Green ERA-Hub Summer School 2025: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Production
The Green ERA-Hub Summer School, held from 21 to 25 July 2025 at CIHEAM Bari, was designed to accelerate the careers of early-stage researchers in Europe’s agri-food and biotechnology sectors. The event focused on personal development, knowledge transfer, and networking, bringing together a vibrant, international community of young scientists.
Participants
This year’s Summer School welcomed 31 PhD students representing 18 nationalities and 11 European countries. The participants’ research interests spanned plant pathology, microbiology, ecological sciences, and more, ensuring a truly interdisciplinary and intercultural exchange.
Programme Highlights
Keynote Lectures: Experts from Green ERA-Hub-funded projects and CIHEAM Bari shared cutting-edge research on topics such as sustainable irrigation, the impact of Xylella fastidiosa on Mediterranean agriculture, the role of insects in circular farming, agroecology, and soil microbiomes.
PhD Presentations & Poster Sessions: All participants presented their research, fostering lively discussions and peer learning.
Workshops: Sessions on “How to make progress in your PhD” and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions provided practical career guidance and funding advice.
Excursions: Field visits to local farms and a therapeutic community showcased real-world applications of sustainable and agroecological practices.
Lab Visits: Hands-on experiences in CIHEAM Bari’s research labs deepened understanding of plant disease monitoring, soil analysis, and circular agriculture.
Participant Experiences
The Summer School’s international and interdisciplinary environment was repeatedly highlighted as a unique strength. As one participant noted during a workshop:
“The diversity of backgrounds and research topics made every discussion richer and more inspiring.”
Another participant reflected on the practical value of the event:
“The combination of keynote talks, field visits, and peer presentations gave me new perspectives and concrete ideas for my own research.”
The event also fostered a strong sense of community, with shared accommodation and social activities encouraging lasting professional connections.
Selection and Impact
Out of 74 applications, 31 PhD students were selected through a rigorous, transparent process involving independent reviewers and panel discussions. The Summer School not only enhanced scientific knowledge and career skills but also promoted intercultural understanding and collaboration across Europe..
