Most schools and universities in the Netherlands empty out during the summer holiday, but the Wageningen Campus is anything but empty. Every year, professionals and young people from all over the world participate in various Summer School programs. "The teachers are the best and you can take a look behind the scenes at companies you normally never get to see."
Greenhouse horticulture
The Summer School Greenhouse Horticulture, which is the fifth edition, draws the most international participants. Liesbeth Vallinga: "This is partly because this is the only course that takes two weeks. This is why people from all over the world take the trouble to come to Wageningen. They come from countries including South Korea, Spain and New Zealand."
The Summer School Greenhouse Horticulture lasts from Sunday August 25, 2019, to Thursday September 5, 2019.
Image analysis for plant phenotyping
The Summer School for image processing techniques for plant phenotyping is organized for the fourth time this year. In a week's time, students and employees in the field are trained in the latest techniques, and both theory and practice are dealt with. "WUR is already conducting a lot of research into plant phenotyping and with the upcoming NPEC facility, in cooperation with University Utrecht, this will only increase."
The Summer School for image processing techniques for plant phenotyping lasts from Monday July 8, 2019 until Friday July 12, 2019.
Green Genetics
2nd/3rd year BSc students can follow the Green Genetics program in Wageningen. Liesbeth: "This Summer School was established 11 years ago when the student numbers for plant sciences were dropping. The Summer School was established to make students enthusiastic for the field. Companies looking for personnel sponsor the course, so the students can participate free of charge. They do have to write a motivational letter upon registering. There is place for 35 motivated students. Through the years, we have welcomed many students, both domestically and internationally. A large number of these students decided to study at Wageningen University or found an internship and/or job with the companies we visited. During the course we visit various companies, such as Schoneveld in Twello and our main sponsor Seed Valley organizes a day program at one of their members every year."
The Summer School plant breeding lasts from Monday August 26, 2019 until Friday August, 2019.
Field trips
The language of communication of all courses is English. Spending entire days in the classroom will not happen. Besides lessons from eminent professors and teachers, the groups are going on field trips. "It is also enjoyable for the Dutch participants to get a unique look behind the scenes of large horticulture companies and suppliers."
Added value
The available places for the various courses are filled in quicker and quicker. Liesbeth: "Every time, more people join up. It is a concept that matches the needs of the participants. You learn a lot, but in a fun way. You can see how the latest developments in your field are being applied in practice, and you get to know your fellow students. The course Greenhouse Horticulture was assessed with a 4.8 on a scale of 5. The enthusiasm is obvious. The group really connects with each other, and often keeps in contact after the course. In this way, participants are also building a network."
For more information:
Wageningen University & Research
www.wur.nl