In alignment with its strategy to expand international academic cooperation and promote cross-border scientific exchange, Galala University has proudly participated in the international summer school “RE-ENFORCE: Emerging Genetic-Engineering Technologies for Crop Resilience,” held at the University of Tuscia in Viterbo, Italy, from July 7 to 11, 2025.
The university’s participation came through an official invitation from the Italian hosts, and the delegation included a number of outstanding students from the Biotechnology Program, accompanied by the Program Director and the Dean of the Faculty of Science. This engagement highlights the university’s growing visibility in the international academic community and its commitment to providing students with transformative experiences in advanced scientific research.
The summer school addressed global challenges related to food security, particularly in the context of accelerating climate change. Through a rigorous academic program, it introduced participants to the latest developments in genetic engineering aimed at enhancing crop resilience to both biotic and abiotic stressors such as drought, extreme temperatures, and plant diseases—while reducing dependence on harmful agrochemicals. The program combined more than sixteen specialized lectures with hands-on laboratory training in key areas such as gene transfer, plasmid technology, protein molecular analysis, confocal microscopy, and transient gene expression in plants.
Participants from Galala University joined a highly selective group of students from seven different countries. Beyond the academic dimension, the program featured cultural and social activities, including a welcome reception, guided field visits, and a closing ceremony. This gave students a valuable opportunity to immerse themselves in European research environments while building networks with peers and professionals from across the globe.
The Dean of the Faculty of Science and the Program Director emphasized that this participation marks a strategic milestone for Galala University, significantly contributing to the academic and research excellence of its students. It also supports the implementation of the joint master’s degree program between Galala University and the University of Tuscia, which is planned to be activated in the upcoming academic year under a signed memorandum of understanding.
This initiative contributes directly to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2: Zero Hunger through research on sustainable agriculture, SDG 13: Climate Action by addressing the impact of climate change on food systems, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through active academic collaboration. By participating in such international programs, Galala University reaffirms its role as a dynamic and globally engaged institution committed to empowering future generations of scientists and innovators.
This successful participation adds to the university’s ongoing efforts to internationalize education, bridge the gap between learning and real-world application, and position itself as a leading hub for innovation and sustainability—both locally and globally.
