Plant genomics: the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies hosted the second workshop of the Erasmus+ BREEDTECH project to enhance training and research on genetic improvement

Plant genomics: the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies hosted the second workshop of the Erasmus+ BREEDTECH project to enhance training and research on genetic improvement

Lectures, laboratory training and case studies to improve the skills and abilities of 8 students and 15 teachers in the field of plant genetic improvement at African and Palestinian universities. From 22 to 26 September, the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa hosted the second training workshop as part of the European BREEDTECH project, which, in addition to the School, involves institutes in Kenya, Ethiopia, Palestine, Sweden and Serbia, and aims to strengthen training through research in the field of plant genomics and biotechnology. The course held in Pisa discussed advanced tools, including DNA sequencing, climate analysis and genetic statistics to support the identification of plant varieties best suited to local contexts.

"This workshop is part of our mission to train the next generation of scientists with advanced skills in the field of plant genomics. The knowledge acquired will directly support agricultural innovation in emerging countries, improving food security" said Matteo Dell'Acqua, Director of the Institute of Plant Sciences and coordinator of the Sant'Anna School for the BREEDTECH project.

Four researchers and lecturers from Al-Quds Open University in Ramallah (Palestine) also participated in the workshop.

The BREEDTECH project to modernise genetic improvement infrastructure in Africa, the Middle East and Europe

The aim of the project is to improve study programmes and modernise research infrastructure in the field of plant genetic improvement in Africa and the Middle East, with the direct involvement of "tutors" from European universities. As part of the BREEDTECH project, partners will create and harmonise more than 20 study programmes in biotechnology and genetic improvement, introducing cutting-edge topics such as genomic selection, marker-assisted selection and assisted evolution techniques. The BREEDTECH project also involves the modernisation of six research centres and laboratories at partner universities with state-of-the-art equipment to support research and teaching, as well as to facilitate the creation of start-ups in the fields of training. The project activities will involve a total of 48 university lecturers and 24 postgraduate students from African and Palestinian universities and will be completed in early 2027.