchers and scientists from 9 countries including the USA, Italy, Vietnam, India, South Korea, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

The training aimed to equip participants with practical skills in identifying, collecting, isolating, and evaluating the damage caused by major rice pests and diseases. The immersive program included lectures, laboratory exercises, and field visits, designed to enhance participants’ understanding of resistance evaluation techniques crucial to their research.

Former IRRI Senior Scientist for Plant Pathology Genetics and Biotechnology Division Dr. Casiana Vera Cruz highlighted the importance of resistance strategies for managing diseases and pests. She stated that effective screening protocols are vital for successful resistance programs, especially when collaborating with rice breeders. “Resistance to diseases and pests is one of the most economical, safe, and environmentally friendly methods of managing these challenges,” she explained.

Dr. Hans Bhardwaj, Research Director and Head of IRRI’s Rice Breeding Innovations, underscored the necessity of standardized and harmonized screening protocols. “This course provides the practical skills and knowledge needed to conduct effective evaluations that ensure reliability and consistency across global research efforts.” He also emphasized the value of networking, noting that the professional relationships developed during the course would benefit their future work.

The training featured expert-led sessions on a range of topics, including rice diseases, insect pests, pathogen collection, media preparation, and especially pathogen inoculation and pest infestation techniques. Dr. Van Schepler-Luu, the primary expert for the course, led the program, with invaluable contributions from resource persons across several IRRI groups, including the Plant Pathology and Host Plant Resistance, Entomology, and Biotic Stress Resistance Evaluation Center (BSREC). Participants gained hands-on experience with pathogen isolation, insect nematode rearing, and pest damage evaluation in greenhouse settings.

Participant feedback was highly positive, with many highlighting the practical value of the hands-on training. Ms. Subah Soni, a graduate student researcher from the University of California, Davis, USA, described the course as an “accelerated learning experience” that helped her gain confidence in handling rice pathogens and pests. Ms. Maricel Torres, Assistant Scientist at IRRI, emphasized how the training would help her support farmers in identifying early signs of pests and diseases while applying eco-friendly control methods.

Given the success of this year’s program, the IRRI Education team plans to offer the course again in 2025.

Interested in designing a similar course for your organization? Email us at education@irri.org

Los Baños, Philippines — Twenty-seven first graders from Keys School Manila Inc. immersed in IRRI Education’s Rice Planting Experience (RPEx) Program of IRRI Education where they experienced how to plant rice firsthand. By immersing themselves in these activities, the students not only learned about the vital role of rice in food security but also developed teamwork and community spirit through collaboration with their peers and families. This year, Keys School Manila Inc. participated for the second time, underscoring its goal of providing students with practical agricultural experiences as part of their curriculum.

The RPEx Apprentice Journey 1 program offers a variety of engaging activities for students who are in pre-school to grade school, such as:

1. Seedbed preparation
2. Pulling of seedlings
3. Seed broadcasting
4. Manual transplanting
5. Grid marking
6. Plowing using carabao
7. Operation of the mechanical transplanter

The day began with an orientation where training facilitators provided basic information on rice planting and what to expect in the field. During this session, students raised their curious questions about rice and rice farming such as the period of growing rice, the currently available colors of rice, and the differences between good and bad insects in the rice field, among others.

After dressing in appropriate attire, the students traveled to the rice planting field, eager to participate in various hands-on stations. Each station has a designated IRRI Research Technician who provides demonstration and support services to the students, teachers, and the attending parent or guardian of the students.

At the seedbed preparation station, the children were tasked with picking up soil and creating a suitable environment for planting. At the seedling pulling station, they carefully uprooted young rice plants, learning the importance of gentle handling. During the seed broadcasting station, students scattered seeds over the prepared fields, gaining insight into planting techniques. At the manual transplanting station, they worked together to place seedlings into the soil, reinforcing teamwork and coordination.

The grid marking station taught them how to properly space the seedlings for optimal growth. At the mechanical transplanter station, the young farmers watched the machine efficiently transplant seedlings.

Parents also joined in the planting, showing that farming is a community effort. “That’s how farmers make the rice we eat!” cheered one parent, highlighting the event’s educational focus.

