On-campus

Summer School Food Systems and Ecology: Towards Sustainable Solutions

Global food systems face unprecedented challenges, from biodiversity loss to climate-driven disruptions. Bridging ecological principles with food production is critical to fostering resilience and sustainability. This summer school equips participants with transdisciplinary strategies to address these challenges, integrating ecological science, food systems thinking, and practical innovation. By merging theory with real-world applications, you will learn to design solutions that harmonise food security with ecological integrity.

Through a blend of practical and theoretical learning, participants will gain valuable knowledge and experience, preparing them for sustainable solutions to food system challenges.

Organised by Wageningen Academy
Date

Wed 16 July 2025 until Fri 25 July 2025

Duration 9 days
Number of students 30 - 40
Price EUR 1,950.00
Price description Includes course materials, lunches, coffee/tea, a welcome dinner and a farewell dinner. Early registration before 15th of April with a reduced fee of EUR 1750
Register for this Summer School

Target audience

This course is designed for a dynamic audience, including:

  • Bachelor and Master students in ecology, agriculture, environmental science, or related fields.
  • Early-career researchers and industry innovators seeking to deepen their expertise in sustainable food systems.
  • Professionals from food corporations, sustainability organisations, and non-profits aiming to implement sustainable food production strategies.
  • Officials and policymakers involved in agricultural policy, environmental regulations, and sustainable development initiatives.

Join us for an exciting journey where technology meets agriculture and ecology, and let's cultivate a sustainable future together!

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this programme, you will be able to:

  • demonstrate a fundamental understanding of transdisciplinary approaches linking ecology and food production, including boundary-crossing collaboration
  • explain critical trade-offs between agricultural productivity and ecological health, such as soil degradation, water use, and biodiversity impacts
  • select and apply tools or models to analyse these trade-offs in diverse contexts
  • analyse outcomes of applied methods to refine strategies for sustainability and resilience
  • design actionable solutions for real-world cases, integrating ecological, economic, and social dimensions
  • develop transdisciplinary competence through collaborative problem-solving with peers

Programme

This immersive 9-day programme combines cutting-edge theory, hands-on practice, and collaborative innovation:

  • Lectures: expert-led sessions on biodiversity, ecology, soil quality and agro-ecosystems.
  • Workshops: interactive training in tools like life cycle assessment, future wheels, and farm system analysis.
  • Field visits: excursions to agro-ecological farms, biodiversity reserves, and WUR's experimental sites to observe sustainable practices in action.
  • Living Case project: collaborate in interdisciplinary teams to address a real-world challenge. Present your solutions to a panel of experts.

Please download the flyer for the full programme

Examination

There will be no exam.

Certification

After completing the programme, you are awarded a certificate of attendance.

Coordinated by

Registration

Join this course now.

Register for this Summer School