Essentially, the RPEx Program transcended mere education; it was an event of curiosity, collaboration, and community spirit. By engaging young learners and their families in the hands-on experience of rice farming, IRRI not only highlighted the vital role of rice in global food security but also inspired a sense of stewardship for the environment. Such initiatives foster a deeper understanding of agriculture, encouraging the next generation to appreciate and pursue sustainable farming practices that will shape the future of food production.

Interested in experiencing the same program? Schools and organizations can engage with RPEx by reaching out to IRRI Education for tailored experiences that suit their educational goals! Email us at education@irri.org or visit our website education.irri.org for more information.

CGIAR Excellence in Agriculture (EiA) Initiative for Sustainable Intensification and Climate Change launches the EiA Open Learning Portal to transform agricultural education through digital solutions. The learning portal was developed through the collaboration between the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) through its educational arm, IRRI Education. Through this, EiA aims to share agronomic solutions to help smallholder farmers make informed decisions and manage farm risks.

The EiA Open Learning Portal is part of Open Learning, one of the Initiative’s three main strategies for creating a Global Agronomy Village, along with the Comprehensive Agronomy Solutions Hub (CASH) and EiA Events.

The portal boasts an introductory set of 13 self-paced and standalone micro-courses, ranging from 30 to 45 minutes each. These courses cover CGIAR’s key thematic areas: climate change, gender equality, and food security. Key topics include climate change drivers, adaptation strategies, customized digital agronomy advice on crops like cassava, gender-focused content, and effective agronomic practices that highlight the importance of inclusivity in agricultural services.

“We aim to make agronomic education more accessible, interactive, and impactful.”, said Dr. Anilyn Maningas, Head of IRRI Education. “This portal enables learners to engage with content at their own pace through interactive, self-paced micro-courses available online for free. These courses offer actionable insights into critical topics like climate change adaptation and gender-responsive agronomy.”, she continued.

The EiA Open Learning Portal will serve as a space for collaboration for researchers, students, and instructors through its discussion forums. “In Vietnam, agriculture often takes a backseat for the younger generation, but I’m committed to changing that.”, shared Huu Diem Ha Nguyen, a Direct Seeded Rice Consortium (DSRC) – Vietnam Use Case Member. “The [Gender-responsive Researchers Equipped for Agricultural Transformation] GREAT course … emphasized the importance of gender equality in agriculture, a cause I’m passionate about. Women should have the opportunity to work in any field they choose, and this course has strengthened my resolve to advocate for equal opportunities in agriculture.”

Looking ahead, the EiA Open Learning Portal will continue to expand its roster of courses, with plans to integrate advanced features like an AI chatbot and grow its course offerings to address emerging needs and trends in agriculture, still aligned with the key impact areas of CGIAR.

“While this initial phase has demonstrated its proof of concept, there’s more to learn and improve. Our commitment to continuous engagement and improvement ensures that we will address these challenges and improve the portal to better meet the needs of our users. By staying responsive to feedback and advancing our technology, we aim to refine our approach and further enhance the portal’s impact,” said Gaurav Jaiswal, Team Lead and Educational Technology Specialist of IRRI Education.

Developed in partnership with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and with contributions from other CGIAR Centers, this education platform is set to revolutionize agricultural education. The CGIAR centers supporting the EiA represent a global force for agricultural transformation and include AfricaRice, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), International Potato Center (CIP), International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), International Water Management Institute (IWMI), and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

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

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), through its capacity-building arm, IRRI Education, held a three-day training workshop on the Introduction to the CGIAR Innovation Packages and Scaling Readiness (IPSR) from September 18 to 20, 2024, at IRRI Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. The CGIAR IPSR course aimed to improve the efficiency and impact of research for development programs by encouraging critical reflection on how ready innovations are for scaling.

Participants are trained to design, implement, and monitor scaling strategies for cross-CGIAR initiatives. Project performance is tracked using the principles and tools of Scaling Readiness, a framework developed by CGIAR and led by Wageningen University and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), to support decision-making on the scaling of innovations. Through this, project members can identify bottlenecks, make informed decisions, and make strategic solutions thereby improving prospects for success at scale. Standardization of such processes allows initiatives to also track their contributions to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

IRRI Human Resource Partner for Learning and Development Angelica Valerie De Jesus, emphasized the need to put knowledge into action, urging participants to take the insights they gained back to their workplaces to share with others. She hoped this initiative would lead to meaningful change for IRRI, in partnership with CGIAR, in fulfilling its mission.

“Beyond developing innovations, we should also look into how these will benefit the institution’s main beneficiaries – the farmers.”, shared IRRI’s Project Development and Deployment Manager Rowena Castillo. She hoped this training would not be the last and that this initial encounter would lead to deeper learning opportunities in the future.

Over the course of three days, 13 IRRI employees involved in various CGIAR Initiatives engaged in sessions that focused on key topics such as the fundamentals of scaling innovation, innovation profiling, and scaling readiness. They participated in hands-on activities to assess innovation readiness and develop scaling strategies. Notable sessions included a presentation and panel discussion on the strategies and lessons from PhilRice’s scaling efforts, led by Dr. Jaime Manalo IV, Scientist II and Head of Socio-economic Division, along with workshops facilitated by Dr. Murat Sartas, Innovation, Scaling, and Impact Management Scientist for CGIAR and Wageningen University. The training culminated in group presentations, allowing participants to apply what they had learned and share their insights with one another.

Ms. Elizabeth Alcachupas, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, described the training as “an incredibly transformative experience.” She highlighted, “The training was not only well-structured but also deeply insightful, helping me develop skills in using the tools available on the CGIAR website. The trainers were knowledgeable and approachable, ensuring that complex concepts of scaling and innovation were easy to grasp through practical examples. I highly recommend IPSR training to anyone.”

Ms. Krystle Ambayec-Dino, Partnership and Capacity Building Coordinator, also expressed her satisfaction with the course, stating, “This course provided me with the knowledge and skills to better identify innovations, profile their readiness, and effectively package them for scaling up to the end users, thereby enhancing our efforts in research for development at IRRI.”
Following the success of the program and positive feedback from participants, the training team is exploring the possibility of offering the course again next year.

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

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), through IRRI Education as its capacity development vertical, hosted a three-day training workshop on Self-Sufficiency, Food Security, and Agricultural Transformation from September 10 to 12, 2024. The training aimed to enhance understanding of food security and self-sufficiency and explore policy approaches for achieving these goals.

“We are excited to finally host this program, a vision that began in 2019 that aims to provide participants with a deep understanding of the key concepts, policies, and trade-offs that shape food systems around the world,” shared IRRI Education Head Dr. Anilyn Maningas. IRRI Director General Dr. Yvonne Pinto emphasized the importance of the course in addressing current food security challenges, highlighting the interplay between technology and policy. “Ensuring that policies have the right feedback and we are responsive to that feedback is critical,” she stated.

Key sessions included a presentation by IRRI Senior Scientist II for Agricultural Economics Dr. Valerien Pede and Senior Economist for Food Policy Analysis Dr. David Dawe on food security and self-sufficiency. A panel discussion featuring Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) Director Dr. Glenn Gregorio, Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) Senior Research Fellow Dr. Roehlano Briones, Former Private Sector Member, Monetary Board at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Dr. Bruce Tolentino, and Former Member of the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) Advisory Council Dr. Fermin Adriano. The panel examined the Philippine Rice Trade Liberalization (RTL) law, noting its role in lowering rice prices for consumers while reducing input costs for farmers and the importance of ensuring competition among rice traders.

The final day featured Dr. Dawe and International Food Policy Research Institute Emeritus Fellow Dr. Howarth Bouis as the main resource persons. Dr. Dawe provided in-depth insights on agricultural and structural transformation, while Dr. Bouis focused on the importance of agricultural policy in promoting nutrition security.

The event brought together 23 participants from IRRI, DA-PhilRice, the Department of Finance, the Department of Agriculture, Caraga State University, and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT). A post-course assessment will be conducted to gauge the effectiveness of the training workshop and to inform potential improvements for future offerings.

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

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